The new baby’s arrival can bring a bunch of emotions for new mothers including happiness, exhaustion, and anxiety. Unfortunately, new mothers sometimes experience an unexpected emotion during this period: depression.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is more than feeling ” baby blue” to a mum. While it is common for mothers to feel worried and emotional after childbirth, PPD is much deeper, more prolonged, and ultimately needs to be cared for. Recognizing the early warning signs of PPD is the first step to accessing the right care.

What Is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a type of mood disorder that can impact women after they give birth. The onset of PPD often occurs within the first few weeks post-delivery; however, it can begin anytime within the first year after delivery.

PPD is not the same thing as baby blues, which are mild levels of emotional disturbance that occur after birth and usually resolve in a couple of weeks. The baby blues do not interfere with the mother’s ability to care for herself or for her baby. However, PPD can interfere with the mother’s ability to care for and bond with the baby and herself.

Let’s explore some early symptoms of postpartum depression that can indicate something more than a temporary stream of emotional problems.

1. Persistent Sadness or Low Mood

One of the first signs is that you may feel sad and empty for an extended time. This isn’t just that random tearful moment. It is an emotional low that doesn’t go away or encourage words from friends or family even when they are surrounded.

You may also struggle to enjoy the things you once used to love, even when you are with family or your new baby.

2. Loss of Interest and Energy

Feeling exhausted after giving birth is normal. Yet, if you find you feel tired all the time, even when your baby is sleeping and you lose motivation to do basic things like shower or eat, you may be experiencing something more.

Women experiencing PPD may also stop caring about hygiene, normal house activities, or social interaction-not due to being lazy, but due to a much deeper loss of interest and energy.

3. Excessive Anxiety or Worry

As a new parent, you will likely have mild concerns about your baby’s safety. But, if you are feeling a superstitious fear (some kind of impending dread) that keeps you from sleeping or eating, you may be experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression or even postpartum anxiety.

You may think, “I know nothing bad is going to happen to my baby,” yet you still have a nagging feeling that makes you paranoid. Also, your fears can consume you and feel like they are out of your control.

4. Difficulty Bonding With the Baby

Not all mothers have an immediate attachment with their newborn, and that is fine. But if you have gone weeks after delivery and still feel emotionally detached, distant, or resentful with the baby, this might be an area to investigate further. 

Some mothers feel guilt and their feelings of disconnection do not match what they expected to feel. Others feel apathetic or simply feel a burden with the baby being present. 

5. Changes in Sleep or Appetite

As new mothers, many mothers are functioning on very little sleep – and sleep deprivation would be bad enough on its own. Postpartum depression can make sleep deprivation worse! Some mothers with depression may not be able to sleep even when the baby is asleep, and some mothers may sleep excessively (more than you would ever think or consider normal) and still feel exhausted.

Depending on the individual, appetite can also be affected. You may eat too much, or completely lose interest in food.

6. Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt

Postpartum depression can create severe self-doubt. You may think you are a bad mother, you may feel you are not doing enough, or you may think your baby would be better off with someone else.

This inner dialogue is usually entangled with guilt and shame, and may even manifest as “My family would be better off without me.”

7. Thoughts of Harming Yourself or the Baby

This is a major symptom. Some mothers with severe postpartum depression may experience thoughts of hurting themselves or their baby, not because they want to, but because they are feeling hopeless and out of control.

These thoughts can be scary, but they do not mean you are a bad parent. They are the symptom of a treatable condition and immediate help is extremely important if you are having these thoughts.

8. Feeling Numb or Disconnected From Reality

A few women talk about how it feels like they are an observer in their own life or going through the motions and are unable to fully engage with their day in a meaningful way. A few women say they feel foggy or disconnected from their emotional experiences.

This emotional numbness is a common occurrence, often misunderstood, but an important signpost to identify.

Why Early Detection Matters

Being diagnosed with postpartum depression does not indicate you’re weak or failing as this is a medical condition that changes the chemistry of your brain, your hormones, and emotional state. It is also more common than most people realize affects as many as 1 in 7 women.

Recognizing postpartum depression helps with earlier treatment. Almost every woman suffering from it will get well with the right support therapy, medication, support groups, and/or combinations of some of these options.

What Should You Do If You Notice These Signs?

• Talk to a doctor: Their first step should be your OB-GYN or primary care provider. They can screen you for postpartum depression and recommend appropriate care.   
• Be honest; Don’t diminish what you’re feeling. What you are experiencing is legitimate.
• Lean on your support system: Don’t be afraid to talk to your partner, family, or friends.
• Take it one day at a time: Recovery is not likely to be instant but little steps matter.

At Sugam Hospital, as a top maternity hospital in Chennai, we appreciate that the time postpartum is an emotional, complicated, and very individual journey. Our women’s health team includes mental health professionals that are skilled in assisting you with your postpartum challenges.

Whether you are unsure of how you feel or know that you require assistance but don’t know where to start, we are here.  

Postpartum depression is not uncommon. You are not alone! The first step is knowing the signs. The second is reaching out. If you notice these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, do not wait to ask for help! Help is available, and recovery is achievable.