For most mothers, a baby can be the most exciting and joyous experience.
However, it can also be frightening as having a baby is life-changing and comes with many new responsibilities.
No matter how much you look forward to being with your bundle of joy, your new life can be stressful. Infant care comes with many sleepless nights, a lack of time for yourself and an entirely new role.
So, it comes as no surprise if you feel like you’re on an emotional rollercoaster.
From mood swings to mild depression — it’s common for new mothers to experience what’s known as the “baby blues.”
Yet, if you feel like the baby blues are lasting for more than a couple of weeks, you may be struggling with PPD (postpartum depression).
The Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Depression
It’s highly common for women to experience some symptoms of baby blues after childbirth.
Your hormones are suddenly shifting after delivery. Plus, you have a combination of factors contributing to postpartum blues, such as stress, sleep deprivation, isolation, and fatigue.
During this time, you might feel vulnerable, overwhelmed, and sad.
In general, these feelings will start to taper off around the second week postpartum. Yet if those symptoms don’t clear after a few weeks or worsen, it’s likely you have PPD.
What Is PPD?
Postpartum depression is a common mental health disorder that affects one in eight women in the U.S. PPD is treatable.
Still, it’s a serious illness and no one should take it lightly. It can be highly distressing and difficult to deal with for new mothers.
Postpartum depression typically occurs within the first few weeks after delivery.
However, the symptoms may arise at any time during the first year after childbirth. PPD and the baby blues share several symptoms, including mood swings, crying spells, insomnia, irritability and sadness.
The primary difference with PPD is that it’s more severe and can often come with suicidal thoughts or the inability to care for a newborn. Additionally, it’s longer-lasting and you may experience uncontrollable feelings, such as:
- Difficulty bonding with baby and withdrawing yourself from your partner.
- Unmanageable stress and anxiety, preventing sleep even if your baby is sleeping and eating well.
- Feelings of guilt and worthlessness, which may develop into thoughts of hurting yourself or the baby.
What Causes PPD?
There’s no single cause for postpartum depression and it can relate to several different risk factors contributing to the issue:
- Rapid changes in hormones
- High levels of postnatal stress
- Poor financial and social support
- Breastfeeding difficulties
- Stress
- A history of trauma
- Traumatic birth experience
Other risk factors associated with PPD can also be a family history of mood disturbances or a history of depression. Women may also experience it from a lack of emotional support and other life stressors.
Postpartum Depression Treatment
If you think you may be struggling or have been diagnosed with PPD, start coping with it by talking to your doctor and seeking help. It’s important to keep the lines of communication open so your doctor may find a treatment that works.
Other ways to cope with PPD involve being open about it with your partner. Let them know about your feelings instead of letting them fester.
It’s important to talk about your issues so that others may understand your side of things.
It would benefit if you also tried to set aside quality time with yourself and your partner. Utilize self-care and ensure you’re getting as much rest as you need. If you require help, avoid being afraid to ask for help.
However, if your PPD symptoms worsen or they’ve become too overwhelming, professional treatment is available:
- Talk therapy or marriage counseling: Your doctor may recommend a good therapist, allowing you to adjust to motherhood successfully. Marriage counseling may also be beneficial if you have difficulties with your partner or feel unsupported at home.
- Antidepressants: Medication has proven to be highly effective, especially when accompanied by therapy. However, your physician should closely monitor you to ensure you receive the benefits of an antidepressant.
- Hormone therapy: Sometimes estrogen replacement therapy helps and is often combined with an antidepressant. Some risks come with hormone therapy, so ensure you talk with your doctor about the safest and best methods.
How To Support a New Mother With Postpartum Depression
If you have a loved one experiencing PPD, the best way to help is to offer your support. Be open to listening and understanding her struggles.
Offer to take care of the baby so that she can have time to herself.
You’ll also need to take care of yourself, as dealing with a newborn can be challenging for both partners. Additionally, if you’re partner is depressed, you’re struggling with two major stressors.
It’s best to be supportive and that both of you are talking about your feelings. Ensure you’re working with each other and sharing your partner’s responsibilities.
Try to be patient and seek medical treatment if you are experiencing the same symptoms of depression.
Seek Support and Professional Medical Treatment
It’s always better to seek professional advice from your physician about the best medical treatments.
You never want to put off your symptoms as they can worsen and cause a higher risk of a suicide attempt.
Coping with PPD alone can be difficult, so it’s important to get the help you need by asking for support.