Many of us have heard about the symptoms of postpartum depression and even postpartum anxiety. We are very grateful that there is increasing awareness about this topic! However, even though we know that many moms suffer from postpartum depression and anxiety, it is natural for us to brush off the symptoms when we are looking at ourselves. We chalk it up to the “baby blues”. Or we rationalize that this is just a difficult phase. We downplay how much these symptoms are truly affecting us.
But this is extremely dangerous, not to mention disheartening…
For more on this topic, check out the full Pregnancy Through Postpartum collection
Motherhood is Hard, but…
While motherhood is an extremely difficult journey, there should be joy along the way! Each new mom should be granted the gift of enjoying her new baby during such a special time in their life. But when that joy is missing (or fleeting), we blame ourselves instead of reaching out for help.
Please know that things could be better! That there is no harm in simply asking questions and doing some self-reflection. There can be comfort in confiding in those close to you. And it is always better to err on the side of caution (because really… who doesn’t need a little therapy?)
Help for Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
The lists below provide you with some signs and symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety. We highly recommend that you send this list to your partner during your pregnancy so that they can also be aware of potential warning signs. But before we dive in to the list of symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety…
We are not medical professionals, and you should always consult your team of medical professionals before making decisions about your health. We also acknowledge that this article is not clinical data but is simply shining light and understanding on a complicated topic.
Signs and Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
- Thinking thoughts such as, “I am never going to be able to do this.” “What have I gotten myself into?” “I don’t have what it takes to be a mom.”
- Missing that magical bond that other people seem to talk about. Sure, you love your baby, but it is not what you’ve heard about.
- Feeling like your baby deserves better, and feeling guilty that you don’t feel the happiness that you thought you would.
- Having very little patience. You feel irritated, angry, or even downright rage.
- Starting to resent your partner, your friends, and even your baby.
- Completing tasks, but just going through the motions. You feel numb and empty.
- Crying all of the time, even when there doesn’t seem to be a clear reason.
- Blaming yourself and feeling like a failure. You begin to think that you must just be weak, and you will be stuck in this forever.
- Feeling distant from everyone. You know that people are trying to help and connect with you, but there feels like a barrier there.
- Eating habits change. Maybe you never have an appetite or interest in food, or maybe food is the only thing that brings you comfort.
- Sleeping becomes an issue in one way or the other as well. Maybe you can’t fall asleep or stay asleep even when you’re exhausted. Or maybe you feel like you could sleep all day long.
- Struggling to remember things and stay focused. You may feel like you are in a fog and can’t handle making even small decisions.
- Trying to pick yourself up and get back on track, but it’s just not working. You may be trying to do everything you can to help yourself “snap out” of this, but you still feel much the same.
- Wishing for the “old you.” You wonder what has changed, and if you will ever feel the same again.
- Thinking about escaping from all of this. You may have thoughts of running away, driving off the road, or finding other ways to make it all stop.
- Knowing something is wrong. You know on a gut level that the way your feeling is just not right.
Signs and Symptoms of Postpartum Anxiety
- Unable to relax. Your mind is racing, and you can’t manage to feel calm.
- Feeling compelled to keep busy. You feel a need to stay busy and be doing something at all times.
- Worrying about everything. You feel like the world is suddenly a very dangerous place, and no matter what anyone says, you can’t be reassured.
- Eating is of no interest. You have no appetite.
- Having intruding thoughts. You are experiences scary thoughts that just pop into your head unwanted, and they often start with the phrase, “what if…”
- Not trusting yourself to be home alone with the baby. You are consistently aware of and worried about things in your home that could harm the baby.
- Unable to sleep. You are exhausted, but you just can’t get to sleep.
- Checking on things constantly. You feel compelled to check that you locked the doors, turned off the oven, or that the baby is still breathing.
- Having physical symptoms. You may be experiencing stomach trouble, headaches, or even panic attacks.
- Feeling a sense of dread. You can’t quite put your finger on it, but you know that something bad is going to happen.
- Wishing for the “old you.” You wonder what has changed, and if you will ever feel the same again.
- Knowing something is wrong. You know on a gut level that the way your feeling is just not right.
After reading through this list, we want to assure you that you are NOT alone! 15-20% of new mothers experience postpartum depression, anxiety, or a combination of both; and the great news is that they are totally treatable!
Think of the person that you would feel comfortable confiding in, and then go tell them about your concerns right away. Simply tell them, “Something is just not right, and I don’t know how to fix it.” Once you take that first step, you will be able to continue on in this journey from there. Know that there is no shame in what you are going through, and there are many people out there who want more than anything to help!
For more on this topic, check out the full Pregnancy Through Postpartum collection