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Darker Shades Of Baby Blue: Post Partum Depression And Beyond

© Dena Lambert

Postpartum Depression is a highly overused term commonly thought to be interchangeable with "Baby Blues." In this article, we will distinguish the difference between the Baby Blues, Postpartum Depression (PPD) and Postpartum Psychosis (PPP).

Baby Blues is the most common of all postpartum disorders. Up to 80% of new mothers will suffer from a letdown of some sort beginning on the 3rd or 4th day after delivery. These symptoms (listed below) typically cease on their own within 10 days to 2 weeks.

Baby Blues Symptoms: *crying jags *hypersensitivity *feeling overwhelmed *irritability *impatience *sadness (may be aggravated by the expectation of new motherhood bliss)

Baby Blues becomes Postpartum Depression when the symptoms begin to interfere with you everyday living. Postpartum Depression typically develops anywhere from a week to several months after delivery.

Postpartum Depression Symptoms: *change in appetite *change in sleeping habits *anger *panic attacks *feelings of helplessness, worthlessness and guilt *difficulty concentrating *inability to make decisions *obsessive thoughts *racing thoughts *loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities (including sex) *loss of energy *nausea, vomiting, diarrhea *frequent crying jags *suicidal thoughts (seek help immediately) *thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby (seek help immediately)

**This list of symptoms is not all-inclusive as PPD affects different women in different ways.

According to statistics, PPD is not nearly as common as the Baby Blues, but it is believed that PPD is extremely under diagnosed because of the stigma attached to such a diagnosis. Many mothers do not report their symptoms to their doctors because they are ashamed or are afraid that if someone knew what they were going through that their babies would be taken away from them.

Rest assured that if you are suffering from Postpartum Depression it is not your fault and most importantly you are not alone. Professional help is available. Talk to your healthcare provider about your options for treatment and recovery. It is imperative that you seek help immediately if you feel suicidal or if you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. Set your baby in his/her crib (or somewhere safe) and call a friend, family member, or neighbor to stay with you until you can go for help.

Postpartum Psychosis is the most severe form of all postpartum disorders and fortunately is the most rare. The symptoms typically come on very suddenly and within the first couple of weeks following delivery. Symptoms of Postpartum Psychosis are very closely related to those of Bipolar Disorder or Schizophrenia.

Postpartum Psychosis Symptoms: *rapid speech (incomplete thoughts, jumping from topic to topic) *insomnia (or sleeping all the time, but not feeling rested)

The copyright of the article Darker Shades Of Baby Blue: Post Partum Depression And Beyond in Female Depression is owned by Dena Lambert. Permission to republish Darker Shades Of Baby Blue: Post Partum Depression And Beyond in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.