How to Tell Postpartum Depression from Baby Blues

Postpartum depression is a scary reality that affects many mothers around the world each year. This depression is characterized by a persistent low mood and negative feelings that last for a specific period after the baby's birth.

Characterizing these moods as depression can be hard at times. This is because most mothers experience tiredness and depressive feelings for some time after their babies are born. This can have them rushing to parenting discussion boards to figure out whether they have postpartum depression.

What Is Postpartum Depression?

Motherhood can be difficult. However, the worst thing is feeling like you must bottle up your emotions, which can often worsen the situation. The more you talk about your feelings, the easier it is to understand them.

On most parental forums, the discussion of postpartum depression can be a tricky one as it is a different experience for different people. However, postpartum depression can be generally defined as depression that occurs after childbirth.

This isn't defined by feelings of sadness but by a much more serious mental health condition experienced by mothers in the first year of childbirth.

Some of the symptoms of postpartum depression include;

·Fatigue

·Loss of sleep or appetite

·Detachment from the baby

·Loss of self-worth

·Intrusive thoughts of harming the baby or oneself

·Brain fog

Many more symptoms might come with postpartum depression, so it is always a good idea to speak to a medical professional if you are experiencing the warning signs. Parenting blogs may be able to point you to general symptoms. However, self-diagnosis is never recommended.

Differentiating Between Postpartum Depression and Baby Blues

Understanding the difference between a severe mental illness and regular feelings of sadness can be difficult at times. Many of the symptoms overlap, making it harder to recognize whether a visit to the doctor is necessary.

1. Negative Emotions are Common

It is important to understand that negative emotions are common after childbirth. This is when your body releases hormones and goes through changes. During this time, it may subject you to baby blues, which is a milder and temporary condition common with most mothers. You may experience;

·Mood swings

·Negative thoughts

·Anxiety

·Irritation

·Sleep concerns

·Crying spells

When it's Postpartum Depression

These baby blues can be characterized as postpartum depression when they last for longer than two weeks and are persistent. If you have been experiencing persistent feelings like the ones mentioned above for months after your childbirth, it is advisable to visit a doctor.

2. Negative Thoughts are Common

It is common to feel guilty when leaving your baby for the first time, even to shower alone. If you think of it, a part of you has now been removed from the body. It is natural to feel different, melancholic, or irritated.

You may also experience negative thoughts regarding the quality of care you provide for your child. In fact, many parenting discussion boards for newborns are filled with new parents sending in concerns of a similar nature.

When it's Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is characterized by irrational thoughts that may lead to psychosis. Thoughts of hurting your child or yourself in any way should be discussed with a professional. Moreover, if you feel no connection with your child, that may also point to a much more serious condition.

Ask yourself whether you are able to care for yourself or the baby. There is no harm in asking for extra help!

3. Are Your Baby Blues Too Intense?

You must ask yourself whether the symptoms associated with your baby blues are intense and uncontrollable. It is important to be aware of your emotions. If reading about your symptoms on parental blogs is causing you anxiety, it is important to take a break and speak to a licensed professional.

However, if your baby blues aren't that intense, there isn't anything you should be worried about. For example, if you frequently swing from happiness to sadness, feel overly emotional, resent your baby, and then suddenly switch to extreme affection, or are unable to do anything because you are exhausted, these are perfectly normal feelings.

When it's Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is associated with much more intense feelings than the ones mentioned above. Your sadness is going to be intense and persistent, often leading to an anxiety attack or breakdown. You may also have persistent feelings of detachment from the baby. For most mothers suffering from postpartum depression, performing even the simplest tasks becomes hard.

Wrapping Up

Postpartum depression is a serious illness and should be given thought and attention. If you feel like your sadness, detachment, or negative thoughts are too much to handle, it is important to ask for help. The earlier you reach out, the quicker the recovery!

If you are looking for coping skills that can help you as a new parent, here is a guide to help you through the process. Remember, perfect parenting doesn't exist, so remember to go easy on yourself and ask for help!