Everyone knows caring for a newborn is hard, even in normal circumstances. But for millions of women around the world, postpartum depression (PPD) makes the time after childbirth even more difficult. Knowing how PPD looks and feels is the most important step in getting help. With proper treatment and care, a new mother can feel healthy and emotionally stable again.

The societal pressure to embrace parenting with unbridled joy can make it hard to come forward about these struggles for fear of judgment. Worries about conforming to family expectations typically lead to isolation. Despite being surrounded by their loved ones, a mother with PPD may feel an overwhelming sense of loneliness.

What are signs of PPD?

PPD looks very much like major depressive disorder. Some of these signs are also hard to distinguish from the normal disruptions after having a new baby. PPD can sometimes develop during pregnancy and carry on past childbirth. These signs can come on gradually, so paying attention to small fluctuations in feelings and behaviors is important. The most common signs of PPD include:

overwhelming sadness
persistent fatigue
loss of interest or pleasure in activities
changes in appetite
sleeping too much or not enough
difficulty bonding with the baby
anger and irritability
feelings of guilt or worthlessness
difficulty making decisions
worries about being a bad parent
anxiety or panic attacks
intrusive thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby

What does PPD feel like?

Living with PPD can be an isolating and disorienting experience. Not all new parents will feel exactly the same, but they may struggle to find normalcy within the fog of depression and the weight of their expectations.

With PPD, even the most routine activities feel like climbing a mountain. When tasks become daunting challenges, it’s hard to find a normal routine with the baby. This can also fuel shame, guilt, and feelings of inadequacy. After all, we’re told motherhood should come easy.

The societal pressure to embrace parenting with unbridled joy can make it hard to come forward about these struggles for fear of judgment. Worries about conforming to family expectations typically lead to isolation. Despite being surrounded by their loved ones, a mother with PPD may feel an overwhelming sense of loneliness. She might have no one to talk to about her internal numbness, fatigue, and struggles to bond with the baby.

PPD can physically feel like a constant weight on the chest. Brain fog, feelings of hopelessness, and fatigue will sap the joy out of life. In this situation, caring for the baby feels like a thankless chore. Combined with a lack of sleep, this frustration can snowball into irritability, anger, and emotional volatility. At times, PPD can even feel frightening. A new mom might experience scary, intrusive thoughts of self-harm.

Getting help for PPD

If you or someone you know is showing signs of PPD, it’s important to get them help as soon as possible. If left untreated, mother and baby might not get the healthcare they need.

Create a social support system

Talk to friends and family about how you’re feeling. Find someone close you can open up to without feeling ashamed. Enlist the help of loved ones to take on some care of the baby when possible. “It takes a village” isn’t just a saying—it can be a lifesaver.

Make time for yourself

It might seem impossible, but having some time off is important. Even for an hour or two, try to take a bath, read alone, watch a favorite television show, or walk around the block. Give your mind the space to relax. Don’t feel the need to take on every single responsibility while you’re going through PPD.

Seek therapy

Reach out to your obstetrician to find a therapist or psychologist who specializes in maternal mental health. They can provide a diagnosis and develop a therapeutic treatment plan. There are particular considerations for breastfeeding mothers taking prescription medications, so it’s important to see a medical doctor for help.

To find out more about how postpartum therapy can help you heal from PPD, please reach out to us.

Signs Of Postpartum Depression and What It Feels like