How do I Know if I Have Postpartum Depression?

It’s supposed to be the happiest time of your life, yet you can’t stop crying. You look at your newborn, a little chubby-cheeked cherub fast asleep in his bassinet, and feel a vast chasm of sadness.

You’re so disconnected from everyone and everything. All you want to do is sleep. You keep wondering, what’s wrong with me?

Then comes the judgment: You start admonishing yourself for not being over the moon, like everyone expects you to be.

Studies indicate roughly 10 to 15% of women experience postpartum depression after giving birth. This post goes over what makes postpartum different from the “baby blues,” and offers insight into what you can do to feel better.

What’s the Difference Between Postpartum Depression and the Baby Blues?

It’s important to note that everyone experiences some stress or anxiety after giving birth, especially if it’s your firstborn.

A new baby means a new routine, sleepless nights, and a lot of wondering: is this normal? Added to that are the hormonal shifts that happen post-childbirth, which can have a huge impact on how you feel.

The baby blues typically occur a few days after giving birth, and include mood swings, anxiety, irritability, and insomnia. They usually go away within two weeks or less, and don’t interfere with your ability to care for your baby. The baby blues usually go away on their own and don’t require an intervention from a therapist.

Postpartum depression is much more intense. It comes with crippling feelings of sadness, anger, scary thoughts, lack of energy, and difficulty bonding or feeling connected to your baby.

Postpartum depression can start within the first few weeks of giving birth, up to the one-year mark.

Due to its intensity and how it diminishes your ability to care for yourself and your newborn, it is important to find a therapist who specializes in treating postpartum depression.

How Long Does Postpartum Depression Usually Last?

The worst part about postpartum depression is its tenacity. Whereas the baby blues fade after a week or two, postpartum depression will move in and get comfy. It’s known to linger for

months, sometimes even years.

Due to its tendency to interfere with daily life, it’s important to seek treatment for postpartum depression at the onset, rather than wait in hopes you’ll “snap out of it.”

How do I Deal with Postpartum Depression?

The best way to navigate postpartum depression is to start where you are: ask for help and prioritize sleep.

Vocalize how you feel. Bottling everything up for fear of judgment gives depression license to really have its way with you. Talking about it can help shed some light on the absurdity of your thoughts. Take a walk with a loved one and talk about what you’re going through. Never underestimate the power of gentle movement and fresh air.

And above all, seek treatment for depression.

Postpartum depression does not mean there is something wrong with you. It’s something that many people go through, and your therapist will be there to support you each step of the way.

Don’t let excuses prevent you from getting the help you need, either. If you don’t want to leave the house, search for therapy for depression online.

At the Relationship Therapy Center, we’re here for you; you’re safe. Our compassionate therapists are experts in helping people understand what is happening to them and why, and best of all, teach them what they can do to feel better.

Please reach out to us any time to learn more.

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In addition to Individual therapy for adults our Sacramento area counseling clinics located in Roseville, Davis and Fair Oaks, CA are pleased to offer a variety of mental health services. Our couples services include: Counseling after infidelity, sex therapy, co-parent counseling, family therapy, divorce counseling, intensive couples retreats, and premarital counseling. Our

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