Baby Blues or Postpartum Depression?
Just had a baby and not feeling like yourself? Are you exhausted, emotional, and crying a lot? Do you find motherhood overwhelming? You may be experiencing what is commonly known as “the baby blues”. The baby blues affect 60-80% of new moms, and are due to hormonal changes in the body after childbirth. Not sure if what you’re experiencing are the baby blues or postpartum depression? Here’s a quick guide to check your symptoms:
Baby Blues Symptoms
The baby blues occur shortly after giving birth and last up to two weeks. According to the Mayo Clinic, baby blues symptoms may include the following:
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Sadness
- Irritability
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Crying
- Reduced concentration
- Appetite problems
- Trouble sleeping
Postpartum Depression
The Mayo Clinic lists the following as symptoms of postpartum depression:
- Depressed mood or severe mood swings
- Excessive crying
- Difficulty bonding with your baby
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual
- Inability to sleep (insomnia) or sleeping too much
- Overwhelming fatigue or loss of energy
- Reduced interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
- Intense irritability and anger
- Fear that you're not a good mother
- Hopelessness
- Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy
- Diminished ability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions
- Restlessness
- Severe anxiety and panic attacks
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
Key Points to Remember:
- Baby blues symptoms typically present as more mild, occur shortly after childbirth, and only last for two weeks
- Postpartum depression symptoms can present up to a year after birth, are much more severe, and last longer
- Postpartum depression symptoms can present differently in each person
- If you notice any of these symptoms and it has been longer than two weeks, don’t hesitate to seek help
- These symptoms are temporary, they are not your fault, and with help, you will get better
**Postpartum Support International is a wonderful resource for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders**