Bringing a new life into the world is an incredible experience, but amidst the joy and excitement, the postpartum period can also bring about a range of emotions and challenges, especially in terms of mental health.
Today, I want to have a mental health check-in with you all to focus on some of the signs of postpartum depression and/or anxiety (PPD/PPA) in order to help recognize if you are struggling with this and what you can do about it.
Be Honest With Yourself
One of the first steps in addressing postpartum mental health issues is acknowledging your true feelings. Often, people hide their struggles or are unintentionally dishonest due to feelings of shame or guilt, which can make it challenging for providers to properly diagnose and treat any issues. Experiencing mental health struggles postpartum is extremely common and is absolutely nothing to feel ashamed of or guilty about.
Common Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Understanding the signs and symptoms of PPD/PPA can make a huge difference in early intervention. These may include:
Emotional Symptoms:
- Persistent sadness or emptiness
- Excessive worry or anxiety
- Overwhelming guilt
- Anger or irritability
- Feeling disconnected from your baby
- Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
Physical Symptoms:
- Changes in appetite
- Difficulty sleeping (beyond normal newborn care)
- Extreme fatigue
- Headaches or unexplained pain
- Difficulty concentrating
- Racing thoughts
Behavioral Changes:
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Crying more frequently than usual
- Having trouble making decisions
- Feeling unable to care for your baby
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
Taking Action: Seeking Support
Tell someone you can trust and do something about it! There are multiple avenues for help:
- Immediate Support Resources:
- Postpartum Support International: 1-800-944-7443 (call or text "Help")
- National Maternal Health Hotline: 1-833-943-5746
- Emergency Services: 911 for immediate crisis
- Professional Support:
- Your healthcare provider
- Mental health professionals
- Postpartum support groups
- Licensed counselors or therapists
- Personal Support Network:
- Trusted friends
- Family members
- Other new mothers
- Partner or spouse
Why People Delay Getting Help
Many times people push off dealing with these issues, thinking it will get better on its own. Common thoughts include:
- "It'll get better once they sleep through the night..."
- "This is just what new motherhood feels like"
- "I should be able to handle this"
- "Everyone else seems to be managing fine"
The Importance of Early Intervention
While symptoms may improve on their own, there is no need to suffer in silence, even for one extra day. I so often hear, "I wish I would have gotten help sooner." Please don't wait – if you are struggling or think you may have PPD or PPA, seek support now.
Creating a Support Plan
- Daily Check-ins:
- Monitor your mood
- Track your sleep
- Note any concerning thoughts
- Document physical symptoms
- Self-Care Strategies:
- Rest when possible
- Maintain basic nutrition
- Get fresh air when you can
- Accept help from others
- Professional Support:
- Schedule regular check-ups
- Be honest with your healthcare team
- Follow through with treatment plans
- Attend support groups
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength – you are not alone in this journey. Postpartum mental health challenges are common, treatable, and temporary with proper support.
Emergency Warning Signs
Seek immediate help if you experience:
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
- Hallucinations or delusions
- Severe confusion
- Inability to care for basic needs
- Extreme anxiety or panic attacks
If you're having thoughts of self-harm or harming your baby, call 988 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.
A Personal Note to You
You are doing an incredible job, even if it doesn't feel like it right now. Motherhood is both beautiful and challenging, and experiencing these feelings doesn't make you any less of a wonderful mother. I see you trying your best every day. I see you pushing through the hard moments. I see you loving your baby, even when you're struggling.
Remember that the fact you're even reading this shows how much you care about being the best mother you can be. That alone proves your strength and dedication. You are exactly the mother your baby needs, even on your hardest days.
Take it one day at a time, one moment at a time if needed. You don't have to do this alone, and you don't have to suffer in silence. Reach out, get support, and know that this season will pass. You are stronger than you know, and your baby is lucky to have such a caring, self-aware mother.
Postpartum Support International is a worldwide resource you can utilize via phone call 1-800-944-7443 or text “Help” to 800-944-7443.
In the United States, there is also a National Maternal Health Hotline you can call or text 1-833-943-5746.
