The experience of becoming a mother varies for every woman. Some women feel elated while others may not. As many as 80% of new mothers suffer with the baby blues, also known as postpartum blues. The baby blues are caused by changing hormones, leaving moms with mild anxiety, crying, and restlessness that go away within the first two weeks after giving birth — once your hormones bet back to normal levels.
If you notice that you’re feeling blue, and that these feelings are getting worse and are lasting longer than a couple of weeks, you may be experiencing a postpartum mood disorder. The reassuring news is that you’re not alone. Two common postpartum mood disorders are postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression.
Postpartum Anxiety
Some new moms have feelings of intense anxiety that lasts longer than a couple of weeks — feeling excessively anxious, overly worried, and having trouble sleeping. Postpartum anxiety, if left unresolved, often turns into postpartum depression.
Treatment for panic disorders, such as postpartum anxiety, can require a combination of medication and psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on increasing cognitive and social skills, evaluating, and modifying dysfunctional thought patterns, encouraging self-reinforcement, and developing positive coping statements and problem-solving skills.
Postpartum Depression
The most common postpartum mood disorder is postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is more severe than baby blues and postpartum anxiety. Postpartum depression persists beyond a couple weeks post pregnancy and, without treatment, can last for months, even years.
According to the National Institute for Mental Health, 1 in 7 women experience postpartum depression. As common as it is, most women don’t seek help due to feelings of shame. Please note that postpartum depression rarely goes away on its own, so it’s important to seek the help of a healthcare professional.
See your pregnancy care provider or regular healthcare provider if you experience any of the symptoms of postpartum depression:
- Crying more often than usual
- Feelings of anger
- Withdrawing from loved ones
- Feeling numb or disconnected from your baby
- Worrying that you will hurt the baby
- Feeling guilty about not being a good mom or doubting your ability to care for the baby
Postpartum Anxiety and Depression Resources
The good news is that help is available. The most effective treatments for postpartum depression are therapy and medication. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your provider and let them know you need help! In addition, support groups specifically tailored to postpartum anxiety and depression can also be very helpful and effective.
Postpartum Support International is an excellent online resource that offers online support groups, a warm line, and tools to help in finding a counselor in your area; call their hotline at 1-800-944-4773. Another great option, Postpartum Depression Resources, has a hotline, screening tools, and quizzes. They also have a section geared towards moms, dads, families, survivors, and advocates: Postpartum Depression Links.
Please remember that you are not alone. The first step is to give yourself a voice and be your own advocate. Then you can find the resources that will best support your needs.
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