Postpartum Depression, Anxiety & More: Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Pregnancy isn’t easy. From the physical changes to the hormonal and emotional shifts, it’s a journey. And bringing the baby home, that comes with a wealth of feelings: joy, love, exhaustion, uncertainty, and other emotions that are difficult to put into words. 

Adjusting to postpartum changes can be difficult, and struggling with your mental health after giving birth doesn’t make you a bad person, least of all, a bad parent. Having a child, whether it’s your first or fourth, requires a major lifestyle change. 

Postpartum mental health conditions are a lot more common than people realize, but they’re treatable. Knowing what to watch for and knowing when to reach out can make all the difference in your postpartum recovery. 

The “Baby Blues” VS a Postpartum Mental Health Condition

Around 50% to 75% of women experience “baby blues,” which typically shows up in the first 10-14 days after giving birth. Baby blues can include things like mood swings, tearfulness, irritability, overwhelm, anxiety, worry, and difficulty sleeping. 

When baby blues symptoms are intense, last longer than two weeks, or interfere with daily functioning, making it difficult to care for yourself or your baby, there may be something more going on. 

Common Postpartum Mental Health Conditions

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is a lot more persistent than baby blues. Postpartum depression symptoms can include: 

• Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
• Frequent crying
• Loss of interest in things you usually enjoy
• Feelings of guilt, shame, or worthlessness
• Feeling disconnected from your baby
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Significant changes in sleep or appetite
• Feeling like you are not a good enough parent
• Thoughts of death, self-harm, or suicide

Postpartum depression can look different from person to person. Some parents may not feel noticeably “sad;” instead, they may feel numb or withdrawn, while others may feel angry and irritable. 

Postpartum Anxiety

Some worry is normal when caring for a new baby, but postpartum anxiety can make worry feel constant, uncontrollable, or all-consuming. Postpartum anxiety symptoms can include: 

• Constantly worrying that something bad will happen
• Racing thoughts
• Feeling unable to relax
• Repeatedly checking on the baby
• Difficulty sleeping even when there is an opportunity to rest
• Feeling restless or on edge
• Physical symptoms such as a racing heart, nausea, dizziness, or shortness of breath

Severe postpartum anxiety is often overlooked because some worry over a newborn baby is “normal.” The crucial distinction is how intense the worry becomes and how much it interferes with your life. 

Postpartum OCD

Postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can involve intrusive, unwanted thoughts or images, often centered on your baby’s safety. But postpartum OCD doesn’t stop there. It comes with compulsive behaviors.

A new parent may be deeply frightened or ashamed by intrusive thoughts. Having an unwanted intrusive thought is not the same as wanting to act on it. A mental health professional who understands OCD and postpartum mental health can help you understand what you are experiencing and how to overcome it.

Birth Trauma and PTSD

Pregnancy, labor, delivery, medical complications, emergency procedures, or a baby’s medical needs can often be traumatic. Someone experiencing postpartum PTSD symptoms may have:

• Flashbacks or nightmares
• Intense distress when reminded of the birth
• Avoidance of conversations, places, or situations associated with the experience
• Hypervigilance or feeling constantly “on guard”
• Difficulty sleeping
• Feelings of fear, helplessness, or disconnection

Postpartum Psychosis

Postpartum psychosis is rare, but it is considered a medical emergency. The symptoms may include hallucinations, delusions or beliefs that are disconnected from reality, severe confusion, paranoia, extreme agitation, or unusually elevated or rapidly changing moods.

If you believe you or someone you know may be experiencing postpartum psychosis, seek emergency medical care immediately. And do not leave the person alone with the baby while arranging help.

Warning Signs That It’s Time to Reach Out

You shouldn’t wait to reach out until your postpartum symptoms are severe. Reach out to a healthcare or mental health professional if you notice any of these symptoms: 

• Sadness, anxiety, anger, or hopelessness that isn’t improving
• Feeling overwhelmed most or all of the time
• Difficulty bonding or feeling connected with your baby
• Feeling emotionally numb or unlike yourself
• Constant fear that something will happen to your baby
• Intrusive thoughts that are frightening or difficult to manage
• Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities
• Feeling unable to cope with everyday responsibilities
• Symptoms that are affecting your relationships or ability to function

Sometimes the people closest to a new parent notice changes first. If you know someone who is postpartum and struggling with their mental health, the best thing you can do is reach out and encourage them to seek professional support. 

Why Reaching Out Matters

A lot of new parents minimize their symptoms because they think that they should be happy and grateful for their new situation. They push those isolating feelings and thoughts down, which often makes symptoms worse. Other new parents worry about judgment; they think that if they admit they’re struggling, people will question their ability to parent. But at Integrated Counseling & Wellness, we know mental health struggles and love for your children can coexist. We also know that reaching out can help new parents work through feelings of worry and isolation. 

Reaching out for support can look different depending on your needs and preferences. It can include counseling, medical care, medication (when needed), support groups, practical help at home, or a combination of these approaches.

You Don’t Have to Wait Until You’re in Crisis

Postpartum mental health support should not be reserved for a crisis. Reach out if you aren’t feeling like yourself, if you feel uncertain about parenting, or if you feel exhausted, anxious, angry, lonely, or overwhelmed. Talking with someone who cares and is ready to listen can make a difference. 

At Integrated Counseling & Wellness, our counselors are trained and experienced to support individuals and families as they cope with transitions. If postpartum life feels heavier than expected, don’t carry the load by yourself. Reach out to our team today. We offer in-person counseling in Rexburg, Idaho Falls, and Ammon, and also offer telehealth options in Pocatello. 

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, experiencing thoughts of suicide or harming someone else, or showing signs of postpartum psychosis, seek emergency care now. In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or call 911 for an immediate emergency.