Postpartum Depression: What It Is and How to Get Through It
Most new mothers go through something called the “baby blues.” It is an experience brought about by rapid, romantic hormonal shifts during childbirth. By any definition, the baby blues are unfair. You have gone through nine months of pregnancy, and before you can celebrate your new child, you feel moody, overwhelmed, and depressed.
In most cases, the baby blues rarely last more than a week or two. If they do, we may be talking about postpartum depression (PPD). This is a diagnosable disorder that impacts at least 15 percent of women after they give birth. Understanding more about postpartum is essential, and that is what this post is all about.
What Causes Postpartum Depression?
Without a doubt, major and sudden life changes play a role. You’re exhausted and overwhelmed, and not getting sleep. You have just brought a new life into the world, but now, you wonder if you are up to the task. Your body looks and feels different, and your old routines are a thing of the past. Self-doubt and even resentment creep into the picture. On top of everything else, everyone you know reaches out to talk and try to see the baby, putting additional hosting pressure on you.
Then you have potential circumstances that exacerbate the situation like:
Preexisting health conditions
Having little or no support
Being a single mother
A child with special needs
Family history of depression
Despite all of that, believe it or not, the primary cause of PDD is hormones. A pregnant woman experiences an increase in progesterone, estrogen, and thyroid hormone levels. They have spent nine months navigating these increases, when suddenly and immediately upon giving birth, the new mother’s hormones are back to their normal levels. The emotional fallout of this rapid shift can be enough to cause PPD in 1 in 8 women.
What Does PPD Look and Feel Like?
Childbirth and the ensuing aftermath are a unique experience, but everyone feels tired after it, right? With this in mind, you might keep telling yourself that it is normal to feel tired, cranky, and overwhelmed. Even loved ones in your life will wonder why you did not see this emotional roller coaster coming, compounding your assumption that it is "normal". But things should not feel impossible.
Possible PPD red flags symptoms include:
Nothing makes you happy, not even time with your baby
You just want to be alone
Your sadness is palpable, and others are commenting on it
You experience physical symptoms (sleep and appetite changes, headaches, and more) that have no obvious cause
An inability to concentrate
Second-guessing the decision to have a baby
PPD is depression. It can manifest in thoughts of self-harm — thoughts that can lead to action. It is also less than ideal for the newborn. At the time when they need their mother’s attention and care, they might be getting neglected. PPD can also lead to thoughts about harming the baby.
How to Get Through Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is a diagnosable mental health condition. It won't just go away on its own, so you will want to connect with an experienced therapist as soon as you can. You can also take productive self-help steps to ease the impact and shift your momentum. These might include:
Daily Self-Care: Sure, you do not think you have the time. But this is non-negotiable.
Connect With Others: You will feel tempted to withdraw, but you need people now more than ever. Emotional support is priceless, but in addition, it would be awesome to have folks who can help run errands, do chores, etc.
Find a Support Group: PPD is common, and there is much value in connecting with other new mothers who understand the struggle. Whether it is in-person or online, support groups will validate your feelings and give you a chance to brainstorm with peers.
Most importantly, I invite you to reach out to discuss depression therapy. It will be the foundation of your recovery.