Postpartum depression and anxiety can present differently for everyone; however, there are some serious warning signs of postpartum depression or anxiety to watch out for. By knowing these signs and looking for them in new mamas, we can change what might otherwise be a devastating outcome for some.
We don’t need to fear ppd/a, and it’s certainly nothing to be ashamed of. By increasing our knowledge and awareness, we can hopefully reduce the stigma surrounding it. After all, a human being was just thrust into the world from our womb, and that can be a pretty traumatic occurrence, even if everything goes just as planned. It’s OK not to be OK in the postpartum period.
So what exactly do we look for and how might we know we experiencing something more than the baby blues? Here are 5 serious warning signs of postpartum depression.
Sleep Disturbances
Your quality of sleep is going to change drastically after giving birth, but if you notice serious changes to the way you sleep, it might be time to have a conversation with your doctor.
Watch out for the sudden onset of insomnia or the inability to sleep. You could also experience the opposite. Sleeping too much is also a serious warning signs of postpartum depression or anxiety. Your sleep habits will change, and that is unavoidable, but watch for signs of serious disruptions in your overall sleep health.
Loss of Interest
If you no longer have an interest in things or people that you used to enjoy, this can definitely be a warning sign. It’s normal to be too exhausted to go out and do things, but if you seriously just lose all interest in things you used to love, tell your doctor about it.
Your interests may also change after having a baby, and that is totally normal too. You don’t have to try to be the exact same person that you were pre-baby, because that’s not likely to happen anyway. Just be aware of these changes. If something doesn’t feel right, let someone know.
Not Bonding with your Baby
Not everyone has that fairytale moment where they look at their baby and fall madly in love, and that is totally normal. However, if this lasts for longer than a couple weeks, then you might be experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety.
Babies aren’t that fun, so don’t feel bad if you’re not absolutely enthralled by every cry and poop. Seriously, it takes some time before they start doing things that are actually fun! But, if you don’t have any attachment to your baby whatsoever, bring it up with your doc. This could be serious warning signs of postpartum depression or anxiety.
Appetite Changes
After you have a baby, you’re going to experience some slight appetite changes, and that’s totally fine. You may be hungrier than usual if you are breastfeeding, and if you had a cesarean, you might not feel like eating much right away.
If you are not eating or are eating way too much (like binge eating), talk to someone. You need to make sure you are nourishing your body after birth, and the lack of or over interest in food could be a sign of ppd, and it can lead to some other health issues if left untreated.
Thoughts of Harming Yourself or Your Baby
If you have thoughts of self-harm or hurting your baby, this is considered a medical emergency. Please call your provider or go to an emergency room right away. If these thoughts are a signal of postpartum psychosis, you need medical treatment immediately.
Please keep in mind that these thoughts do not make you a bad mom, and even if you have these thoughts, it doesn’t mean that you are definitely going to act on them. It’s scary. I get it. I’ve been there, but this is a sign that you need some help mama! This is one of the most serious warning signs of postpartum depression or anxiety.
