Monday Mind Talks: Expert reveals warning signs that indicate you have postnatal depression

Most women feel worried, anxious, upset, tearful or sad in the first week following childbirth, and it is quite common to feel this way. Pressures and responsibilities of taking care of a new life, brings with it a cascade of emotions and tasks. An already exhausted mother experiences what is often called the “baby blues”. Baby blues are majorly due to hormonal changes in the body which negatively impacts mood and in addition, your new born is waking frequently and is not allowing you to have sufficient sleep, this alone can make you irritable and restless.

However, it is crucial to know that the baby blues do not last for more than 2 weeks after giving birth, says Samar Hafeez a Psychologist and a Certified holistic health coach. If the negative feelings last longer or start much later after birth, and if these feelings get worse overtime, then you could have postnatal depression. Unlike the baby blues, postnatal depression won’t go away on its own.

Warning signs and symptoms of postnatal depression:

If these symptoms last longer than 2 consecutive weeks and has been negatively impacting your daily activities, including work, personal and social life, then you might need to consult a mental health specialist (Psychiatrist or a psychologist).

Always remember, you deserve to enjoy your baby every single day, being depressed does not mean that you are a bad parent, it can happen to anyone. It does not mean you are going mad. A mother’s plight and distress negatively affect the baby. It can sense despair and distress of the mother instantly. Getting help early leads to quick recovery. It can make all the difference for you, your baby and family.

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