Baby Blues
- Mood Can be labile; teary
- Self-esteem is unchanged
- Rest is likely to restore energy
- Typically peaks 3-5 days after birth and lasts no longer than 2 weeks
Depression
- Mood is gloomy, irritated, agitated, rage
- Low self-esteem, guilt
- Poor sleep; rest does not restore energy
- Anhedonia: lack of interest in pleasurable activities
- Persists longer than 2 weeks postpartum
While the “baby blues” and Postpartum Depression (PPD) can share many symptoms, such as a sadness and fatigue, they onset and duration can be very different! Learning to recognize the differences and how it impacts your functioning and ability to show up for yourself and your loved ones is KEY to treatment and prevention.
Here are ways to help:
👉🏻 Daily journaling to track your mood can provide valuable insight into what is going on
👉🏻 Educating the people around you about what signs to look for can also be helpful when we don’t see the signs for ourselves
👉🏻 Utilize medical resources, like your PCP, OBGYN, midwife, or even your child’s pediatrician
With enough resources, you can do your best to protect yourself from the lows of postpartum depression. Don’t hesitate to ask for help!
If you feel you are struggling in your life, please consider reaching out for support. I am now seeing clients in-person in Rockwall, Texas, and virtually in the whole state of Texas.