Olivia Barredo
May 2, 2023

Postpartum depression affects many new moms, but it's a topic that often goes unspoken. The transition to motherhood can be challenging, and while it’s normal to experience a range of emotions, some moms may find themselves struggling with symptoms such as feelings of sadness, anxiety, and hopelessness. If left unaddressed, postpartum depression can have a significant impact on a mom’s mental health, relationships, and her ability to care for her baby. In this article, we shed a little more light on the different types of postpartum depression and provide guidance on how to support new moms during this difficult time.

 

Types of Postpartum Depression

 

Postpartum Blues

 

Otherwise known as “Baby Blues”, this is the mildest form of postpartum depression affecting approximately 50% to 75% of new mothers. Postpartum blues is a common experience characterized by frequent, prolonged episodes of crying without any obvious trigger, accompanied by feelings of sadness and anxiety. Postpartum blues usually appear within the first week of childbirth, and can last up to weeks without requiring any medical intervention. Postpartum Blues usually resolves itself over time, but can also develop into more serious forms of postpartum depression when symptoms persist. Symptoms of postpartum blues include:

 

• Frequent mood swings

 

• Anxiety

 

• Sadness

 

• Irritability

 

• Feeling stressed out

 

• Crying without any obvious trigger

 

• Reduced concentration

 

• Loss of appetite

 

• Having difficulty sleeping

 

Postpartum Depression

 

A significantly stronger and potentially more dangerous disorder than baby blues, postpartum depression affects one in every seven new parents. Alternating highs and lows, frequent sobbing, impatience, weariness, and feelings of guilt, anxiety, and an inability to care for either yourself or your child are all possible symptoms. These can range from moderate to severe and might develop as soon as a week after birth or gradually over time–sometimes, even up to a year later. Additionally, experts have noted that having experienced postpartum depression once before increases your risk by up to 30%. However, treatments through psychotherapy or antidepressants have been deemed successful by medical experts. Here is a list of symptoms of postpartum depression:

 

• Extreme mood swings

 

• Crying excessively

 

• Having difficulty bonding with your child

 

• Isolation from family and friends

 

• Appetite loss, or excessive eating

 

• Insomnia or oversleeping

 

• Excessive fatigue

 

• Less interest in previously enjoyed activities

 

• Extreme irritation and rage

 

• Negative thoughts–specifically feelings of inadequacy

 

• Hopelessness and worthlessness

 

• Reduced capacity to think clearly and make judgements

 

• Restlessness

 

• Intrusive thoughts–usually regarding harming either yourself or your child

 

• Suicidal or death-related thoughts

 

Postpartum Psychosis

 

The most severe form of postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis necessitates immediate medical intervention. Although relatively uncommon, affecting only one in every 1,000 persons after birth, the symptoms are usually severe and linger for a few weeks to several months following delivery. Severe agitation, bewilderment, feelings of hopelessness and shame, insomnia, paranoia, and delusions are just some of the symptoms. Rapid medical intervention is needed due to risk of suicide and newborn injury. Hospitalization, counseling, and medication are common forms of treatment. Symptoms of this include:

 

• Feeling disoriented

 

• Obsessive thoughts about your child

 

• Delusions and hallucinations

 

• Having trouble sleeping

 

• Excessive energy and dissatisfaction

 

• Paranoia

 

• Thoughts of self-harm or harming your child

 

Ways to Cope with Postpartum Depression

 

Parenting is always going to be full of ups and downs, and there is certainly no denying the struggles and difficulties parents–old and new–face when there is a newborn in the household. Considering the amount of moms who experience postpartum depression, there’s definitely no need to suffer in silence. Reaching out to other moms for advice, and seeking a healthcare professional can assist you in locating a treatment that works for you. Here are some ways you can cope with postpartum depression:

 

• Find someone to talk to: You might want to talk to a family member or a close friend for advice. Or if not for advice, perhaps a listening ear might just be of enough help. Alternatively, if you feel as though your mental state is in need of more professional help, finding a therapist who can listen and assist is also surely a good idea.

 

• Join a new parents support group: Being in the company of other new parents who are experiencing struggles that differ or may be similar to yours is a good reminder that you’re not alone in this ongoing struggle, and having an avenue to speak your thoughts and feelings in a safe environment will surely be of help.

 

• Make an effort to eat and stay healthy: Having enough rest, eating healthy and exercising are basic but foolproof ways you can improve your well-being and reduce stress and anxiety.

 

• Engage in self-care activities. Take that “everything shower”, read that book you’ve been meaning to read, express your thoughts in your journal, pay attention to your hobbies. Engaging in self-care activities greatly helps calm people down and relax, and taking the time to work on your hobbies may help you feel more refreshed and rejuvenated.

 

It is crucial to acknowledge the impact of postpartum depression on new moms and offer support to those who are struggling with this condition. By increasing awareness and encouraging open conversations, we can provide a safer and more supportive environment for mothers! Remember, seeking help and support is the first step towards recovery, and with the right care, new moms can overcome and thrive as parents.