How Do I Know If I Have Postpartum Depression?

Today’s numbers say that 1 in 5 pregnant or postpartum moms will have a Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder (PMAD).

Estimates say that this number could be even bigger with better screening. That’s a lot of women! It is the number one obstetric complication of birth. Being pregnant and having a baby is exciting for many but it can also be overwhelming and not what we expected. A woman could not have the support she needs during the postpartum period (first year of baby’s life), maybe she isn’t attaching to her baby as she thought she would, or maybe she wishes she had her previous life back. This can lead to many feeling a sense of guilt and shame.

Knowing this above, how do you know if there’s something more than the changes of having a baby? During the first 2-3 weeks, 60-80% of women experience what we call the “Baby Blues.” This is normal and resolves easily without medical intervention. Usually women experience tearfulness, and feelings of overwhelm during the period.

How do I know this is more than “The Baby Blues,” like postpartum depression or anxiety?

Some red flag symptoms to look for during postpartum are suicidal thoughts, a significant change in appetite, rest that does not restore with sleep, intense mood changes, intense irritability, scary thoughts, trouble bonding with baby and a sense of worthlessness.

Meeting with a therapist can help your postpartum depression.

If you are feeling some of the above red flag symptoms, know that you are not alone! With help, you can feel like yourself again. A therapist can help provide a safe, nonjudgmental space to process your feelings. They can help provide actionable steps to feel whole again. By meeting with a therapist, you will increase your support network, develop healthy coping skills and decrease shame and feelings of worthlessness.

We will get through this together.