What To Look For If You Think You Have Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Depression.

Trying to understand if you have postpartum depression can at often times be difficult. You don’t know if you truly have it or if you’re making it all up in your head. At least that’s what I felt like. I found myself, a few months into being a new mom, thinking, “I might have PPD.” Which to then I’d tell myself, “Faith, you do not. Quit overreacting.”

Why did I immediately shut myself down you ask?

Well, I didn’t want to admit that somehow I failed. I mean I talk about mental health and how to take care of it. How could I possibly have let myself get depressed? Now, I have done the inner work to realize it wasn’t my fault. Hormones and shock to your system after giving birth to a baby can do all sorts of things to your body.

Insert: Mood Swings and Hair Loss

Now, what are some things you can look for when you think you may have postpartum depression?

First, know that there are really two forms of depression after giving birth to a baby. There is baby blues and there is postpartum depression. Both can be very similar. Essentially, baby blues are less severe and more likely to only last for a few days or weeks after giving birth. A good rule of thumb that most doctors go by is if it’s after 6 weeks and you no longer feel those things you more than likely just had baby blues.

Yet, if it’s past the six week mark and you are still struggling with the symptoms listed below you may want to seek out professional help and talk to your OBGYN. The biggest piece of advice I could give you is know that this happens to A LOT of women, you are not alone, and you did not fail. Okay? Okay.

Here are the most common signs of postpartum depression.

• Depressed mood or severe mood swings
• Feeling the fear that you are not a good mother
• Not able to concentrate or make decisions
• Withdrawing from social events and time with family
• Severe panic or anxiety attacks
• Loss of appetite or eating too much (It can go either way for people)
• Feeling like you are unable to bond with your baby
• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
• Recurring thoughts of suicide
• Intense irritability or anger
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Inability of sleep or sleeping too much (Again, this can go either way)

I pray that as you read through that list you realized how common the feelings you may be having are.

If you’re like me you read through that list and realized you were a lot more than one. For me, I was all except two. TWO! I found myself face to face with my depression. Realizing that in order for me to overcome this I had to admit it. I had to say it outlaid and tell myself and my husband how I was feeling.

If you feel you may be at this point in your life or a friend may be feeling this way. Reach out. Call your mom, a close friend, especially call your doctor. They can help you with professional help on how to overcome this time in your life.

Lastly, know that this does not mean you are weak. You are an amazing mother. You are incredible and worthy of feeling that way. Don’t let the devil try to win this battle. Jesus already won the war. Rest in that peace.

If you want more detailed information please talk with your OBGYN or check out these reliable links.

Mayo Clinic 

National Institute of Mental Health

Although I’ve lived with mental illness my whole life, I am not a medical professional. You can find a therapist anywhere in the United States here. This post contains affiliate links. You can read my disclosure here.