Psychosis following childbirth is a medical emergency. Go to the ER or CALL YOUR DOCTOR right away if you have thoughts of injuring yourself or your child.

What’s the difference between

baby blues and postpartum depression?

The mood changes that the majority of new mothers endure are referred to as “baby blues,” you may have heard. The abrupt hormonal changes that occur after childbirth can lead to anxiety, stress, loneliness, exhaustion, lack of appetite, and trouble sleeping. For the first few weeks after giving birth, almost 80% of new mothers said they felt very weak and tearful.

You may have heard the term “baby blues” to describe the mood swings that most new mothers experience. After childbirth, there are sudden hormonal changes that might cause anxiety, stress, loneliness, weariness, loss of appetite, and difficulties sleeping. Nearly 80% of new mothers reported feeling extremely weak and crying during the first few weeks after giving birth.

My heart began to open in a way I never even imagined possible. Simply by being a mother, I had the impression that I could now love others more deeply and without conditions. The realization that everyone is someone’s kid overwhelmed me as I started to perceive strangers differently. Feeling so intensely was both beautiful and draining. After around three weeks, the severity of my baby blues subsided, and I was prepared to leave my baby cocoon and resume socializing.

Baby blues typically go away in a few weeks, but postpartum depression can linger for months or even longer if left untreated. To gauge the emotions new mothers are experiencing, health care practitioners have useful instruments like the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.

What does PPD look like?

Clinical summaries only give a portion of the tale. Although many mothers claim to experience some of the same major feelings, each woman will experience postpartum depression and other postpartum mood disorders differently.

Postpartum depression can leave you feeling hopeless and broken, whether it is due to the strain of childbirth, a genetic predisposition, or even a feeling that you have not “lived up to” your expectations for the way your parenting journey should go. the positive news Although what you’re going through may make you feel alone, you’re not.

Sophia Carr, Kindred Bravely’s Instagram Manager, describes her postpartum anxiety.

When we enter a room, I always go through every exit in case a catastrophic emergency arises and I need to defend the two of us.

I always walk through every escape when we enter a room in case there is a serious emergency and I have to defend the two of us.

I only want to drive when it’s sunny because I’m concerned that if I drive in the rain, snow, or sleet, we’ll get into trouble.

Because I’m so afraid of something horrible happening to us there, I voluntarily stay at home and don’t care about losing out on great times with family and friends. To get us out of the car and into the store, I must use all of my might. Most of the time, after pulling into the spot, I wait there for a while to think about whether we really need to be there or if we would be ok leaving and going home.

When we are out and about and a stranger approaches us and touches him, it is terrifying. When my son was around seven months old, we were at the mall when a young girl approached him and took his hand. I swiftly reprimanded her and said, “No, you can’t touch him,” before sanitizing his hand. She apologized, and I felt bad, but everything occurred so quickly. For hours thereafter, my heart was pounding nonstop.

When someone coughs nearby while we’re shopping and either doesn’t cover their mouth or coughs continuously, I put all the items I was going to buy back and rush to get us out of there as soon as possible.

To someone who has never gone through these things, it may all seem absurd and odd, if not downright crazy, but these things really do happen. When you’re most exposed, these emotions sneak up on you and catch you off guard. You can’t do much to get ready for this, but knowing what to watch for can help a lot.

Sarah Ortmayer, Kindred Bravely’s Social Media Manager, experienced prenatal anxiety. 

I was given a diagnosis of minor depression and anxiety in college, and I tried taking medication but wasn’t successful. I either felt numb or feigned happiness in the end.

I was overcome with anxiety during each of my pregnancies. I would have fantastic moods for a while and then feel overcome with worries that I had no control over. I developed an obsession with ensuring that my kids were safe and was constantly concerned about what may happen to them, especially if they weren’t with me.

I tried to find tiny ways to help me feel more like myself because medication had never helped for me, such as eating nutritious meals, getting a haircut, and spending as much time outside as I could. Fortunately for me, the change in hormones that occurs as soon as I give birth allows me to return to how I was before being pregnant.

Many celebrity moms are also open about their postpartum experiences. They have helped bring awareness to the challenges of PPD.

Chrissy Teigen experienced physical agony as a result of her mental suffering from disappointing people. Gwyneth Paltrow hesitated to admit her sadness, and Bryce Dallas Howard had what she refers to as “emotional amnesia,” a loss of emotion. Marie Osmond was propelled into action by strong sentiments of flight or fight. Alanis Morissette experienced physical pain and melancholy. Brooke Shields felt remorse, guilt, and even a lack of interest in her child.

A study from The Cumming School of Medicine in Calgary found that having trouble breastfeeding may raise the risk of postpartum depression. Depression was less common in mothers who sought nursing guidance and assistance.

It’s also crucial to remember that postpartum depression can affect parents as well. Although the hormonal changes of pregnancy and delivery may not induce paternal postnatal depression, it can be just as crippling and have a similar negative impact on the family as postpartum depression in women.

What should you do if you think you have postpartum depression?

Recognize that what you’re going through isn’t your fault if you realize that you’re not feeling like yourself and you suspect that you may be experiencing postpartum depression. Make sure you understand that you are not imagining your emotions. PPD is genuine and can be treated. Recognize that you are not alone.

Ask for help to start feeling better. Labeling the problem and discussing it with someone can frequently be helpful. Numerous types of psychotherapy are used professionally to treat postpartum depression, frequently in conjunction with medication. You can develop the abilities you need to deal with problems in daily life and control your emotions with the aid of treatment.

If you believe you are having a medical emergency, arrange for someone to monitor your child while someone else drives you to the hospital or doctor’s office.

How can you help a loved one who has PPD?.

Everyone dislikes hearing the words “you need help,” but if you see a loved one is in trouble, you might bring up the fact that she doesn’t seem quite like herself. How are you doing? might be a soft question. Can I be of any assistance? Tell her that you’re always there for her and that things will turn around.

Andrea Schneider, LCSW and Psychotherapist, suggests the following ways to help:

• Look for capable assistance for your loved one.

• Become informed.

• Don’t attempt her diagnosis yourself.

• When you observe that she is improving, let her know.

• Encourage her to get some rest, go for a walk, and eat well.

• Join her for appointments.

• Work with experts in healing to assist her.

• Obtain assistance for yourself.

• Remind her that she is dealing with a health issue.

• Be careful to get enough sleep as well.

You must also take care of your own emotional wellbeing. Even if you comprehend the reasons behind your loved one’s sadness, it might be challenging to resist internalizing some of the suffering or having doubts about your own value. You can get through this difficult time by talking to a professional and spending some time for yourself.

Call emergency services, her healthcare practitioner, or the hospital’s emergency room right away if your loved one is going through a psychiatric emergency and follow their advice.