Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Bringing a new baby home from the hospital can be exciting but also overwhelming. Having the responsibility for the care of a tiny human can feel scary! The initial feelings can be experienced physically and emotionally. The overwhelm and the thoughts of “can I handle this?” are normal and will often go away. However, some mothers experience a deeper and longer lasting worry, sadness and feeling down.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a type of depression that may start during the pregnancy or shortly after the birth of a child. It affects the mother’s mood - resulting in feeling

 - Sad                                                                        - Difficulty remembering information
- Anxious                                                                   - Hard to focus or concentrate
- Irritability                                                                 - Withdraw from family or friends
- Guilt about parenting                                               - Angry
- Loss of interest in your baby                                   - Worthless

It also shows up in changes to eating and sleeping patterns, extreme lack of energy, and ability to concentrate or participate in everyday activities. Frequently, mother’s experiencing PPD will report a lack of interest in everyday activities, or that “there is something missing” in their bond with their baby. Sometimes a mother may feel like harming her baby or herself. Although this is rare, if you have this feeling this needs urgent care, please call 9-1-1 or your local crisis centre (in BC it is 1-800-784-2433). 

Even if you have had a second or third child and didn’t experience PPD during the first or second baby, Postpartum Depression can occur in subsequent pregnancies.

PPD is likely caused by different factors including family history, previous and current life circumstances, personality, and biology.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms please call your doctor and discuss it with them.

If you would like support in your experience of PPD, please call Heather at 604-375-3010 or email at heather@discoverycounselling.ca