Postpartum Depression or Just Overwhelmed?

Motherhood is hard enough without having to deal with postpartum depression. Everything that makes being a mother so wonderful can also make it the most stressful and difficult job on the planet. And, for those of you who say motherhood is not a job, you are probably not a mother. Women with postpartum depression have the usual feelings of soreness and tiredness of just having a baby plus feelings of extreme anxiety, worthlessness, guilt, sadness, and even suicidal thoughts. But, how do you know whether you have postpartum depression or are just stressed out from the usual new mother activities and hormonal fluctuations?

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

Up to 20% of new mothers experience postpartum depression. That is approximately 900,000 women in the United States every year. According to the American Psychological Association, about one out of every seven women experience postpartum depression at some point in their lives. There are serious differences between postpartum depression and normal stress or anxiety. Some of the most common symptoms of postpartum depression include:

• Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and being overwhelmed

• Bouts of aggression or crying for no apparent reason

• Sleeping less or more than usual, unable to stay asleep

• Extreme fatigue or no energy at all

• Difficulty concentrating

• Memory loss

• Trouble making decisions

• Loss of interest in things that you usually enjoy

• Vague aches, pains, and digestive disturbances

• Loss of appetite or eating more than usual

• Avoiding people or public places

• Inability to bond with your baby

• Afraid to be alone with your baby

• Thinking you are not a good mother

• Periods of rage or anger for no reason

• Not wanting to care for your baby

• Thinking about hurting yourself or your baby

Get Some Help

You do not have to face this alone. Talk to someone right away even if it is a stranger. Some women feel so guilty about feeling this way that they are unable to talk to anyone about it. However, you should not feel guilty since this is not your fault. Postpartum depression is usually caused by an imbalance in your hormones or chemical imbalance in the brain. It is a common occurrence that often goes overlooked unless something tragic happens. Do not wait until something horrible happens. Talk to someone now to get the help you need. If you do not want to talk to someone you know, you can speak to a professional online who can help you. Online therapy is easy, very affordable, and you do not even need to leave your home. You can talk to someone today and do not even need an appointment. 

If you or someone you love has thoughts of suicide or harming someone else, you can call the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at 1-888-333-2377 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.




About the Author

Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.