The arrival of a new baby brings immense joy, but also many challenges. After giving birth, many moms experience the so-called “baby blues”, which consist of mild mood swings and crying spells that often last from two to three weeks after giving birth. In contrast, postpartum depression (PPD) is more severe and usually requires professional help. You are not alone, nearly 1 in 7 women suffer from postpartum depression.

Signs of the Baby Blues

Symptoms of the baby blues start after birth up to 3 weeks after giving birth. However, the symptoms go away after 3 weeks.

You might be feeling…

• Irritable with even the smallest things bother you.

• Anxious about having a new baby.

• Frustrated because you can’t get as much done as you want to get done.

• Overwhelmed with everything you have going on.

• Like you’re having rapid mood changes (elation one moment, weeping the next)

• Sleep is impossible or you’re sleeping too much.

Signs of Postpartum Depression (PPD)

Symptoms of postpartum depression last for more than 2-3 weeks after your baby’s born.

You might be feeling…

• Overwhelmed to the point where you just don’t want to do anything.

• Constantly anxious about something bad happening to you, your partner, or your baby.

• Irritable or angry with your partner, self, or baby. Maybe your baby is crying too much or you can’t soothe them.

• Sad, weepy or like you’re crying all the time even when there is nothing causing you to feel that way.

• Extremely tired and out of energy to even get the smallest things done.

• Worthless as though you’re a terrible mother and partner.

• Uninterested in doing things you used to enjoy.

• Guilty about not living up to the standards of what society or family thinks a mother should be.

• Like you want to sleep or eat more or less than you usually do.

• Unable to concentrate for more than a couple of seconds at a time.

• Forgetful

• Uninterested in your newborn, feeling like you can’t connect with them, or it feels like they dislike you.

What Causes Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression is caused by a combination of environmental and hormonal factors.

Hormonal changes: After the birth of your child, you may experience major shifts in hormones that can affect your mood, leading to depression.

Environmental factors: Theses factors include sleep deprivation, maternal stress, a personal or family history of mental illness, and having an unsupportive partner or family, or limited access to resources such as financial support or social support networks.

Knowing when to seek professional help for postpartum depression.

If your symptoms are mild, you may be able to manage them on your own but it’s still recommended you reach out for support through this new time in your life. However, if your symptoms don’t improve with simple coping strategies or if they become severe, it’s extremely important to seek professional help. A mental health professional can diagnose postpartum depression and offer treatments such as psychotherapy, medication, or both.

Strategies to cope with postpartum depression.

Caring for yourself is key in coping with postpartum depression. One of the most effective treatments for postpartum depression is getting 8-9 hours of sleep a day. It’s ok to sleep when your baby is sleeping or ask someone to come watch the baby while you take a nap. It’s important to make time to do activities that bring you peace, joy, and comfort. Practicing self-care will also help you take care of your baby. The better you take care of yourself, the better you can take care of your baby.

Some strategies to cope include: making even a small amount of time for yourself every day, spending time with supportive family and friends who respect your boundaries, engaging in physical activity, yoga, or stretching, journaling about your thoughts and feelings, participating in activities that give you a sense of purpose or are fun.