5 Signs You May Be Dealing with Perinatal Depression
Perinatal depression, encompassing both prenatal (before birth) and postpartum (after birth) periods, affects nearly 1 in 7 women. Unlike the “baby blues” that may last a couple of weeks post-birth, perinatal depression is a serious mental health issue that requires intervention. It’s important to understand what perinatal depression looks like for early identification and treatment.
Here are five common signs of perinatal depression.
1. Persistent Sadness or Irritability
One of the hallmark signs of perinatal depression is feelings of sadness or irritability that don’t go away. You may feel low, hopeless, or tearful most of the time, and it’s not necessarily tied to a specific event. Irritability might present as feeling easily annoyed or quick to anger.
These feelings may be directed toward family members, your partner, or even yourself or your baby. When sadness and irritability are overwhelming and don’t improve over time, they may be a sign of perinatal depression rather than just typical hormonal adjustments.
2. Loss of Interest in Activities You Once Enjoyed
A reduced or lost interest in activities that previously brought joy is a common symptom of depression in general, but it can be especially hard for pregnant people and new moms. Things that once gave you a sense of purpose, relaxation, or fun might now feel like too much work.
New parents sometimes write this off as just a byproduct of caring for a newborn, but if you find yourself struggling to engage in any meaningful way, it could be a sign of something more serious.
3. Feelings of Inadequacy or Guilt
During the perinatal period, many women experience self-doubt; they might feel as though they are not good enough as mothers. While occasional worries are common, perinatal depression can amplify these feelings into intense guilt, shame, or inadequacy.
You might feel like a failure for not living up to your own expectations or societal pressures around motherhood. This can make it harder to bond with your baby, which only adds to the cycle of negative thoughts. These thoughts might also prevent you from asking for help because it seems like needing help only confirms your inadequacy.
4. Intrusive or Distressing Thoughts
New mothers may have persistent, unwanted thoughts about harm coming to their baby or themselves. These can range from worries about accidental harm to fears of failing as a parent, and they may lead to hypervigilance or over-protective behaviors.
Intrusive thoughts can be frightening and isolating because many mothers may feel ashamed of having them, worrying that they make them a “bad” mother. It’s important to recognize that they’re part of a mental health struggle rather than a personal failing. Remember: having these thoughts does not mean you’ll act on them.
5. Lasting Physical Symptoms
Perinatal depression isn’t only about emotional and mental symptoms; it can also manifest physically. Common physical symptoms include unexplained fatigue, changes in appetite, body aches, headaches, or sleep disturbances.
For example, you may feel exhausted all day, even after getting enough rest, or you may struggle with insomnia despite feeling physically tired. Often, the physical impact of depression is mis-attributed to the physical demands of pregnancy and having a new baby, so awareness of this connection can help you recognize when it’s time to get support.
Getting Help
If you or someone you know has signs of perinatal depression, it’s important to reach out for help as soon as possible. Talk to a mental health professional about your treatment options. These may include therapy, support groups, and sometimes medication, that can help manage symptoms and provide emotional support.
Early intervention can provide you with the resources to better manage your emotions, challenge negative thoughts, and strengthen your bond with your baby.
To learn more about how therapy can treat perinatal depression, please reach out today.
