Becoming a mother is big. It can bring joy. It can also bring worries. It is not only you who is not happy after your baby is born. Mothers experience mixed emotions. Postpartum depression is common. It’s not on you, and it doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent.
What Is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression, or PPD, is a powerful sadness experienced after giving birth. It is prolonged compared to the normal baby blues. Baby blues are temporary and subtle. PPD is harder to handle. It impacts your thoughts and feelings. Daily life becomes difficult, making self-love and parenting a challenge.
Common Signs to Watch For
Here are ways PPD can feel. If you have several of these for more than two weeks, talk to a health worker.
- You feel very sad most days.
- You have little interest in things you used to like.
- You are tired even after rest.
- You cannot sleep, or you sleep too much.
- You have big changes in appetite.
- You feel worried or scared a lot.
- You feel angry or quick to cry.
- You find it hard to love or bond with your baby.
- You feel guilty or think you are a bad mother.
- You have trouble thinking clearly or making choices.
- You think about hurting yourself or the baby.
If you are considering harming yourself or the baby, seek assistance immediately. Call your doctor, call emergency services, or go to the nearest hospital. Tell someone you trust that you need help now.
What Causes Postpartum Depression?
Many things can add up to PPD. These can be:
- Big changes in hormones after birth.
- Not sleeping enough.
- Feeling alone or not getting help.
- Past sadness or depression.
- Stress from money, work, or family changes.
We do not always know the exact cause. That is okay. We can still find ways to help you feel better.
When to Get Help
If you feel one or more signs most days for more than two weeks, it is time to get help. If you feel unsafe or have thoughts of hurting yourself or the baby, get help right away. Do not wait.
Talking with a doctor, nurse, or mental health professional can be helpful. They can listen. They can check how you are feeling. They can make a plan with you.
How We Can Help at On Track Psychiatry
We are here to help you. We know this time can be hard. Our team helps mothers feel better. We offer kind and personal care. Our providers are Tondalaya Sanford and Michelle Arshinkoff. They are board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners. They care for people with many needs.
Here is what we do for moms:
- We do a full psychiatric evaluation to learn how you feel.
- We help with anxiety and depression.
- We treat postpartum depression with safe plans made for you.
- We can offer medicine if it helps you.
- We teach ways to manage stress and sleep.
- We help with support and follow-up care.
We work with you. We make a plan that fits your life. You are part of every decision. You are never judged. We want you to feel safe and heard.
Simple Ways to Start Feeling Better
You can try small steps that may help. These are not a full treatment, but they can help while you get care.
- Tell one person how you feel. A friend or family member can help.
- Sleep when your baby sleeps if you can.
- Eat simple, healthy food. Small meals help.
- Move a little each day. Even a short walk helps.
- Do one small thing that you like, even for five minutes.
- Ask for help with chores or baby care. You do not have to do it alone.
- Join a mother’s support group. Talking to moms who understand can help.
Final Thoughts
The feeling of unhappiness after birth is frightening. It can also be treated. A lot of mothers come out fine with help and encouragement. You need not work this out on your own. In case you believe that you may have postpartum depression, contact us. Call On Track Psychiatry. We’ll listen and help. You’re not alone and need kind support.
On Track Psychiatry provides personalized care to help you find balance. Our team is here to support you.
FAQs
Q. Who can help me?
Your doctor, a nurse, or a mental health worker can help. We at On Track Psychiatry can listen and make a plan with you.
Q. Will medicine hurt my baby?
Only a doctor can answer that for you. Talk with your care team so they can explain what is safe.