Common symptoms of postpartum depression and emotional changes new mothers should not ignore

Childbirth brings happiness to the family. But in some cases, it also means an emotional roller coaster ride for the mother. Postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the most overlooked mental health concerns that affects new mothers. The condition can last for many months and can impact a woman’s physical, mental and emotional health and also affect her everyday life.

Symptoms and causes of postpartum depression:

According to Dr Ashish Bansal, MD, Consultant Psychiatrist and Co-founder of House of Aesthetics,  New Delhi, pregnancy blues, also called baby blues, occurs in 50-80 percent of new mothers. “It begins a few days after delivery and can last up to a couple of weeks. Common causes include hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation, and emotional changes. Most of the time, these resolve on their own. However, it requires proper rest, support, and self-care,” he says.

Dr Bansal says symptoms of post-partum depression include mood swings, nervousness, sudden bouts of crying, emotional instability, insomnia, and agitation.

Also read | 9 symptoms of postpartum depression and its impact on daily life

• Mood swings: Feeling a deep sense of emptiness and loneliness from within, or having sudden mood changes, either from happiness to anger, can indicate PPD. “New mothers may feel hopeless and cry without any clear reason. If the feelings of despair remain persistent for more than 2 weeks, it’s important to seek help from a doctor,” suggests Dr Bansal.

• Loss of interest: A feeling of detachment surrounds, bringing along poor self-care practices. “Women with PPD often feel detached and find it hard to bond with the baby or experience joy and excitement in the hobbies they once enjoyed. This emotional distancing can harm the mother’s health and also her relationship with the baby,” says Dr Bansal.

• Feeling tired and restless: PPD often results in persistent fatigue where the new mother feels extremely exhausted even after adequate rest. “Women may feel too tired to even perform daily chores or care for the baby. There is a feeling of physical exhaustion which may turn into sleep disturbances such as insomnia,” he says.

• Unable to bond with the baby: When new mothers experience PPD, they’re emotionally unstable to manage feelings. Some might not develop an emotional attachment with the newborn. “This results in a negative feeling of guilt or anxiety for the inability to bond with the baby. Persistent detachment from the baby is a sign of PPD,” says Dr Bansal.

• Panic attacks: Postpartum depression often causes panic attacks accompanied by symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and nausea. It makes the mother extremely worried about the baby's health and safety.

• Changes in eating habits: A woman suffering from PPD may either lose her appetite or resort to overeating. “Emotional shifts are related to changes in appetite, leading to weight loss or gain,” says Dr Bansal.

• Suicidal thoughts: There are times when some women who suffer from postpartum depression experience emotional distress, including suicidal thoughts or a desire to escape. Family support and care become crucial during such times. Also, consult a doctor for the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby.