What is Postpartum depression?
The birth of a baby can start a variety of powerful emotions, from excitement and joy to fear and anxiety. But it can also result in something you might not expect — depression. Most new moms experience postpartum “baby blues” after childbirth, which commonly include mood swings, crying spells, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. Baby blues usually begin within the first 2 to 3 days after delivery and may last for up to two weeks.
However, some new moms experience a more severe, long-lasting form of depression known as postpartum depression. Sometimes it’s called peripartum depression because it can start during pregnancy and continue after childbirth. Rarely, an extreme mood disorder called postpartum psychosis also may develop after childbirth.
Postpartum depression is not a character flaw or a weakness. Sometimes it’s simply a complication of giving birth. If you have postpartum depression, prompt treatment can help you manage your symptoms and help you bond with your baby.
What are the symptoms of Postpartum depression?
Symptoms of depression after childbirth vary, and they can range from mild to severe.
Baby blues symptoms
Symptoms of baby blues — which last only a few days to a week or two after your baby is born — may include:
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Sadness
- Irritability
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Crying
- Reduced concentration
- Appetite problems
- Trouble sleeping
Postpartum depression symptoms
Postpartum depression may be mistaken for baby blues at first — but the symptoms are more intense and last longer. These may eventually interfere with your ability to care for your baby and handle other daily tasks. Symptoms usually develop within the first few weeks after giving birth. But they may begin earlier — during pregnancy — or later — up to a year after birth.
Postpartum depression symptoms may include:
● Depressed mood or severe mood swings
● Crying too much
● Difficulty bonding with your baby
● Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual
● Inability to sleep, called insomnia, or sleeping too much
● Overwhelming tiredness or loss of energy
● Less interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
● Withdrawing from family and friends
● Intense irritability and anger
● Fear that you’re not a good mother
● Hopelessness
● Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy
● Reduced ability to think, concentrate, or make decisions
● Restlessness
● Severe anxiety and panic attacks
● Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
● Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
Untreated, postpartum depression may last for many months or longer.
Postpartum psychosis
Postpartum psychosis — a rare condition that usually develops within the first week after delivery — the symptoms are severe. Symptoms may include:
- Feeling confused and lost
- Having obsessive thoughts about your baby
- Hallucinating and having delusions
- Having sleep problems
- Having too much energy and feeling upset
- Feeling paranoid
- Making attempts to harm yourself or your baby
Postpartum psychosis may lead to life-threatening thoughts or behaviors and requires immediate treatment.
