Postpartum Depression and Anxiety

What is postpartum depression?

PPD is a depressive disorder that typically begins 3-4 weeks postpartum, but can begin as late as a year postpartum. It is characterized by irritability, lack of interest or pleasure in things you used to find pleasurable, crying spells, feelings of guilt and shame, changes in sleep patterns, rage, and sometimes causes suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming baby. 

What is the difference between "baby blues" and PPD? Baby blues are common for 80% of  birthing parents and are characterized by sudden crying spells and overwhelming feelings of sadness that lasts typically 2-3 weeks postpartum. Most parents do not experience suicidal thoughts with baby blues. 1 in 5 parents experience PPD, and about 80% experience baby blues.

PPA is also common for parents to experience, especially during this current pandemic. It is characterized by constant feelings of dread, worry, physical symptoms which may include sweaty palms, dizziness, stomach upset, headaches, etc. Parents who experience postpartum anxiety may have constant negative thoughts that the baby could get hurt, could stop breathing, or they could hurt the baby. PPA is exhausting--as is motherhood--and it is important to seek help.

If you are reading this, either because your partner is experiencing these symptoms or you are, it is probably time to reach out for help. Getting support from other women around you can be very helpful, and seeking the advice of a trained therapist or mental health professional can allow you to get back to who you are without depression or anxiety. As a certified peripartum mental health specialist, I would love to support you through this journey.  If you are having active thoughts of hurting yourself or someone else, you should call 911 or go directly to the emergency room to get support from mental health professionals immediately.