What Is Postpartum Depression?
Learn everything you need to know about postpartum depression to best be prepared for when your little one arrives.
Some research shows that about 1 in 7 moms will experience postpartum depression. I was that 1 in 7.
I got postpartum depression with my second child. Which was crazy to me because I studied it and knew the signs and what to watch out for, but I still got it.
And it was brutal. But I made it through, and learned so much along the way.
Because it is such a common disorder, I wanted to write this guide on what you need to know about postpartum depression. You will learn the signs and symptoms to watch out for along with plenty of things you can do to help your depression.
If you are struggling, please know you are not alone. There are things you can do to get help, and it is so so worth it.
What is Postpartum Depression?
There is so much more to postpartum depression than simply being sad, even though that is one of the symptoms.
Postpartum depression can include being anxious, sad, or irritable after giving birth.
There are more postpartum mood disorders than just depression.
You can also experience postpartum anxiety, rage, or psychosis. However, postpartum depression is the most common of the postpartum mood disorders. (I had both postpartum anxiety and depression).
Postpartum depression can occur at any time after giving birth, not just in the beginning.
Some moms experience postpartum depression a few years after their baby is born, while others get it immediately.
Postpartum Depression Symptoms
Here are some of the most common symptoms of postpartum depression:
- Anxious
- Being sad
- Angry and irritable
- Trouble sleeping
- Feeling hopeless
- Trouble concentrating
- Having panic attacks
- Crying a lot
- Constantly changing moods
- Eating too much or too little
- Not finding joy in normal things
- Blaming yourself for everything
- Not feeling attached or connected to your baby
- Thoughts about harming yourself or your baby
You might have a couple of these or you might have most of them. Everyone’s situation is different, but if you notice you have a few of these, it might be best to reach out to your healthcare provider for help.
Postpartum Depression vs. Baby Blues
Baby blues and postpartum depression are fairly similar, so it might be hard to tell the difference.
Most moms will experience some symptoms of baby blues, usually within the first week after giving birth.
The main difference between the two is that baby blues will go away after two weeks. If it persists or comes after the first couple of weeks, it is most likely postpartum depression.
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What Causes Postpartum Depression?
There are many potential causes of postpartum depression.
Usually the hormone changes that occur after giving birth, the lack of sleep, and the huge responsibility and stress that comes from taking care of a baby can cause depression.
With all the hormonal changes during the postpartum stage, it’s no wonder your body struggles. As your body learns to regulate those hormones, your moods will frequently change, which can be stressful.
It is extremely stressful to take care of a baby. Whether this is your first child or your third, it is a whole new experience every time.
That responsibility will always add more stress to your life, which can be a huge factor in developing postpartum depression.
If you have previously had depression or anxiety, you are also more likely to get postpartum depression.
Will it Ever Go Away?
Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that can be pretty easy to treat.
There are countless resources that can help you overcome this mood disorder. It does take some trial and error to find something that works for you, but it can and will go away.
I tried antidepressants, natural remedies, yoga, mindfulness, therapy, and so much more. It took a combination of things to help me.
How to Help Postpartum Depression
The good thing is there are things you can start doing today to help your postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression is best treatable if you do a combination of things. Here are some things you can do that might help you overcome your postpartum depression:
Sleep
This may seem impossible, but it is important to try to get as much sleep as possible.
When the baby naps, try to nap as well. The dishes and dirty house can wait.
If your are too anxious, like I was, make sure you just cuddle your baby and rest when they sleep. You might not fall asleep, but you will rest your mind and body, and that’s equally important.
You can try some relaxing tea to help calm your thoughts at night so you can fall asleep better.
If you are bottle feeding your baby, have your spouse feed your newborn some of the night so you can rest.
If family members live close by, have them take the baby for a couple of hours each week so you can catch up on sleep, if that doesn’t make you too anxious.
Therapy
A lot of women find success and happiness by going through therapy. I know I sure did! I went for about 6 months and found huge relief from just sharing my thoughts and feeling heard and understood, never judged.
If going to an actual therapy office is hard for you, find someone online you can communicate with through video or text.
If the first therapist you go to doesn’t seem right, try again! Finding someone you can talk to and let everything out is key for your recovery.
Therapy is one of the many mental health support essentials for postpartum recovery.
Natural Remedies or Medicine
There are lots of antidepressant medications that make a huge difference for moms who struggle with postpartum depression.
Because there is a huge selection of medicine to choose from, you can find one that supports you just the way you like. It might take some figuring out, but it is worth it.
I personally didn’t like this option. I tried one but felt more like a zombie with it. I prefer natural remedies, like this one from Roots to Remedies.
I also found success with Ashwagandha and St. John’s Wort.
Get Outside
Going outside can really help with your depression as well. Take a walk with your baby every day to get vitamin b and feel the
Find More Support
Just like in a postpartum plan, having support is crucial.
Get a group of moms together where you can go for support, playdates, and advice. It is so helpful to talk to someone, especially moms going through the same thing!
Be sure to get plenty of support from your loved ones, family members, best friends, and partner.
You will find so much support from Postpartum Support International. Here you will find a helpline you can call 24/7 for just about anything.
This website also teaches you so much about postpartum mood disorders and how to find the perfect care for you.
You can also reach out to me, as I am a virtual postpartum doula and here to help you.
Strengthen Your Marriage
For a lot of married women, their biggest support is their spouse. However, it is so easy to take out your stress on your partner when things get hard.
Be sure to focus on your marriage as much as possible, even with your baby. Have a date night, open communication, and make sure to have fun together to further strengthen your marriage!
I loved the Fourth Trimester book because there is an entire chapter on focusing on your marriage and how to do that even with a newborn.
Self-Care
As a mom, we all know we need to take time for ourselves. I found it best to take five minutes of time a day to help me practice self-care.
From putting on magnesium lotion at night to stretching, dancing to my favorite song, eating chocolate, and so much more, it doesn’t have to big and it doesn’t even have to be alone time!
Final Thoughts
If you are struggling with postpartum depression, you are not alone.
It is not easy, but you can overcome this. You can get help.
If you suspect you have a postpartum mood disorder, go see your healthcare provider and therapist right away.
Getting the help you need is crucial for getting through this challenging time and will make a huge difference the sooner you get help. You can do this!
If you ever find yourself wanting extra support during your pregnancy, birth, or postpartum journey, I’m here to walk alongside you through my virtual doula services — offering encouragement, guidance, and a listening ear whenever you need it.
