What Are Some Symptoms of Postpartum Depression? (And Why That’s Only Part of the Story)
The Symptoms of Postpartum Depression—and What Else to Watch For
When someone searches for “What are some symptoms of Postpartum Depression?”, they’re likely feeling confused, overwhelmed, and run down. If this is you, know that that is valid and you’re not alone.
Postpartum Depression (PPD) is one of the most well-known mental health condition associated with pregnancy and childbirth. But, what many people don’t realize is that Postpartum Depression is just one piece of the much larger puzzle of perinatal mental health. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADS) overarchingly are actually the number one obstetric complication in the United States.
What Is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum Depression is a mood disorder that can affect individuals during and after pregnancy. Some of the symptoms of postpartum depression include:
Feeling down or depression
Loss of interest in doing things
Feeling hopeless, guilty, or worthless
Difficulty eating or eating too much
Feeling constantly tired or sleeping too much
Feeling overwhelmed by needs of baby
Difficulty bonding with baby
Thoughts of self-harm or harming others
These symptoms can develop within the first few weeks postpartum or even months or years later! This is different than what is known as the “Baby Blues” which is similar symptoms, but true Baby Blues will go away after a few days to a week or two. If it sticks around, it is likely Postpartum Depression.
Not every parent experiencing mental health struggles will fit this description.
Beyond Depression: The Full Picture of Perinatal Mental Health
The term perinatal refers to the period from pregnancy through the first year after birth, sometimes even up to three years after birth depending on the source! During this time, many types of mental health disorders—not just Postpartum Depression—can occur. These are collectively known as Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs).
Some examples of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders include:
Postpartum Anxiety
Postpartum OCD
Postpartum PTSD (often from traumatic birth experiences)
Postpartum Psychosis
Baby Blues (a milder, temporary condition—less than 2 weeks—that affects up to 80% of new parents)
Postpartum Depression
Each of these has different symptoms and different impacts, but all are valid, serious, and treatable.
Symptoms That Might Be Overlooked:
Parents who don’t match the “typical” symptoms of PPD often go unnoticed, but they still struggle, sometimes silently.
A parent who can’t sleep even when the baby sleeps, because they’re constantly checking if the baby is breathing
Someone who experiences intrusive, scary thoughts like the baby getting hurt or being taken
A person who believes something terrifying and unrealistic, such as their baby being possessed or dangerous
A parent who refused to let anyone else near their baby out of intense fear or mistrust
Why Are These Conditions Often Missed?
There are a few key reasons why perinatal mental health disorders, beyond Postpartum Depression, often go undiagnosed:
Lack of provider training in perinatal mental health (yes, this includes OBGYNs!)
Short medical appointments that don’t allow for deeper mental health screening
Cultural silence around postpartum struggles (parents aren’t supposed to complain or feel sad/anxious when they have a cute baby)
Fear of judgement, especially around parenting, safety, and mental health
Many parents don’t answer screening forms honestly because they’re afraid of what might happen if they do and…
Most providers do not know what to do if a patient screens positive
The Truth? Every Parent Struggles
Let’s get real. Every person who has a baby struggles in some way. Some struggles are small and temporary, others are persistent and overwhelming.
But, none of them mean you’re a bad parent or that you can’t handle this.
What Can We Do?
Talk openly about Postpartum Depression and other perinatal mental health disorders
Normalize seeking help—there is a lot of strength in getting support
Educate parents, families, and providers on the full range of symptoms
Encourage honest conversations without fear or shame
You deserve support.
If you’ve been wondering, “What are some symptoms of Postpartum Depression?”, you’re already taking the first step. Your symptoms are real and valid. Your experience matters.
Get help now. Schedule your free consultation. You’re not alone.
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Soteria Mental Health
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