Help understanding the 3 types of postpartum mood issues you feel after having a baby

November 28, 2023 Nancy Wilson

Guest post by Therapist Alexis Patel

Becoming a mother is a whirlwind of your whole world changing in the blink of an eye. You have nine months to “prepare” as this incredible human grows inside your womb, but as you may now know nothing can truly prepare you for the changes that occur.

There’s a ton of change that happens - mentally, physically, emotionally, even spiritually. Regarding the feelings that I am feeling, you may be wondering- “what are they? What are the three types of postpartum changes I need to be mindful of and look out for?” These changes can be narrowed down into three types: Postpartum baby blues, postpartum depression, and postpartum psychosis. These three main types encompass various different facets and we’ll tap into each one.

postpartum Baby blues

Postpartum baby blues typically happen within the first two weeks after birth, there is an enormous shift in hormones during this time as your body tries to return back to “normal.” You are adjusting, juggling exhaustion, around the clock care taking, and feelings of worry. You may be asking yourself “what the heck am I doing?” It is completely normal to feel tired and overwhelmed (75% of women experience baby blues). After all, a HUGE life change and transition is taking place. You may find yourself crying more, having anxiety, and being restless even though you are past the point of exhaustion.

This is a key time to lean on your support of your family and friends. Here is a list of some examples of the things you may want to let your support system help you with.

Supply meals and coffee
Help you around the house
Watch the baby so you can take a shower
Hold or feed the baby
Watch the baby so you even leave the house and go get yourself a meal, get your nails done or walk around your favorite store

It may be difficult to accept the help, but I promise it will make a world of difference for you. Also, having someone to talk to all while having help is so important as well. Whether it be your partner, best friend, mom, aunt, sister, neighbor or even a therapist, support is necessary so you allow yourself to get some time to rest and recharge. Taking care of a newborn is a 24/7 job, but our bodies are not made to go 24/7 without recharging. It’s like expecting your car to keep going even when you don’t gas it up. It’s gonna stop working after a while.

If you are feeling worried/anxious, crying, feeling helpless/depressed, and/or completely overwhelmed for more than two weeks, more days than not, you may be postpartum depression, not just baby blues.

postpartum depression

Postpartum depression may be mistaken for baby blues at first, but it is much more intense and lasts a lot longer than two weeks.

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

Feeling very depressed and/or have severe mood swings
Crying multiple times a day,
Difficulty bonding with your baby,
Withdrawing from family and friends,
Not enjoying the things you used to,
Changes in appetite,
Fears that you are not a good mother,
Intense anger or anxiety,
Intrusive thoughts about your baby,
Inability to think clearly or concentrate,
Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or shame and even
Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.

This is a long list and it doesn’t cover everything you may be feeling, however, if you are feeling this way it is key to reach out to your OBGYN or primary care doctor as soon as possible, as well as consulting one of our caring postpartum treatment therapists. Another way to stay on top of how you are feeling after your baby is born is to answer the questions on the screening honestly when you go to the pediatrician with your new baby.

Take a moment to take a deep breath and reflect on the questions the screening assessment is asking to truly get a gage on where you are mentally and emotionally. I know it’s easy to forget about you during this time, but it important to have some self-awareness and to be the best you can be during the postpartum period. There is no shame in feeling these things, but you want to make sure you are getting help. Postpartum therapy and possibly medication from your physician can help you to get back to feeling like yourself.

Having support and someone to talk to is crucial if you are experiencing postpartum depression in any form whether that is full on depression, anxiety, rage or all three. There is an area where postpartum depression can get even more intense and evolve into postpartum psychosis.

postpartum psychosis

Postpartum psychosis is the most severe and rare type of postpartum. It typically occurs within the first week after delivery and includes all the symptoms of postpartum depression with the additional symptoms.

Symptoms of postpartum psychosis

Hallucinations
Delusions
Feeling paranoid
Unusual amounts of energy
Feeling lost and confused
Obsessive thoughts about your baby
Making attempts to harm yourself or your baby

Postpartum psychosis requires immediate medical attention, if you are feeling any of these things, do not delay calling your doctor and if it is after hours you may want to go to the emergency room.

Now, I know after reading all of this you may feel even more overwhelmed than before. Please know that you don’t have to go through this by yourself, we have caring and well trained postpartum depression counselors who can help. The incredible thing is that there is hope and you are far from alone. Up to 75% of women experience baby blues and 15% experience postpartum depression in some form (although, my gut tells me this number is higher).

If you are feeling anything discussed above, reach out to your doctor and contact us to schedule your first appointment. At Wilson Counseling, we offer maternal mental health counseling to help you get through the big changes that come with becoming a mom (whether it’s your first or fifth time), to help you see the light again, feel like yourself, and be the best mom you can be. Contact us online to schedule an appointment or call 713-565-0922 to ask questions about how we can help.

What triggers postpartum depression & how can you start to feel better?

Help understanding the three types of postpartum mood issues you have after having a baby.

Feeling burned out taking care of others? Ways to prevent caregiver burnout.

How to deal with change.

How to feel more secure in my body.