The Ugly Side of Postpartum: Depression and Anxiety

When reading about pregnancy and getting ready for the amazing journey you’re about to take on, it’s natural not to focus on the negative aspects.

However, there’s a difference between not thinking negatively about a wonderful experience and not getting enough information to get past the less-amazing moments that comes along with being a new mom.

In this article, we’re going to talk about the ugly side of postpartum. Starting with postpartum depression and the changes that your body goes through. It’s all linked.

So, let’s start talking about the less-beautiful things that postpartum brings and how to tackle them.

Postpartum depression and anxiety are caused by the hormones and body changes than a woman experiences after having a baby. Learn the signs and get help if you're feeling down and having thoughts that could hurt yourself or your baby.

Postpartum Depression Is Not Linked with a Difficult Pregnancy

It’s good to know right from the start that postpartum depression isn’t totally avoidable. However, very few moms manage to overcome it, no matter how good they prepare.

Most women tend to think that postpartum depression is linked with a difficult pregnancy or that you only go through this during your first pregnancy.

It has nothing to do with a harder-than-usual pregnancy and it can happen with the second or even third baby.

It’s all about the hormones, chemicals, and different state of mind that you experience in a relatively short period. 

You May Not Even Realize You’re Suffering from It

Some of the most frequent questions about postpartum are “how long does postpartum depression last?” and “when does it start?

Well, it’s not that easy to identify a certain period when postpartum depression settles in.

Just like any other form of depression, it’s not a change that you notice all of a sudden. Some women never realize they’re depressed.

Since there’s no clear postpartum depression definition or symptoms, most moms think they’re just under the weather.

So, when you feel like nothing works and everything is against you, ask yourself if it could be postpartum depression.

Intrusive Thoughts

When it comes to postpartum depression symptoms, the first one that is easy to identify is intrusive thoughts.

Most of these thoughts will focus on numerous ways in which you can screw up as a mother and the anxiety about doing everything wrong.

The more scared you get by these thoughts, the more difficult it will be to stop thinking of them and it becomes a vicious circle.

Don’t hesitate to talk to friends about it, especially other moms that went through it. If that doesn’t work, you can always go see a therapist.

You’re going through a lot of changes, so it’s natural to feel a little confused by your thoughts.

You may even have terrible thoughts about body image that can make you feel terrible about your self image after a baby. These are the best postpartum belly wraps that can help you gain that confidence back.

It Can Get Difficult to Enjoy Your Baby

Postpartum depression and anxiety are caused by the hormones and body changes than a woman experiences after having a baby. Learn the signs and get help if needed.

Even if you’ve just experienced the most beautiful thing in the world and witnessed the miracle of birth, postpartum depression statistics show that most women that are affected by this can’t manage to enjoy their baby.

The intrusive thoughts and overall lack of energy leave them only able to deliver the basic functions that keep their baby alive and happy.

Not enjoying your baby can go as far as making you wish you never had a baby in the first place.

This is one of the most obvious postpartum depression signs. If you’re experiencing these thoughts you should talk to your physician or health care provider.

This is a natural part of motherhood that many moms experience and you can overcome it. 

Anything Can Trigger Negative Thoughts

When listing postpartum depression risk factors, it’s a very wide list.

Right after giving birth, the body is assaulted with lots of hormones that make you jump from one mood to another in a blink of an eye. So, in that state, even the smallest thing can trigger a bad mood.

You could surprise yourself crying over the way you just cut a cucumber or because you got diaper rash cream on your finger.

Some moms going through postpartum depression stated they cried over the thought of their baby growing older.

Even though it’s clear that we’re talking about irrational fear, because of hormones in the body and all the changes that a mother is going through, it’s very difficult to take a moment and do a proper assessment of the situation.

So, whenever you feel like you can’t control your emotions, it’s a good reason to talk to a physician or therapist to get all the help you need to feel comfortable with yourself again. 

Postpartum Depression May Not Look Like Depression

Postpartum depression and anxiety are caused by the hormones and body changes than a woman experiences after having a baby. Learn the signs and get help if needed.

The thing that makes getting postpartum depression help so difficult is that it’s not so easy to identify.

If most of us have not been through depression in our lives, this is a new feeling that even women with a good psychological background can fail to identify.

That’s why it is better to talk about the way you feel with the people around you. Perhaps they will be able to see it earlier.

. . . . .

Hopefully, reading about the ugly side of postpartum and the depression that often accompanies it has helped you.

Women need to talk openly about these things because it’s the only way to reach more people and help them lead a better life.

So, if you had any kind of experience with postpartum depression, we encourage you to use the comments section below and start a topic about everything you want to share. 

Related Post: The Best Use of Light Therapy for Postpartum Depression

Author Bio

Betti Wilson is a mother of three that discovered the passion for words during the first pregnancy. Since she was forced to spend a lot of time in bed, she started reading about pregnancy and everything surrounding it. So, she decided to start a blog to help other mums as well. 

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