Even the most prepared and composed mother can become anxious and cry due to hormonal fluctuations, lack of sleep, and the stress and strain of taking care of a newborn. However, how can new mothers distinguish between postpartum depression and the baby blues?

PPD, or postpartum depression, is the most common birth-related condition. This disease affects one in eight women, or 1.3 million mothers annually in the United States alone. PPD is a public health concern that affects everyone, including spouses, kids, friends, extended family, and coworkers. It is not just a problem for women. The good news is that PPD is entirely treatable and shouldn't be feared if the right support is given.

Baby Blues Is Not PPD

The severity and length of the symptoms are the two key indicators that help distinguish between PPD and the typical Baby Blues.

Between 50 and 80 percent of moms go through the mild Baby Blues symptoms, which include feelings of vulnerability and dependence as well as weeping. They disappear at the end of the second week, usually starting on the second or third day following delivery. In most cases, baby blues don't need for expert help. PPD can also start soon after delivery and, if untreated, often peaks three months postpartum; however, the disease can also start at any point in the first year of life. In contrast to Baby Blues, PPD symptoms are strong enough to interfere with a mother's everyday activities.

Myths and Fantasies About Motherhood

Moms are more prone to PPD when they believe these widespread misconceptions. Impossible standards can make moms feel unworthy, as though they don't "measure up." Among the most harmful are:

• I shouldn't have to take pauses. I should want to spend all of my time with my child if I love them that much. Since taking breaks can help prevent burnout, depletion, and depression, taking breaks is crucial for a mother's mental health as well as the health of her family.
• My needs shouldn't matter; for now, everything is about the baby. It is not healthy for anyone involved to get lost in the shuffle of babyhood. Anticipating her own enjoyable pursuits can help mom avoid experiencing anger, worry, or melancholy.
• Being a mother comes naturally. There wouldn't be as many parenting books if that were the case. Furthermore, solving the first baby's problem could not solve the next.
• My life ought to be at its happiest right now. When a baby first gets home, it's like boot camp, albeit perhaps there will be joy. The majority of happy moments occur after the significant initial adjustment.

Myths About PPD

a) Medication is required constantly. A lady should take medicine if it's necessary for her to feel like herself again. However, busting the stereotypes surrounding motherhood and employing supportive care, targeted diet, exercise, good therapy, and possibly other treatment methods work at least as well.

b). PPD-afflicted women pose a risk to their offspring. Even in times of despair, mothers with PPD frequently go to tremendous measures to shield their children. Nonetheless, postpartum psychosis is harmful to infants and is thankfully relatively uncommon. Postpartum depressive mothers do not lose it and get psychotic; these are two different disorders.

b) A specific personality type is predisposed to postpartum depression. Everyone is susceptible, although there are also significant risk factors. PPD can affect people of all temperaments and personalities, even the happiest and most laid-back ones.

d). For the rest of life, I will remain sick. PPD is not a chronic sickness; rather, it is an acute, transient syndrome. With the correct assistance, you might anticipate complete wellness.

What To Watch For

• Difficulty sleeping at night when her baby is sleeping
• Big changes in appetite (usually loss of appetite)
• Hopelessness and feeling like life is over
• Low self-esteem (thoughts such as, “My baby doesn’t like me” or, “Anyone can do this better than I can.”)
• Anger and short-temperedness
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Sadness, crying much of the day
• Anxiety (more than minor worries)

Preventing PPD

All mothers have to plan ahead using a wellness strategy. Having a sleep schedule, taking breaks, eating well, and having social support are all important components. A woman should see a specialist therapist before or throughout her pregnancy if she is aware that she has a high risk of postpartum depression.

If You’re Suffering - Things To Remember

You'll get better. PPD does not stem from you. You're not by yourself. Postpartum depression is not to be shamed, any more than gestational diabetes or any other common ailment that affects new mothers. Accept all forms of assistance. Share and acknowledge what's happening only with understanding individuals.

Reaching Out

Don't attempt to tough it out; PPD frequently does not go away on its own. The prognosis is better the sooner you get the correct help, just like with any other condition. The best present you can give your family as a whole is that. Working with a postpartum mood specialist is ideal. See if a trusted medical professional can recommend someone for you, or go through the resources below. It is not enough to settle for a good therapist to take care of your mental health. You deserve the best assistance because this is your area of expertise.