Postpartum depression: Warning signs new mothers should heed

What’s supposed to be your bundle of joy lies in your arms. But instead of feeling joy, you’re beset by uncertainties, exhaustion and crying spells. These “baby blues,” a mood drop that often occurs a few days after childbirth and resolves on its own within two weeks, are very common.

Some new mothers experience more severe, long-lasting mental complications requiring treatment, however. “About one in seven develop depression after childbirth,” says Dr Petra Beschoner, a specialist in psychiatry, psychotherapy and psychosomatic medicine.

Postpartum – or postnatal – depression (PPD), the medical term for the condition, is often accompanied by persistent feelings of guilt that you’re falling short of ideal motherhood, and anxiety about the baby’s health and safety. It can negatively impact maternal-infant bonding, Beschoner says.

“Not every difficult phase” after childbirth signals depression, she says, but if your low mood lasts for weeks, getting through the day becomes increasingly difficult and even minor tasks are challenging, it’s important to get help.

It often takes a long time before new mothers struggling with depression speak about their difficulties. Many regard their symptoms as normal reactions to sleep deprivation and stress, believing they “just have to get through it,” says Beschoner. Outwardly, it often seems that nothing’s wrong since they’re “simply functioning.”

This is why it’s important to recognize the warning signs of PPD early and speak openly about them. Although the condition can manifest itself in very different ways, there are typical signs you should heed, says the Health Knowledge Foundation, a Berlin-based non-profit organization that provides health information.

They include constantly feeling sad and depressed, fearful you’re not able to care for your baby properly, hopeless, overwhelmed and easily irritated. Further signs can be social withdrawal – eg. not answering messages and calling off get-togethers – and emotional distance.

“Quite a few women say they no longer recognize themselves or hardly feel happy anymore,” Beschoner says.

The German Foundation for Depression and Suicide Prevention points to excessive anxiety about the baby’s well-being, strong doubts about your abilities as a mother, and fear of failure. Compulsive thoughts – eg. of harming the baby – and breastfeeding problems can occur as well.

Women affected by such symptoms should turn to their midwife, gynaecologist or GP, who can assess the severity of the symptoms and arrange appropriate support.

If the symptoms persist, Beschoner says that psychotherapy may be advisable, sometimes along with antidepressant medication. In addition, emotional and practical support from your partner, friends or family is important.