Depression
Postpartum depression is NOT the “baby blues” which is typically a few days to two weeks of mild ups and downs and weepiness. It is important to recognize the hallmark symptoms of this condition, as it is often the scapegoat for all postpartum mental health issues. Also of note, depression symptoms may be Bipolar disorder when combined with mania.
A mom might express feeling...
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Completely overwhelmed by being a mom and she just doesn’t think she can do it
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Regret of becoming a mom in the first place or fear she made the WRONG decision to have a baby
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Confused as to why this is happening to her
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Anger or rage toward her baby or others around her
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Disconnected or numb to what’s happening around her—she just doesn’t feel like herself anymore
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Headaches, stomach aches or back aches
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Sad and guilty she’s missing out on her baby’s first days/weeks/months
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Like a mess, crying nonstop even for no apparent reason
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Fear that she will never be herself again and things will never get better
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Like she is a terrible mother unworthy of her child
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Unable to eat or eating way too much
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Restless at night and unable to sleep when her baby is sleeping
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Tired all the time and unable to stay awake
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Forgetful, unable to concentrate, or foggy-brained
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Like she wants to end it—she’s had thoughts about hurting herself or the baby
