Being a new mother is hard, and having a baby can be overwhelming — both physically and emotionally. Bringing home an infant is an experience unlike any other. One minute you might be over the moon with happiness, and the next you feel like crying for reasons you can't explain.
That's why it's important to remember that, in addition to the lifestyle transition of welcoming a baby, your body is also going through a lot of changes. While the "baby blues" are common for many women after giving birth, some women face a more prolonged and serious period of depression. If your feelings of sadness or anxiety do not go away, you may be suffering from postpartum depression. However, even though it may feel like it, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to go through this alone. There is support and treatment available to help you get better.
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What is the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression?
If you’re unsure whether you’re experiencing a common case of the baby blues or something more serious, consider these symptoms:
- Duration of the symptoms — Baby blues are typically gone after the first two weeks postpartum; whereas postpartum depression persists after the first two weeks and can even start months after the baby is born.
- Severity of symptoms — With the baby blues, you may feel sad or stressed, but your feelings probably won’t be severe enough to disrupt your ability to function.
What are some common signs of postpartum depression?
Your first few months of motherhood come with a lot of emotions — so how can you tell if what yours are cause for concern? These nine symptoms may indicate that it's time to seek some help:
- Exaggerated mood swings
- Constant fatigue or exhaustion
- Loss of appetite or overeating
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Feeling overwhelmed or helpless
- Low self-esteem and feelings of guilt
- Lack of interest or resentment toward the baby
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Fear of harming yourself or your baby
If you begin having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby — or are experiencing any of the above symptoms for an extended period of time — tell someone you love and contact a health care professional immediately. Remember: The way you feel is not your fault, and you are not alone. But there's no need to suffer — help is available and you can get better.