Understanding Postpartum Depression and Anxiety: A Guide for New Moms
Becoming a new mom can be an incredibly joyful and rewarding experience, but it can also come with its fair share of challenges. Two mental health challenges that new moms may face are postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety. In this guide, we will explore what postpartum depression and anxiety are, how they can manifest with new moms, and most importantly, how to recognize the signs and seek help if needed.
Introduction to Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
The postpartum period is a time of major physical and emotional changes for new mothers. While many women may experience feelings of joy and fulfillment after giving birth, it is not uncommon for some to also struggle with overwhelming emotions such as sadness, anxiety, and depression. This is known as postpartum depression (PPD) and postpartum anxiety (PPA), which are mental health conditions that affect 1 in 7 new mothers.
Postpartum depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, guilt, and worthlessness that interfere with daily functioning. It can occur anytime within the first year after giving birth and may develop gradually or suddenly. Postpartum anxiety manifests in intense feelings of worry or fear about your baby's safety or well-being. It can manifest in physical symptoms such as racing heart rate, difficulty breathing, and/or panic attacks.
It’s essential to understand that PPD and PPA are not signs of weakness or inadequacy as a mother; they are medical conditions that require proper treatment. These conditions can be caused by a variety of factors such as hormonal changes during pregnancy and childbirth, lack of sleep due to caring for a newborn, stress from adjusting to motherhood, history of mental illness or trauma, and/or difficult delivery or breastfeeding experience, among many others.
The signs and symptoms of these disorders may vary from person to person but often include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Irritability or anger
- Changes in appetite - either overeating or loss of appetite
- Difficulty bonding with the baby
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Feelings of guilt or shame
- Physical symptoms like headaches, and stomachaches without any underlying medical cause
New moms may also experience intrusive thoughts about harming themselves or their baby, which can be very distressing and scary. It’s important to note that having these thoughts does not mean that a mother will act on them. They are just a symptom of PPD or PPA and should be taken seriously.
If you’ve been experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above for more than two weeks, it’s crucial to seek help from your doctor or mental health professional. Remember, taking care of yourself is the best way to take care of your baby.
Symptoms and Causes of Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
Postpartum depression symptoms include:
Postpartum depression is characterized by feeling sad or empty most days for at least two weeks.
The loss of interest in activities once enjoyed: Postpartum depression can cause women to lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, including spending time with their babies.
Changing appetite: Some women may experience significant weight loss or gain as a result of a change in their appetite.
Another common symptom is trouble sleeping, even when the baby is asleep.
The physical demands of caring for a newborn coupled with sleep deprivation can contribute to extreme fatigue, which can be debilitating for women suffering from postpartum depression.
Many women find themselves feeling irritable or having angry outbursts without any apparent reason.
A new mother's emotional state may prevent her from forming a strong bond with her baby.
Postpartum anxiety symptoms include:
Constant worrying: Women suffering from postpartum anxiety are often plagued by persistent worries about harm coming to their babies or themselves.
A panic attack is characterized by sudden bouts of intense fear that are accompanied by symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and numbness/tingling.
Women with postpartum anxiety often have difficulty concentrating on tasks, making it difficult to complete even simple everyday tasks.
The racing thoughts and worries that women experience may result in insomnia or trouble falling asleep.
Physical symptoms of postpartum anxiety include headaches, stomach pain, muscle tension, and nausea.
Postpartum depression and anxiety are caused by the following factors:
It is not known exactly how postpartum depression and anxiety occur, but experts believe it is caused by a combination of biochemical changes, hormone fluctuations, stress levels, sleep deprivation, family or personal mental health history, lack of support from loved ones, and unrealistic expectations of motherhood.
There are serious conditions such as postpartum depression and anxiety that need to be recognized and treated. We will discuss available treatment options for postpartum depression and anxiety in the next section. Understanding their symptoms and causes can help new mothers seek help early.
Coping with Postpartum Depression and Anxiety:
Postpartum depression and anxiety can be overwhelming for a new mom. You might feel like you are alone in this struggle and wonder why you are not experiencing the joy and happiness you should be experiencing. However, it is important to know that you are not alone in this struggle and that there are ways to cope with these feelings.
The first step in coping with postpartum depression and anxiety is to seek support from your loved ones. Talk to your partner, family members, or friends about what you are going through. Having a supportive network can make all the difference in your journey toward recovery, even if it can be difficult to open up about your feelings.
During this time, you should not only seek support from others, but also take care of yourself. Getting enough rest, eating well-balanced meals, and engaging in activities that bring you even small amounts of joy are important to your mental health as a new mom. It may seem impossible to find time for self-care, but even small acts can help.
The benefits of exercise extend to both mental and physical health. It doesn't matter whether you take a short walk around the neighborhood or do some gentle yoga at home, incorporating movement into your daily routine can help alleviate symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety.
Therapists specializing in postpartum mental health can provide you with the tools and strategies you need to manage your symptoms effectively. Therapy or counseling can also be a helpful coping strategy. You can also process your emotions without judgment in a safe space.
When your doctor or therapist recommends medication for postpartum depression or anxiety, don't hesitate to explore this option as it may greatly improve your overall health.
Postpartum depression and anxiety can be managed by finding ways to relax and de-stress. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, or a warm bath can all help you relax and de-stress. Make it a part of your daily routine and find what works for you.
It takes time and patience to recover from postpartum depression and anxiety. Be kind to yourself and don't be afraid to ask for help. You can manage your depression and/or anxiety with the right support and coping strategies and begin to accept your new role as a mother and the joys that can come with it.