We’re here to help you understand postpartum depression. This can be difficult, but we have lots of information and resources to help you cope. We’ll cover the signs of postpartum depression, how to manage symptoms, and where to find more support. We hope this post helps you feel more confident dealing with postpartum depression!
What is postpartum depression?
Having a child is a life-changing event. Being a parent is thrilling but can also be exhausting and overwhelming. Feeling anxious or unsure is natural, especially if you’re a first-time parent.
However, if you are experiencing extreme sadness or loneliness, severe mood swings, and frequent crying spells, you may suffer from postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a type of depression that occurs following childbirth.
Postpartum depression affects more than just the person who gives birth. It can also have an impact on surrogates and adoptive parents. After having a baby, people undergo hormonal, physical, emotional, financial, and social changes. These changes can result in postpartum depression symptoms.
If you are suffering from postpartum depression, know that you are not alone, that it is not your fault, and that help is available. Your healthcare provider can help you manage your symptoms and feel better.
What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?
Some people are ashamed of their symptoms or believe they are bad parents for feeling this way. Postpartum depression is a very common condition. You’re not the only one who feels this way, but that doesn’t make you bad.
If you have any of the following symptoms, you may be suffering from postpartum depression:
- Sadness, worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt.
- Excessive worrying or apprehension.
- Loss of interest in hobbies or activities you used to enjoy.
- Changes in appetite or a lack of appetite.
- Lack of energy and motivation.
- Trouble sleeping or wanting to sleep all the time.
- Crying for no apparent reason or in excess.
- Difficulty thinking or concentrating.
- Suicidal thoughts or wishing you were dead.
- A lack of interest in your baby or apprehension around your baby.
What causes postpartum depression?
More research is needed to determine the relationship between the rapid drop in hormone levels following delivery and depression. Estrogen and progesterone levels rise tenfold during pregnancy but fall precipitously after delivery. By three days postpartum, these hormone levels have returned to pre-pregnancy levels.
In addition to these chemical changes, having a baby causes social and psychological changes that increase your risk of postpartum depression. These changes include physical changes to your body, a lack of sleep, parenting concerns, or changes in your relationships.
How long does postpartum depression last?
One year after your child is born, postpartum depression may persist. However, this does not imply that you should be “cured” in a year. Discuss your symptoms and treatments with your healthcare provider. Tell the truth about your feelings. Consider carefully whether your current state of health is better than before your diagnosis. They can then suggest continuing medical care for your symptoms.
Why might it last longer for you?
Everybody has a different PPD timeline. If you possess certain risk factors, your PPD may persist longer despite treatment. The duration of your PPD may vary depending on the severity of your symptoms and how long it was before you started receiving treatment.
Risk elements consist of:
- A background of depression or other mental illnesses.
- Breastfeeding challenges.
- A hard delivery or pregnancy.
- A lack of assistance from your spouse, family, and friends.
- Other significant life changes, such as a move or a job loss, occur during the postpartum period.
- A history of PPD following an earlier pregnancy.
Who will experience PPD and who won’t, and how long it will last cannot be predicted using a formula. However, even if you have one of these risk factors, you can still find relief with the right treatment, especially if it is started early.
When should I get help from a medical professional for postpartum depression symptoms?
When you should look for expert assistance, are
- The symptoms last longer than two weeks.
- You are unable to manage daily tasks or behave normally.
- You’ve considered hurting your baby or yourself.
- You feel incredibly anxious, scared, and panicked most of the day.
If you need immediate assistance or have any thoughts of harming yourself or another person:
- In an emergency, dial 911.
- Use the chat feature on the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline’s website or dial 988. Additionally, they can offer unrestricted, free emotional support.
