Postpartum Depression: What It Is and How to Tell It Apart from Baby Blues

The physical and hormonal changes that occur in a mother’s body after giving birth may directly influence the brain and neurons. There is a lot of emotional and mental tension at this period as well, which causes both delight and worry. Postpartum depression is typical during this period. Some women have postpartum depression (PPD), which is a complicated combination of behavioral, emotional, and physical changes. Many women experience issues including bodily tiredness, mood fluctuations, and sadness after giving child. Although most individuals don’t take it seriously, these symptoms shouldn’t be dismissed since they might be indications of postpartum depression.

Both the mother and the infant may experience postpartum depression. Given that this depression is a medical problem, getting medical advice is recommended before seeking therapy. This might eventually assist new moms in solving their issue. Because it may begin during pregnancy and extend until after delivery, it is also often referred to as peripartum depression.

After giving birth, postpartum psychosis, a severe mental alteration, may sometimes occur. Postpartum depression is neither a weakness or a deficiency in one’s character. Sometimes it’s simply a straightforward birthing issue.

Difference Between Postpartum Depression and Baby Blues

After 2-3 days after giving birth, most new mothers feel the baby blues. Baby blues symptoms might include mood fluctuations, worry, sorrow, impatience, feeling overwhelmed, decreased focus, issues with maintaining a healthy appetite, and sleeplessness. They only persist for a few days. The signs of postpartum depression are quite different, endure a lot longer, and need professional help. The signs include feeling depressed or having severe mood swings, having a hard time bonding with your infant, withdrawing from close friends and family, having trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, losing energy, feeling hopeless or restless, having severe anxiety or panic attacks, and having recurrent thoughts of harming yourself or taking your own life.

(It is essential to get prompt medical attention from your obstetrician or gynecologist if you suffer any such indicators of depression or postpartum depression.)