What Are the Signs of Postpartum Depression?

For many women, the days, weeks and months after giving birth are an exciting, joyous time, but for some, the post-birth period becomes gloomy. The sudden drop in progesterone and estrogen after birth sometimes triggers depression or anxiety. Sleep deprivation and the stress of caring for a newborn can make the situation worse.

Postpartum depression is different from the mild “baby blues” some women experience after giving birth, according to Joanne MacPherson, the leader of a postpartum depression support group in London, Ontario, Canada. Women with “baby blues” experience mood swings and sadness, but it doesn’t last more than a few days or weeks. Even symptoms such as crying spells, loss of appetite and sleep problems aren’t necessarily a harbinger of postpartum depression.

Specific signs of postpartum depression include:

A lack of interest in taking care of your baby
Thoughts of hurting yourself
Thoughts of hurting your baby
Feelings of being overwhelmed or irritated
Difficulty bonding with your baby
Excessive crying
Deep, unrelenting sadness
Insomnia or excessive fatigue
Feelings of guilt, shame or inadequacy
Anxiety or panic attacks

The most telling indicators of whether you have postpartum depression are if your symptoms last longer than about two weeks and if they interfere with your daily life and your ability to care for your child.

The Onset of Postpartum Depression
Unlike the baby blues, which typically start shortly after birth, signs of postpartum depression can develop any time during the first year of your baby’s life.

“A lot of times, people think it happens right at birth, but women often don’t start showing symptoms right away,” says MacPherson.

Postpartum depression isn’t limited to moms with pre-existing clinical depression or anxiety disorders, although these things can increase the risk. Even the most pulled-together, organized moms can develop depressive symptoms after birth.

“Postpartum depression doesn’t have to do with how prepared you are,” explains MacPherson.

Expectations can have a big effect on how long it takes a woman to recognize the signs of postpartum depression and seek help.

“A lot of women suffer in silence,” says MacPherson. “When you have a baby, it’s supposed to be the most joyous time in your life. But the experience can be really different for some women.”

Postpartum Psychosis
In about one to four of every 100,000 births, the mother develops postpartum psychosis, a much more dangerous condition than postpartum depression. Women with postpartum psychosis might try to harm themselves or their babies. They might experience hallucinations, intense mood swings and confusion. Postpartum psychosis is a medical emergency, so seeking help as soon as you notice symptoms is essential.

From mild sadness to intense paranoia, there is a whole spectrum of postpartum depression-related symptoms women might experience after birth. If you’re unsure whether you need medical care, talking to your doctor or therapist can help you put your feelings and thoughts into perspective. Getting help right away makes life with your new baby easier and more enjoyable- which is the ultimate goal for any new mom.

Bridget Coila is a writer who lives in New Orleans with her partner, Justin Mapes, and their son.