Love, joy, excitement, frustration, and anxiety are just a few of the many emotions that come with having a new baby. It’s an overwhelming experience. Given the significant physical and mental changes that follow childbirth, it is entirely typical for new parents to go through emotional highs and lows in the first few weeks and months. The happiness of welcoming a new family member may be overshadowed, though, for some parents, these feelings can go from normal emotional reactions to something more worrisome, like postpartum depression.
Postpartum Depression: What Is It?
Postpartum depression, also known as postnatal depression, usually strikes two to eight weeks after giving birth and is a more serious illness than the ordinary “baby blues.” But occasionally, it can not show up for up to a year following the baby’s birth. Postpartum depression, according to Dr. Alison Stuebe, a professor at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and expert in maternal-fetal medicine, is more than just feeling depressed. As important as feelings of melancholy, intense anxiety is a crucial feature of the illness.
Postpartum depression symptoms may include feeling overwhelmed and crying nonstop. You may also have trouble bonding with your child. Doubting your ability to care for yourself or your baby is common. These feelings can affect a parent’s ability to care for their child. This can leave them feeling isolated and powerless. Postpartum depression makes it hard for new parents to enjoy special moments with their baby. It also affects the entire family.
Even when the baby is asleep, difficulties falling asleep is another common symptom. “If you’re exhausted but unable to sleep because your mind is racing, your brain is not being your friend,” says Dr. Stuebe. Lack of sleep can exacerbate anxiety symptoms and make it more difficult for new parents to manage the responsibilities of raising their child.
Identifying Postpartum Depression Symptoms
Because of the duties of caring for a newborn, postpartum depression symptoms can sometimes be more severe than those of general melancholy. Among the typical indicators to look out for are:
Persistent sadness: You can experience poor moods all the time or be unable to enjoy activities that used to make you joyful.
Absence of energy: Even after resting, feeling exhausted or having a considerable lack of energy can be a red flag.
Difficulty concentrating: Depression frequently causes difficulties focusing on tasks or paying attention.
Low self-esteem: You may question your ability to care for yourself or your child. You might feel unqualified to be a parent.
Sleep disruption: Depression symptoms can worsen if you have insomnia. Difficulty falling asleep, even when your baby is sleeping, can also intensify depression.
Appetite changes: While some people may get less hungry, others may become too stressed and overeat.
Postpartum depressed parents may feel distant from their partner or child. They might also experience frightening thoughts of self-harm or harming their child. These intrusive thoughts, while distressing, do not mean the parent will act on them. The key is to recognize that these thoughts signal the need for professional help. Seeking support is the first and most important step toward recovery.
Getting Postpartum Depression Support
It’s critical to get treatment if you or someone you know exhibits any of these signs. It is possible to cure postpartum depression, and recovery can be greatly aided by early intervention. Locating the appropriate support starts with having a conversation with a healthcare professional, such as a therapist, doctor, or midwife.
Having friends and family as a support system is just as vital as receiving medical attention from professionals. It can be really relieving to just talk about your feelings with someone you trust. Although postpartum depression might feel isolating, it’s important to realize that you are not alone—many parents also experience it.
Postpartum depressed new parents can recover their emotional equilibrium and fully experience the joys of motherhood with the right support and care.
