Postpartum Depression, Anxiety, and Baby Blues

Key takeaways

• Experiencing Perinatal or Postpartum Apprehension?

• Postpartum Depression

• Concerns That Go Beyond Baby Blues

• Connecting with Mom This Mother’s Day

Experiencing Perinatal or Postpartum Apprehension?

For many, the experience of getting pregnant and having a child is one of the most exciting and fulfilling moments of their life. But for some, pregnancy and/or childbirth can bring on feelings of sadness, irritability, inadequacy, and doubt. These distressing feelings could be more than just the baby blues. You may be experiencing perinatal or postpartum apprehension. And those feelings are likely more common than you think.

While it is common to experience some mild mood changes during pregnancy or after the birth of a child, some 15 to 20 percent will experience more significant symptoms. Those symptoms can vary, but you may be suffering from PMAD if you are feeling sad, depressed, or overwhelmed Feel more irritable or angry with those around you. Have difficulty bonding with your baby Feel anxious or panicky Have problems eating or sleeping. Experience upsetting thoughts that you can’t get out of your mind Feel like you never should have become a mother Experience feelings of guilt or think you are a “bad mom” Feel as if you are “out of control” or “going crazy” Are having thoughts about harming yourself or your baby, or are you worried you might act on those thoughts.

Postpartum Depression

With Mother’s Day now behind us, and National Mental Health Awareness Month coming to an end, we thought these two nationally observed events intersected at a critical junction. Postpartum depression (also known as: PPD, postnatal depression), impacts an average of 1 in 7 women. Celebrities such as Chrissy Teigen and Hayden Panettiere have been reducing the stigma surrounding PPD by refusing to keep their stories silenced. With increasing awareness of the issue happening in the main stream, we’d thought we’d shed some light on the most common myths we see in our office.

a. Yes, some new mothers cry a lot, but there is no “one way” to experience the symptoms of PPD. Other, lesser known symptoms include (but are not limited to): irritability, guilt/shame, lack of interest in your baby or partner, avoidance, changes to sleep or eating, trouble concentrating, severe mood swings, rumination, obsessions, and thoughts of hopelessness. In some rare cases, postpartum psychosis occurs. The psychosis is like a bout of mania, and is very serious. If you start to feel like you’re hallucinating or having delusions, paranoia, refuse to eat, can’t think clearly, or have thoughts of hurting someone, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

a. The onset of PPD can occur anywhere from two weeks to a year after giving birth. If symptoms last for more than two weeks, there is a good chance you’re suffering from more than just the “Baby Blues.”

Concerns That Go Beyond Baby Blues

Having a child is one of the most amazing and life-changing milestones a person can experience. But let’s be honest: being a parent is also a tough gig. Some new parents go with the flow and figure things out along the way, but others may struggle. That’s understandable, what with so many internal and external changes. We want to address new or evolving concerns that go beyond baby blues and help keep you on track as a parent.

Bringing a baby into your life changes every aspect of it, even if you’ve done this before. Some adjustments may even happen before the baby is born but most will come along with this tiny new responsibility.

And while some changes might have you feeling fulfilled as a parent, others may take some getting used to – the non-routine routine, limited sleep, less you-time. Not all parents adjust the same way or at the same pace, but just know that you’re not supposed to. Everyone’s experience is different; it’s personal. And sometimes that personal journey can leave you wondering if all these changes are common.

Connecting with Mom This Mother’s Day

Being a mother is hard, but being a mom during a world pandemic, that’s a whole new experience. The role of mom has definitely taken on some extra responsibilities these days, including at-homeschool teacher, family entertainer, and grief counselor. And many moms are juggling this with other essential tasks, such as doing their salaried job from home.

That’s why this year, it’s important that we show our moms just how incredible they are and how much we appreciate the way they support us, encourage us, and keep us all connected—even from miles away!

Fun Mother’s Day Ideas During COVID-19 - If you’re feeling the pressure to give your mom or wife a special celebration this Mother’s Day, you’re not alone. With restaurants still closed, travel restricted, and the worry that you might put mom at health risk during a visit, it’s easy to start feeling overwhelmed or hopeless to give her the amazing day she so deserves.

When to reach out

If symptoms are affecting relationships, work, school, sleep, or daily routines, professional support can help you sort through what is happening and choose a realistic next step.

MHCS provides therapy and mental health support for individuals, couples, families, teens, and adults.