6 Warning Signs Of Postpartum Depression To Watch Out For

6 Warning Signs Of Postpartum Depression To Watch Out For : For some women, childbirth is considered one of the happiest and most fulfilling moments of their life. Regardless if it’s your first time or fourth time delivering a baby, the experience and the emotions you feel will always differ from one another.

Eventually, after the childbirth stage, you can expect that most of your days and nights will be busy, overwhelming, and sleep-deprived. Having a newborn baby in your household may require the family, and especially the mother, to make necessary adjustments in their lifestyle habits and routine.

Feeling exhausted during the first few weeks or months after childbirth is normal, but feeling hopeless and sad is not. In that case, you may need to assess yourself if you’re having some early signs of postpartum depression.

Defining Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is a type of mental issue that affects women after childbirth. In this illness, some new mothers may experience crying, anxiety, sadness, and restlessness. Furthermore, some might not even know that they’re already suffering from it. Thus, it’s essential to educate yourself about the early warning symptoms of postpartum depression to protect and seek help for yourself or your loved one.

For your guide, here are six warning signs of postpartum depression (PPD) you need to watch out for:

Exhibiting Intense Fear, Worry, And Anxiety

Among the common signs of PPD is when you start to exhibit feelings of intense worry and anxiety daily. As these feelings intensify, these could interrupt you from performing day-to-day tasks, especially the parts that involve taking care of the baby.

performing day-to-day tasks, especially the parts that involve taking care of the baby

The worry and anxiety are often rooted in doubts about your capability as a mom, especially if this is your first time. You are often worried and anxious that you’re not fit and good enough to be a mother. You might also constantly question yourself about taking this path to motherhood, hence, exhibiting these intense feelings of anxiety and worry.

One way to ease these feelings is by doing regular postpartum exercise. Postpartum exercise is beneficial for new mothers as it’s not only good for physical health but, it also prevents postpartum depression. It’s also known to boost your energy, alleviate stress, and improve your moods. However, before doing any exercise, make sure to get a go-signal from your doctor first and see if you’re good to resume any physical activities.
Lose Interest On Things You Once Enjoyed

Another warning sign of PPD is when you begin to lose interest in things you used to enjoy. For instance, you don’t eat your favorite foods or enjoy being affectionate with your special one. You may also lose interest in doing your hobbies, playing with your pet, or sticking to your routine. If you notice any changes in your habits and moods, it’s essential to consult a doctor and open up about these symptoms.
Guilt, Shame, And Worthlessness Consume Your Thoughts

It’s normal to feel upset every once in a while, especially if your baby’s sick. But if you constantly feel guilty, unworthy, and ashamed about becoming a parent, you may start losing the motivation to care for your baby and put yourself down as a mother. It will also likely happen, especially if you’ve been to a traumatic birth experience. You may also begin crying for no reason at all. These symptoms may start to surface after a couple of weeks since childbirth. If you’re feeling any of these emotions, it might be a warning sign of postpartum depression.
Withdrawal From Friends and Family

As you suffer from postpartum depression, you might also begin to withdraw from your friends and family. It is true, especially if you’ve constantly felt that you’re a bad mother or incapable of taking the path to motherhood. And so, you withdraw and avoid social gatherings to prevent being questioned by your friends and families about your situation. Unfortunately, the more you isolate yourself, the worst your PPD will be and the more damage it can do to your mental health. Thus, it’s necessary to seek help from a professional and ask for support from your loved ones.
Have Trouble Making Decisions

It’s okay to have trouble making decisions after a long and exhausting day, as you probably couldn’t think straight. However, if you’re still having trouble making decisions in your day-to-day life, such as getting out of bed, eating breakfast, taking a shower, or even changing your baby’s diaper, these may be signs of PPD.
Thoughts About Harming Your Baby or Yourself

The most severe and advanced symptoms of postpartum depression are when you’re already having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. In the worst-case scenario, you may be plotting suicidal attempts involving your baby. In that case, you need to call professional help as soon as possible before things escalate and turn worse.

Conclusion

If you or someone you know is experiencing one or more of these warning signs of PPD, you need to seek help for yourself or them immediately. Doctors and mental healthcare providers will help alleviate PPD symptoms and guide you in adjusting to your new life as a mother. The earlier you seek help, the sooner you get treated and feel good about yourself again. You can find help easily online, with just a few clicks, you can get professional consultation on sites like Prairie Health.