What if the “baby blues” don’t go away

For most mothers, the term, “the baby blues” has become as socially accepted as any other typical symptom post-pregnancy like sleep deprivation.  However, what if the blues don’t go away? For 10-20% of new mothers, Postpartum Depression, or more generally Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) are an unwanted and difficult part of the first year of motherhood. The causes of PPD are many, and can include hormonal and lifestyle changes, a lack of social support, sleep deprivation, a high-risk pregnancy, a traumatic birth or difficult recovery, or breastfeeding problems.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you might be suffering from a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder:

• Trouble eating or sleeping

• Increased irritability

• Sadness

• Depression

• A lack of pleasure in things that once brought you joy

• Anxiety and or panic

• Self loathing

• Perfectionism

• Obsessive thoughts

• Fear that you will harm yourself or your baby

• Hopelessness

Many mothers experience only a few of these symptoms, but if you feel like something is wrong and you’re not quite yourself that is an important signal. If these symptoms persist for two weeks or more, or you are hearing voices or seeing things that other people don’t hear or see or having urges to hurt yourself or the baby, you should get support by talking to her doctor or a mental health professional. PMADs are highly treatable conditions, with therapy, medication, or a combination of the two.  Getting help is paramount to getting better.