You may have been told all about the symptoms that can arise after having a baby; symptoms of depression and anxiety that can be related to post-partum blues or post-partum depression. Perhaps you didn’t think it could happen to you. You were feeling ecstatic about the pregnancy, this was something you may have planned, and you love your baby, so you may wonder why you feeling weepy, moody, helpless and scared. These symptoms could be related to post-partum blues or post-partum depression.

The Symptoms to Note

Post-partum blues are commonly experienced by about 70 to 80 percent of new mothers, as reported by psychologytoday.com. The blues are generally short-lived feeling of sadness, moodiness or irritability that happens due to the shifting levels of hormones, lasting approximately two weeks. Post-partum depression is experienced by approximately 10 to 20 percent of mothers. It is often times more intense and often lasts for longer periods of time. This may start after childbirth, but the symptoms may take up to six months to fully manifest.

With a post-partum depression, you are likely to experience negative feelings towards your baby, possibly experiencing a decreased interest in your child. You may feel overly worried that you are not good enough or incapable of caring for your newborn. If these feelings come with other depressive symptoms – anhedonia (lack of pleasure), lack of interest in matters that you used to value a lot, lack of energy, changes in diet and sleep patterns, and/or feelings of guilt or worthlessness – there is a big chance that you may be experiencing post-partum depression.

What You Need to Know

New moms may be inherently vulnerable to post-partum blues and/or depression, particularly when you have a history of depressive symptoms. Aside from the hormonal changes, there will be physical changes in your body. The stress that can come with taking care of a newborn may similarly cause you distress, the thought of being responsible for another human being can be overwhelming. If you are experiencing the signs and symptoms of post-partum blues or depression, know that you are not alone.

It could be of tremendous help to have a supportive partner and/or family through this major life transition. Despite their help and support, you may still experience these symptoms. Often times it is best to seek professional help when experiencing depression or anxiety.

Welcome Your Baby with Renewed Positivity

You may feel that you cannot be the best parent that you can be for your child when you are experiencing the intense negative feelings brought on by post-partum depression. Depression is treatable, though you may need to seek professional treatment to achieve full remission of your depressive symptoms.

Work through this life transition with the expert help and guidance of a licensed, independently contracted therapist. Call Carolina Counseling Services – Southern Pines, NC today. With the help of a counselor with CCS-Southern Pines, you can get to where you deserve to be and fully enjoy the great bonding moments that you can have with your baby. Don’t wait, call now.

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