Perinatal mood disorders such as postpartum depression are often characterized by many of the same symptoms as those for clinical anxiety and depression. However, perinatal mood disorders occur and last from any time during the pregnancy through the delivery and up to a year or more after the birth.
Due to the fact that perinatal mood and anxiety disorders do not affect every woman at the same time or in the same way, there is not a precise checklist to use when attempting to diagnose them. However, all of the symptoms can be equally distressing and typically leave the new mother feeling isolated, guilty, and ashamed.
Women suffering from perinatal mood and anxiety disorders such as postpartum depression (PPD) may experience any combination of one or more of the following symptoms, which range from mild to severe:
- loss or decrease of interest and pleasure in hobbies, routine activities, and life in general
- feelings of inadequacy and guilt
- drastic changes in or loss of appetite
- unexplained weight loss or weight gain
- decreased energy, motivation and extreme fatigue
- crying or tearfulness
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, even when the baby is sleeping
- significant mood swings
- frequent (possibly constant) anxiety over the baby’s welfare
- lack of feeling of connection to the baby
- irritability, nervousness, and/or anxiety
- recurrent headaches, nausea, racing heart, sweating, stomach and chest pains, as well as other physical symptoms often associated with fear and anxiety
- thoughts of harming oneself or the baby
- difficulty concentrating, memory loss, or confusion
- on-going lack of sexual interest
- recurring negative or frightening thoughts
- feeling that the baby would be better off without its mother
- panic attacks
- hopelessness and despair
Many mothers suffering from a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder describe wanting to run away from their lives. They feel unable to mother due to their anguish, which only serves to drive their shame and guilt deeper. They often isolate themselves from family and friends because they fear being judged, believing they have failed in their role as mother.
It is not uncommon for mothers to attempt to develop coping strategies to deal with their distressing symptoms. A common strategy is packing days full of activities and tasks (both by necessity and design). They try hard not to stop moving, because once they do the exhaustion hits and so does the terror.
Unfortunately, while this type of coping mechanism may help a woman for a short period of time push away some of the negative feelings, it doesn’t help resolve the fears and anxieties. Therapy and/or medication are the best treatment for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
Given the stress involved in caring for a newborn, it’s easy to understand why new mothers may be more anxious, tired, or irritable. However, when a new mother experiences dramatic changes in mood, appetite, or motivation, she should seek professional help.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, please seek the advice of your doctor or a mental health professional who specializes in assisting women to cope with and overcome perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Help is available and getting the support you need as soon as possible is a crucial step towards your feeling better.