02/16/2020
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Do you know the difference? The “baby blues” are commonly occurring feelings or experiences in the immediate postpartum. PPD, or postpartum depression, and other mood disorders go beyond that. And often, people need additional support and resources to improve their mental health.
If something just doesn’t feel right or you feel ‘off,’ please tell someone. Reach out.
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From Happy as a Mother:
It is always challenging to distinguish baby blues from postpartum depression in the early days of motherhood.
Baby blues usually fade on their own within a few days to one to two weeks. During this time you may feel down and have teary moments, but your predominant mood is happy.
To help cope with baby blues try to:
- Get as much rest as you can.
- Accept help from family and friends.
- Connect with other new moms.
- Create time to take care of yourself.
- Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs, which can make mood swings worse.
Key distinguishing features of PPD is that it interferes with your ability to care for yourself and baby. Self care tasks like showering and making dinner can be very difficult and it becomes challenging to maintain your regular daily functioning.
Postpartum depression is often treated with psychotherapy, medication or both. With the right help, it is treatable and does get better! If left untreated it can last months or longer.
If symptoms continue to get worse or don't improve, don't hesitate to seek help.
I offer teletherapy to Canadian residents or you can visit www.postpartum.net. They offer online support groups, a toll free hotline (1-800-944-4773) and serveral other resources! You don't have to suffer.
