Postpartum refers to the time after you have given birth. It’s when you adjust to the new phase in your life – both physically and emotionally. For some mothers, this transition is easy and smooth.
However, around 85% of new mothers are affected by postpartum depression. This is a serious mental state where a woman feels extreme sadness, frustration, and stress in relation to the baby. A postpartum depression therapist is the best way to treat this condition.
Please note that postpartum depression is much different from postpartum anxiety. Confusing both can make it difficult to treat yourself and provide the best for your child. So, in today’s post, we will discuss the main differences between postpartum depression and anxiety.
What’s Postpartum Anxiety?
Postpartum anxiety is an extreme version of regular anxiety. You experience constant worry about your baby and their well-being. This makes it difficult for you to lead a normal and healthy life.
For example, at night, you might not be able to sleep because you worry the baby might suffocate in their sheets or choke on their vomit. You might even worry that you will accidentally harm your baby.
The anxiety makes you act carefully to an extent where it becomes dangerous for your own well-being. You will find it difficult to sleep, eat, or even rest. The only thing on your mind would be the baby and ensuring their safety.
What’s Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression is a more severe condition than postpartum anxiety. You feel extremely sad, hopeless, and downright horrible. You might hate yourself as a mother and feel like you don’t deserve to be one.
This is a dark place to be in as a new mother. As a result, you may start neglecting your motherly duties or even fall into unhealthy practices like staying up late at night and eating junk food.
Some mothers are able to mask their depression well. But no matter how much they try to cover it up, you can still see it in symptoms like insomnia, weight loss, and constant exhaustion. The person just won’t be able to function normally, and that’s what postpartum depression is.
Postpartum Anxiety VS Postpartum Depression
Now that we have discussed what both these postpartum conditions are, let’s compare them to decide what you might be experiencing right now.
| Postpartum Anxiety | Postpartum Depression | |
| Time | 6 weeks to 1 year after giving birth | Months or years after giving birth |
| Symptoms | Excessive worry
Guilt Panic attacks Fatigue Insomnia Loss of appetite |
Feeling depressed
Guilt & Panic Severe mood swings Irritability Loss of interest in parenting Insomnia Loss of appetite Exhaustion |
| Cause | Being a first-time mother
Stressful events Pregnancy loss Hormonal changes |
Genetics Physical changes like hormonal imbalances Emotional issues |
| Treatment | Support groups
Therapy Meditation Sleep & rest Healthy diet Medication |
Psychotherapy
Antidepressants Support groups Self-care |
While the exact cause of postpartum depression remains unknown, it can be triggered by anything. Being a first-time parent, having a history of anxiety, or difficult pregnancy can all contribute to this condition.
If you’re still unsure whether you have postpartum anxiety or depression, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional. They will analyze your symptoms and guide you better on how to best handle the situation.
Summary
Postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression are common mental health conditions in new mothers. While it’s not easy to find the cause, it’s easy to recognize the condition and address it to improve your well-being.
Never ignore the constant exhaustion and sadness after giving birth. Your body sends these signals so that you can identify the issue and solve it. Be it therapy or support groups, the right solution should be chosen and implemented to make your life better
