What does Postpartum Depression feel like?

Sometimes, it’s hard to tell the difference between the “baby blues” and full on post-partum depression. For new moms, daily life can feel like a blur, and the world seems to be turned upside down. So how can we tell what’s normal, and what’s serious?

 According to a CDC study, 1 in 10 women experience PPD. Treatment for PPD involves a combination of therapy and medication. The earlier it’s tackled, the greater the odds are for you, if left undetected it can result in suicide. If you’re expecting or a new mom of the first things you can do is to self-test your risks. According to Harvard Medical School, the Edinburgh 10-question self-rating scale is an efficient and effective way of identifying moms who are at risk for “perinatal” depression. Will you be at risk?

 DOWNLOAD THE SCALE HERE

 If you’re a expecting or new mom there are a few signs to look out for no matter if you’ve had your first, second, third, or fourth baby.

  Here’s a list of signs:

1. Your “Baby Blues” Never Go Away

This is the first sign that something is up. “Baby blues” are a normal part of the birth experience, as your hormones are still re-balancing. However, you should be evened out by around the 2-week mark. If after two weeks, you are still feeling down or “not yourself,” this can be a sign that something more serious is going on.

2. Sadness and guilt

 The first 2 weeks home you’ll feel an abundance of emotion, most moms complain of feeling sad or overwhelmed. If your sadness becomes extreme, and that’s all you’re experiencing, this alone is a sign of PPD. Added to this if there’s guilt mixed with sadness, sound off to someone! Talk to your health care provider to find out if what you’re experiencing is within range or abnormal.

3. Decision making becomes impossible

New Mom life is loaded with fatigue and exhaustion if you feel like you’re "too tired to care" about making any decisions, this too is a red flag. Not wanting to get out of bed or not wanting to take a bath or go for a walk. If you’re having difficulty making decisions associated with just being overtired. PPD Alert!!

4. Appetite changes resulting in weight changes

When it comes to depression in general, one of the signs is a drastic change in appetite and weight. If you’re eating too little or overeating, this will result in a drastic drop in weight or a drastic gain, and that alone is a sign of PPD as well.

5. Having trouble sleeping

Newborn sleep is something you’ll have to get use to and figure out. What no one says is how interrupted your sleep pattern is and how you’ll need to adjust everything to fit in sleep. However, moms suffering from PPD are unable to sleep at all when they even have the chance to do so. So monitor your sleep, pay attention to the signs.

6. Isolating yourself from others

Any on set of PPD means you’ll want to shun your partner, family members, and will even show little interest in your newborn. You’ll not want to engage with anyone and will often isolate yourself instead.

7. The constant worry about not being a good mom

There’s a lot of anxiety that coincides with depression and that involves the constant worry about being a good mom. You’ll find reasons to believe that you’re failing and will think very poorly of yourself. Self-esteem takes a beating with PPD.

 8. Suicidal thoughts

Any thoughts of suicide is when PPD becomes extreme and you need immediate help. If you have had thoughts of hurting yourself, it’s time to see a doctor. While these thoughts are scary, remember that you are not alone. The best decision you can make for yourself and your family is to seek help. Confide in your partner, family member, or a close friend, and let them help you seek professional assistance. If you find yourself in a crisis and need help immediately, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or reach out to PSI Chapter in your state.

9. Not Connecting with Your Baby

Not feeling connected to your new baby, or feeling like you are “not good enough” as a mother are two commonly reported feelings of women with PPD. When you are depressed, it is hard to see past yourself and connect with others, especially a newborn. If you find yourself questioning your ability to be a mom, or don’t feel close to your baby, you might be seeing signs of PPD.

10. Trouble in the Home

If you are fighting with your partner more than usual, or are not getting support from family and friends during this time, you are at increased risk of developing PPD.  A new mom needs an incredible amount of help, love, and support during this time. Feeling alone or forgotten can lead to or worsen post-partum depression.

 Here are a few more resources to help you get started:

 Postpartum International, free hotline to talk with a therapist https://www.postpartum.net/

The American College of Obstetrician and Gynecology: ACOG postpartum FAQ’s

Postpartum Stress Center: https://postpartumstress.com/

Postpartum Depression Online Counseling by phone: https://www.betterhelp.com/