Giving birth can be one of the most powerful, transformative events in your life. Given the surge of hormones that attends pregnancy — and the rapid depletion that follows birth, it’s common for new mothers to experience strong emotions, including mood swings and feelings of sadness. But how do you distinguish baby blues vs. depression?
First, remember that whatever you may be feeling as a new mom is common. Most moms experience some version of the baby blues, and if you think you might be suffering from postpartum depression and not just baby blues, you’re not alone. It’s estimated that one in seven women will experience postpartum depression within their first year of motherhood, so nothing is “wrong” with you in the slightest.
When it comes to baby blues vs. depression, the good news is that most communities have support groups for new mothers. Doctors, midwives, and postpartum doulas can also help you find emotional support and relief. If motherhood is proving to be a bit overwhelming, you have options.
To make sure you get the help you need, it’s important to know the different signs of baby blues vs. depression. Here are common symptoms of each:
Symptoms of Baby Blues
Most new moms (up to 80 percent!) experience baby blues at some point. Although the exact cause of the baby blues is unknown, in many instances, the sheer exhaustion and stress of having a new baby will impact your mood, as do the aforementioned hormonal changes.
New mothers often experience sleep deprivation, forget to eat healthy meals, and worry about something bad happening to their baby. If you’re experiencing these things, you’re more likely to feel sadness, anxiety, and frustration.
The main difference between baby blues and postpartum depression is how quickly your mood changes. With the baby blues, you’re likely to experience mood swings or feelings of loneliness, anxiety, or irritability that come and go. Your feelings pass quickly, sometimes lasting only a few minutes or hours each day. As time goes by, each day becomes a little easier and your moods become less intense. Typically, baby blues are gone by 14 days postpartum.
Other symptoms of baby blues include:
- Irritability and impatience
- Sudden crying for no reason
- Poor concentration
- Insomnia (even when the baby is sleeping)
- Emotional and physical fatigue
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is a much more severe emotional condition than baby blues. Like baby blues, no one knows exactly what causes postpartum depression.
However, fluctuations in hormone levels may play a factor, as well as the mother’s history of mental health. Women with previously diagnosed mood disorders are 30-35 percent more likely to experience postpartum depression.
Awareness of postpartum depression has risen significantly in recent years. Today, more and more women, families, and health care providers are speaking out about this difficult condition. The stigma surrounding postpartum depression is slowly fading. Still, postpartum depression often goes undiagnosed or gets dismissed as “a case of the baby blues.”
As mentioned above, in determining whether someone is suffering from baby blues vs. depression, one of the main criteria is the duration. The feelings of sadness associated with postpartum depression tend to be constant and ongoing. They don’t fluctuate throughout the day, like mood swings, or balance out after a few days.
Other postpartum depression symptoms include:
- Feeling hopeless, worthless, or alone
- Failing to bond with the baby
- Feeling like a failure as a parent
- Loss of appetite and insomnia
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Thoughts of self-harm
Additionally, mothers who experience postpartum depression may be unable to physically care for their new baby. They may be too overwhelmed by feelings of despair to breastfeed, change diapers, or provide physical comfort to their infant.
Treatments for Baby Blues vs Postpartum Depression
If you’re experiencing normal baby blues, your feelings will eventually balance out on their own. In the meantime, you can find relief by practicing greater self-care. Get as much sleep as you can, eat healthy meals, and make time for light daily exercise. If your friends and family can help, ask them to cover basic chores and take care of the house so you can relax more with your baby.
If you’re experiencing postpartum depression, the above methods will also help, but they may not be enough. If your sadness, anxiety, or frustration about motherhood hasn’t lifted after two weeks, you may need professional care. Don’t wait for your six-week checkup.
It may also be helpful to begin therapy or at least join a support group. You might find that many others can relate to your situation. And the sooner you can get help, the sooner you can heal. In some cases, you may be prescribed antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication for postpartum depression. Some parents report anxiety around using medications, especially if they are breastfeeding. But evidence shows that these are not always contraindicated, and your provider — especially one focused on serving postpartum moms — can help you navigate this.
Postpartum depression doesn’t mean you’ve failed or done anything wrong as a mother. It’s important to seek treatment — you don’t need to suffer through this, because there is help. And it’s not selfish to take the time to get help, either. Remember, taking care of you helps you take care of youtub baby.
Find Support on the Motherfigure Directory
To find a hospital, doctor, or other professional healthcare provider to help you with baby blues or postpartum depression, use the Motherfigure directory. We’ll help you find the right provider who can help.
Remember, becoming a mother can be tremendously rewarding and fulfilling. If you’re experiencing mental health issues that prevent you from feeling your best as a new mom, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
Note: If you have thoughts of suicide, reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline today. You can connect online or by calling 1-800-273-8255.
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