What's the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression
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Becoming a parent is an emotional journey: let's discuss your postpartum mental health.
Aliza Shupac, Psychotherapist, MSW
Baby blues
Timeline:
- occurs about 2-3 days after birth
- will resolve itself within 2 weeks
Symptoms:
- feeling extra emotional and / or bursting into tears
- being irritable
- questioning your ability to care for baby
- having trouble eating, sleeping or making choices
Postpartum depression
Timeline:
- occurs 1-3 weeks or up to 1 year after birth
- may worsen if untreated
Symptoms:
- having intense feelings of sadness, anxiety or despair that prevent you from completing daily tasks
- feeling helpless and hopeless
- having intrusive thoughts
- exhibiting avoidant behaviours
- feeling physical aches / pains
- finding that your baby doesn’t bring joy
- having thoughts of harming baby or self
Note: PPD can occur in both parents!