Five Warning Signs of Postpartum Depression
Being a mom can cause you to go through a rollercoaster of emotions. You might feel overwhelmed with love one minute and panicky the next. It’s natural to feel a variety of both positive and negative emotions, given the dramatic hormonal changes that occur following childbirth. Studies show that postpartum depression can even last up to 3 years after birth. If you find that your negative emotions are becoming unmanageable, and fear you might be experiencing postpartum depression even if your baby/toddler is older, here are some warning signs to look out for.
Not feeling Bonded with your Baby/Toddler
If you’re suffering from postpartum depression, you may find that your role as a mother lacks joy. You may feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities, or experience a lack of interest in your child. You may wonder if you should even be a mother.
Lack of Focus and Concentration
Trouble focusing, difficulty making decisions or memory problems are possible signs of postpartum depression.
Change in Eating or Sleeping Habits
While it’s natural for eating and sleeping habits to change when you’re a mom, drastic changes are a sign that something may be wrong. If you’re having difficulty falling or staying asleep, or are sleeping longer than usual, this could be a sign of postpartum depression. Eating too much or too little are other warning signs to look out for.
Feelings of Sadness or Hopelessness
Hormonal changes after childbirth will naturally cause mood swings that will differ from what you experienced before giving birth. However, if you find yourself feeling excessively sad or experiencing feelings of hopelessness, you may be suffering from postpartum depression.
Lack of Energy and Motivation
Your responsibilities as a mother will naturally leave you tired, but overwhelming feelings of exhaustion are something to be concerned about. If you find that you frequently lack energy or motivation, this is a sign that you may be experiencing postpartum depression.
Other Common Postpartum Symptoms
-Feeling overwhelmed and questioning your abilities as a mother
-Comparing yourself to others and feeling that you don’t measure up
-Feeling guilty due to high self-expectations
-Your thoughts are racing and you can’t quiet your mind
-Having intrusive (scary) thoughts about something happening to yourself or your baby
-Feeling empty and numb as if you’re just going through the motions
-Having thoughts that you don’t want to be a mother anymore
-Experiencing a new sense of rage/anger
-Being afraid that if you reach out for help, others will judge your inabilities
-Thoughts of running away or leaving your baby behind
-Being constantly in a state of worry
-Experiencing chronic fatigue and exhaustion that feels all consuming
-Fears and rumination about breastfeeding, pumping, or formula feeding
-Feeling disconnected from others and that you are all alone
If these warning signs seem familiar, you should know that you’re not alone: 1 in 9 new mothers has postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a serious health condition, but it can be treated.
Postpartum Psychosis
In rare cases, women can have postpartum psychosis; experiencing symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, obsessive or fearful thoughts, deep paranoia or thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
If one or more of the above symptoms resonates with you, I invite you to contact me. Together, we’ll find the underlying issues that are making you feel this way and create long lasting strategies for moving forward.
Contact me today to schedule a session — all sessions are virtual so children and babies are welcome to be present if you do not have childcare. Please reach out, I’d love to talk about ways that I can help!
