Are my postpartum mood swings baby blues or postpartum depression?
You knew that you might feel this way. Everyone says that this should be one of the most joyous times of your life. And it is. But right alongside it are the crying fits, your mood swings from feeling euphoric to deeply saddened.
You would love to be able to sleep; you are so exhausted. Yet you lie awake, stressed about what the future will hold. Will you be a good mother? Are you capable?
Everything seems to bother you. You notice that your partner is walking around on eggshells. Who could blame them? You took their heads off a few times when they were only trying to help give you a break.
You might be asking yourself, “How long will I feel like this? This is so frustrating!”
In late January, I wrote a blog post about postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a more severe, long-lasting form of depression that about 20% of women experience after giving birth.
You may have heard of “baby blues.” It is quite common for women to experience this milder form of depression after having their child.
So, let’s look at some guidelines for knowing if what you are living as a new mom is more common or should have you calling your medical professional.
Baby Blues: What does it look like?
Depression is common in new mothers. Your body’s hormonal levels do wild shifts. Your stress levels may sky-rocket. You (most probably) suffer from sleep deprivation, which gives way to extreme fatigue.
Possible symptoms of baby blues
Mood swings
Anxiety
Sadness
Irritability
Feeling overwhelmed
Crying
Reduced concentration
Appetite problems
Trouble sleeping
Generally, within the first one-two days and up to two to three weeks, these feelings will subside on their own, and you will begin to feel more “in your own skin.”
Postpartum Depression: This has me concerned
With postpartum depression, you will experience the same signs and symptoms as baby blues: inability to sleep, crying fits, mood swings, and testiness.
The difference with these symptoms in postpartum depression is that they persist and are more severe. For several months you may
*doubt your worthiness as a person,
*feel weighed down with extreme guilt
*be unable to experience happiness
*be overly anxious and hypervigilant, though there is no sign of threat or problem
Possible symptoms of postpartum depression
Depressed mood or severe mood swings
Excessive crying
Difficulty bonding with your baby
Withdrawing from family and friends
Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual
Inability to sleep (insomnia) or sleeping too much
Overwhelming fatigue or loss of energy
Reduced interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
Intense irritability and anger
Fear that you're not a good mother
Hopelessness
Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy
Diminished ability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions
Restlessness
Severe anxiety and panic attacks
Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
These behaviors carry on for quite some time.
Trust your instincts. You know yourself. If you feel you have suffered longer than expected, reach out to a medical or mental wellness professional.
(List of baby blues and postpartum possible symptoms taken from this article.)
If you seek help, what can you expect?
When you visit with your doctor, let them know about any symptoms you are having which concern you.
Your doctor may ask you to complete the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale to screen you for signs of depression.
They will talk with you about the kind of symptoms you have and their nature. How have you been sleeping? Do you feel you can bond with your baby? Have you had thoughts of harming yourself or your child? Do you have an appetite?
Possible courses of action might look like this:
Talk therapy - Your doctor may recommend that you see a mental wellness professional (psychiatrist, psychologist, or other mental health professional). This person will help you to determine strategies for coping with what you are feeling and the stresses of your new life. You may also want to reach out to Postpartum Support International. This organization provides direct peer support to both moms and dads and has many resources to help improve mental wellness after the birth of your baby.
Antidepressants - WIth medication, your symptoms will generally improve. If you are breast-feeding, let your doctor know so that you may discuss together the risks and benefits of taking medication for you and your baby.
Practical tips to help you feel better
Whether you have baby blues or postpartum depression, you may want to think about doing a few of the following as you navigate your new life with your infant.
Where possible:
*Accept help from your partner, family, or friends. Allow yourself to have a few moments to yourself.
*Take care of yourself. I realize that you have many demands on you at this time. Self-care at this time might look like going for a walk, taking 10 minutes, ordering take- out instead of cooking, doing meditation or yoga. Listen to your body and your spirit and do what would refresh and restore you.
*Build the bond. Coo back and forth with your baby. Assure them of your presence by responding to their needs. You will reward yourself at the same time as this behavior leads to endorphin release for you.
*Find your tribe. Connect with other new moms. The social interaction will remind you that you are not alone in what you are living and feeling.
*Soak in the sunshine. Spend time outside and exercise. It might become a time for you to take a walk with your baby.
*Be gentle with yourself. You are not at fault for how you feel. Give yourself grace. Breathe in deeply.
Make sure to reach out if you have any questions about how you feel at this time following your child’s birth.