Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Postpartum depression is a highly individualized experience that varies in intensity and manifestation from person to person. While some women may be afflicted by a rare and severe form of postpartum psychosis, others may only experience a milder and more transient version commonly referred to as “baby blues.”

Regardless of severity, there are certain recognizable symptoms that serve as indicators of postpartum depression in women.

Symptoms of Postpartum “Baby Blues” (Not Postpartum Depression)

During the second and third weeks following pregnancy, it is common for new mothers to experience postpartum “baby blues.”

Symptoms of “baby blues” include:

• Anxiety
• Crying
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Tiredness

These are common feelings and do not necessarily indicate a more severe type of postpartum depression. Though they can be challenging, these feelings typically go away within a few weeks and most likely do not require medical intervention.

“Baby blues” are often the result of hormonal changes right after birth. Right after the baby is born, new moms will experience a sudden dip in hormone levels (specifically estrogen and progesterone) which can cause depression symptoms.

Sometimes, these milder “baby blues” symptoms do not fade and instead intensify or worsen within three to four weeks following pregnancy. Increased or ongoing symptoms could be an indication of more serious postpartum depression. The Office on Women’s Health recommends speaking to your doctor if your “baby blues” last over a few weeks.

Postpartum Depression Symptoms Overview

Postpartum depression symptoms are similar to any other type of depression. These symptoms usually appear during the first few weeks after birth but can occur anytime during the first year.

Some additional symptoms include specific feelings toward or about the baby that are characteristic of postpartum depression.

Emotional Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

During postpartum depression—also known as perinatal depression—women most commonly experience emotional symptoms that affect their feelings.

These emotional symptoms include:

• Excessive and uncontrollable crying
• Persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness
• Feeling numb or empty
• Extremes in mood swings
• Irritability and restlessness
• Feeling anger and rage
• Becoming easily frustrated
• Anxiety and fear
• Feeling guilt and shame

Emotional Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

In addition to emotional symptoms, there are also shifts in her thoughts and mentality during postpartum depression.

Here are some of the mental symptoms of postpartum depression:

• Inability to concentrate
• Trouble remembering details
• Difficulty making decisions
• Doubting her ability to care for her baby
• Thinking things are too overwhelming to handle
• Thinking she has failed or is inadequate, feelings of worthlessness

Physical Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression also manifests itself physically and creates symptoms that affect the body.

Physical symptoms of postpartum depression include:

• Changes in appetite, such as eating too much or too little
• Trouble sleeping
• Oversleeping
• Fatigue and loss of energy
• Muscle aches and pains
• Headaches
• Stomach pains

Behavioral Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

Women suffering from postpartum depression also exhibit behavioral changes. It may seem like she is behaving like a different person.

Here are common behavioral symptoms of postpartum depression:

• Acting distant from her partner
• Withdrawing from loved ones and social activities
• Inability to form a bond with the new baby
• Unwilling to care for the baby out of fear of harming them
• Not being able to enjoy time with friends and family members
• Not wanting to be alone with the baby
• Exhibiting angry behavior toward others

Extreme Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

In some cases, postpartum depression symptoms intensify and worsen beyond what is listed above. Other more severe types of postpartum depression create an additional set of symptoms.

These other types of postpartum depression include:

• Postpartum Anxiety
• Postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Postpartum panic disorder
• Postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 
• Postpartum psychosis

Symptoms of Postpartum Obsession, Panic, and Trauma

Women with severe cases of postpartum depression may experience a combination of obsessive, anxious, and traumatic behaviors.

These extreme symptoms may include:

• Severe and debilitating anxiety and agitation
• Recurring panic attacks (i.e., shortness of breath, chest tightening, and heart palpitations)
• Fears of dying, losing control, or going crazy
• Displaying repetitive obsessions such as bathing the baby and changing their clothes
• Intrusive thoughts of harming or killing the baby
• Feeling horrified and embarrassed by these thoughts

The woman is aware of her thoughts and behaviors with all types of postpartum depression except postpartum psychosis. Therefore, her acting upon harming or killing the baby is very unlikely.

These specific symptoms can help health professionals diagnose which type of postpartum depression the mother is experiencing. Awareness of the details and patterns of postpartum depression symptoms will help new parents seek appropriate treatment for the mother.

Dangerous Symptoms of Postpartum Psychosis

Postpartum psychosis is a rare but extremely severe form of postpartum depression (PPD) that requires immediate medical attention. It typically occurs within the first two weeks after childbirth, but in some cases, it can appear as early as 48 hours after delivery.

Unlike other forms of PPD, postpartum psychosis can cause a woman to lose touch with reality, making it difficult for her to understand that her thoughts and behaviors are not normal. This can be a very dangerous condition that requires prompt treatment from a healthcare professional.

Postpartum psychosis symptoms include:

• Experiencing hallucinations of things or sounds that aren’t there
• Becoming delusional with paranoid, suspicious, or irrational beliefs
• Exhibiting extremely agitated or even violent behavior
• Becoming easily confused or disoriented
• Obsessing over the baby
• Being extraordinarily fearful or anxious
• Displaying bizarre behaviors that are uncharacteristic of the individual
• Extreme and rapid mood swings
• Refusing to eat or sleep
• Taking self-harming actions
• Suicidal thoughts
• Suicidal attempts
• Thoughts of harming or killing her baby

Because postpartum psychosis presents a major risk of suicide or infanticide, hospitalization is usually required to keep the mother and baby safe.

If you or a loved one exhibits any of these symptoms, inform your physician immediately. You can also take a postpartum depression screening test to help identify specific postpartum depression symptoms you may be facing.

You can also contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988. This hotline is available 24/7 to help you through your feelings of hopelessness.

Risk Factors of Postpartum Depression

It is important to recognize that postpartum depression is not limited to certain demographics, and even those who may be at a higher risk for experiencing PPD are not guaranteed to develop it. However, there are certain factors that can increase the likelihood of developing postpartum depression after giving birth.

It is crucial to be aware of these circumstances and take necessary precautions to ensure the mental health and well-being of new mothers.

Some potential PPD risk factors include:

• Family history of depression
• Previous experience with depression or mental illness
• Prior diagnosis of a mood disorder (e.g., Bipolar Disorder)
• Stressful life events, such as a death in the family or job loss
• Traumatic pregnancies or birth experiences
• Cooccurring health conditions
• Prior diagnosis of PPD with previous children

Treatment to Alleviate Postpartum Depression Symptoms

In the event that you are grappling with severe cases of postpartum depression (PPD), it may be necessary to seek medical intervention. It is important to note that approximately 15% of births result in PPD, and there are several treatment options available to help you manage this condition.

Prior to selecting a treatment, your healthcare provider may suggest that you undergo a blood test to ensure that there are no underlying thyroid issues that may be contributing to your symptoms. This will help to ensure that you receive the most effective treatment plan to address your specific needs.

Additional treatment options can include:

• Psychiatry, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or other forms of “talk therapy”
• Antidepressant medication, many of which are safe to take while breastfeeding
• Support groups (like Postpartum Support International)
• Adjustments to diet or exercise routine
• Meditation or other mindfulness practices

More intensive treatment may be required in extreme cases of PPD. For instance, sometimes Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is recommended for postpartum psychosis.