Postpartum Anxiety and Postpartum Depression

Experiencing postpartum depression (PPD) or postpartum anxiety (PPA) can be incredibly challenging and overwhelming. Here’s what it might feel like and some common signs or symptoms to look out for:

Postpartum Depression (PPD):

• Feeling overwhelmed to the point where you doubt your ability to cope with motherhood.
• Experiencing guilt because you believe you should be handling motherhood better.
• Struggling to bond with your baby and feeling disconnected.
• Feeling confused, scared, or irritated, and experiencing mood swings.
• Feeling empty, sad, or hopeless, and crying frequently.
• Having disrupted sleep patterns, either sleeping too much or too little.
• Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things.
• Feeling disconnected from others and feeling like you’re going through the motions.
• Having thoughts of running away or harming yourself.
• Feeling like something is wrong but being afraid to seek help due to stigma or fear of judgment.

Postpartum Anxiety & OCD:

• Having racing thoughts and feeling unable to relax.
• Feeling like you need to be constantly doing something.
• Experiencing persistent worry and scary thoughts about the baby’s safety.
• Feeling afraid to be alone with your baby due to scary thoughts or worries.
• Feeling the need to constantly check things or avoid potential dangers.
• Experiencing physical symptoms like stomach cramps, headaches, or panic attacks.
• Feeling restless, on edge, and having trouble sleeping or eating.
• Having a sense of dread or feeling like something terrible is going to happen.

If you recognize these symptoms in yourself, know that you are not alone and that help is available. Reach out to your doctor or a mental health professional for support. Remember, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are temporary and treatable with professional help.

If you experience symptoms like hallucinations, paranoia, or thoughts of harming yourself or others, seek help immediately as these could be signs of postpartum psychosis, a serious condition that requires immediate attention.

Don’t hesitate to seek support and care. You deserve to feel better and receive the help you need during this challenging time.