From the outside it seems that it is not noticeable, but it does exist and you can suffer a lot. Perhaps you know a new mom who doesn't feel like having visitors or who doesn't feel like going out for a walk. You may have noticed a slight change on her face… If so, don't walk away. He needs you. Postpartum depression strikes silently and can do a lot of damage if the affected woman does not realize that she is suffering from this type of ailment.
The birth of a baby can trigger a whirlwind of strong emotions, both joy and fear, and you can even feel anxiety. But something unexpected can also appear for many people: depression. Many mothers experience it after childbirth.
It is commonly known as mood swings, crying spells, anxiety, and trouble sleeping. But it can go much further. Postpartum depression usually begins two or three days after giving birth and can last up to two weeks, this being normal and common in all mothers. However, some new mothers experience a more severe form of depression that lasts longer and is then known as postpartum depression. In rare cases, the so-called postpartum psychosis can also appear, which can also develop after the baby is born.
Having postpartum depression does not make you weak, nor is it a character flaw. It is a reality and it can touch any woman who has given birth. Also, if you have had little sleep in the first few days after giving birth, your chances of suffering from postpartum depression are greatly increased. If you have postpartum depression, do not let it pass or think that it will pass alone. You must seek help and use willpower on your part to get out of that dark spiral. This way you can better control the symptoms and enjoy your baby and your life.
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
Symptoms of postpartum depression can vary from woman to woman and can range from mild to severe. Remember that some symptoms can last a week or two or last longer. Some mild and common symptoms in almost all new mothers can be:
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Sadness
- Irritability
- Crying spells
- Decreased concentration
- Appetite problems
- Trouble sleeping
But other more serious symptoms can also appear. Symptoms that can really condition the way you feel about life at this time, and worse, that can last much longer. Postpartum depression can be confused with the blues… But if symptoms interfere with your ability to care for your baby or perform other daily tasks, then you should start to worry. Symptoms usually develop during the first few weeks after delivery, but can also start later (even up to 6 months after the baby is born). Some symptoms of postpartum depression can include:
- Severe mood swings
- Depressed mood
- Very common crying spells
- Little bond with the baby
- Social isolation
- Loss of appetite or a significant increase in appetite
- Inability to sleep
- Sleep too much
- Fatigue
- Loss of energy
- Loss of interest in activities that were previously enjoyed
- Intense irritability
- Intense anger
- Fear of not being a good mother
- Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt, or inadequacy
- Poor ability to concentrate, to think clearly
- Low decision-making capacity
- Anxiety and panic attacks -severe-
- Thoughts of hurting yourself or the baby
- Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
Untreated postpartum depression can last for many months and even years. It is very important that at the first signs of depression you go for help, even if it is to family and friends.
Symptoms of postpartum psychosis
As we have mentioned above, although it is quite rare for it to occur, it is not impossible and it is necessary to be alert to the symptoms in order to seek professional help as soon as possible and treat postpartum psychosis. With postpartum psychosis, a rare condition develops during the first week after delivery. The signs and symptoms are even more severe than in postpartum depression. The warning symptoms to watch out for are:
- Confusion and disorientation
- Obsessive thoughts about the baby
- Hallucinations and delusions
- Sleep disorders
- Paranoia
- Attempts to hurt yourself or the baby
Postpartum psychosis can lead to life-threatening thoughts or behaviors and requires immediate treatment.
Helps in postpartum depression
If you notice that you have postpartum depression, the first thing you should do is go to your GP and explain exactly how you feel. This will tell you what to do or which professionals to go to for psychological help as soon as possible. If you don't and you think that it will pass by itself, Postpartum depression could worsen and you could even have associated illnesses and your health could get worse.
- Look for professionals and programs dedicated to working with new mothers with postpartum depression.
- Go to support groups
- Read about postpartum depression, there are many articles on the Internet or books that can give you strategies to put into practice
- Force yourself to go out, make yourself pretty, and enjoy the activities you've always liked. It may cost you a bit at first, but over time it will start to get easier.
- Seek help from family and friends, don't isolate yourself from them. Even if you are not a person who is usually surrounded by people normally, do not stray too far from the people who really love you. You need them.
- Go for a walk with your baby and with your partner or family. It allows the enjoyment of sunny days and the feeling of being able to enjoy your baby in other areas. Not everything is changing diapers, breastfeeding, sleeping little or hearing crying. There is much more.
Your baby needs you and you are able to get things done right. Do not be afraid of making a mistake, because you learn from mistakes. If you can't handle everything, ask for help.