Postpartum depression, also known as PPD, can affect any new mother.
It strikes randomly. Symptoms present after birth is given, and are similar to that of conventional depression. The condition is very hard to detect by others, as many new moms bottle it inward, and it’s easy for others to write off as stress that comes with the territory.
With the new stresses and joys of motherhood, many don’t even know what they are feeling when it hits. There are so many new responsibilities and things to manage, it seems that knowledge is power when it comes to the condition.
Here are eight signs that PPD may need to be addressed:
FEELINGS OF NOT MEASURING UP
Some people naturally feel a little of this when undergoing a major life change. If the feelings are boiling over, this may be a symptom of Postpartum Depression. Watch for signs of feeling like an inadequate mom, not doing everything right, and the need for perfection.
YOU STARTED FEELING DEPRESSED BEFORE THE BABY WAS BORN
An earlier onset is sometimes the case. If you were starting to feel depressed and bluesy before the baby even came, and it’s worse now – look out.
YOU’RE QUESTIONING HOW MUCH YOU LOVE YOUR NEW BUNDLE
If you are having feelings of questioning how much you love your baby, realize this is probably just a symptom of PPD. Sometimes the symptoms make you even question your own sanity.
IT’S MORE THAN JUST THE BLUES
It’s normal to feel a little bluesy after any huge emotional change. If you have a deep blue feeling that you just can’t shake, this may be the culprit.
LIFE OVERWHELMS YOU
Not just the baby, but everything. If it’s PPD, you are almost sure to feel a deep sense of being overwhelmed – like one more demand could just make you snap.
YOU FEEL IMPENDING DOOM
When is the other shoe going to drop? You just know it is – and you can’t rid yourself of this emotion. You live here now.
FEELING GUILTY FOR WHAT? YOU DON’T KNOW.
Guilt is the new norm. You feel guilty about everything and always feel the need to apologize now. Is it possible you did nothing wrong but instead are suffering from the condition?
NOBODY CAN COMFORT YOU
You’re faced with all of these emotions and your friends have tried to reach out to help you. However, their endless hours by your side and on the phone have done nothing to soothe your unshakable feeling of misery.
If it does seem you are suffering from Postpartum Depression, don’t despair.
Make an appointment with your therapist and also make a call to your family doctor. The good news is there are treatments that are available and effective – and you don’t have to wait to start feeling better once you get some ideas from a professional to lift out of it.
