Am I Experiencing Postpartum Depression: Signs & Symptoms to Look Out For

In cultures across the world, the postpartum period is a sacred time that is honored and protected by the community that surrounds a new mother. Unfortunately, as industrialization and economic hardship have taken hold of society, there is less focus on nurturing mothers, and more focus on rushing them along and back into the office.

With these obscure modern pressures come consequences. With some statistics suggesting that up to 20% of women experience postpartum depression, there is an obvious need for acknowledgment and treatment within our societies to address this problem.

If you or someone you love is struggling with postpartum depression, you are in the right place. We will discuss what postpartum depression is, its symptoms, causes, and what steps can be taken towards recovery.

SPOILER: Read to the end of the article to learn all of the details about our Postpartum Wellness Revolution. This program is an all-inclusive, educational program that helps mothers to feel nurtured and taken care of through postpartum and beyond. 

What is Postpartum Depression (PPD)?

Postpartum depression, sometimes confused with “baby blues”, is a severe, overwhelming form of depression that occurs in women after they give birth.

“Baby Blues” impact anywhere from 50% to 75% of women who give birth. Symptoms of this include mood swings, anxiety, low energy, and exhaustion.

PPD differs from this in that it is more intense, and does not typically go away on its own. PPD requires intentional treatment for healing, which is why it often continues longer than may be necessary. 

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression shows itself differently in every woman. However, some overlapping symptoms are common in vast numbers of women who are suffering from PPD. PPD shows itself in the following ways:

• Anxiety

• General feelings of sadness or hopelessness

• Severe loneliness

• Constantly feeling like you are not a good mother

• Exhaustion

• Sleeplessness

• Stress

• Feeling lost

• Brain fog

• Feelings of frustration towards partner

Mothers often feel societal pressure to hide the parts of themselves that are physically, emotionally, and mentally struggling during postpartum. The tough reality of postpartum is a taboo topic that is not often reflected upon in mainstream media. This can be harmful, as it leads mothers to feel as though they are alone, or even to blame for their struggles.

What is Postpartum Depression Caused By? 

PPD has not been proven to be caused by any specific thing but has tendencies of being caused by a collection of overlapping physical, mental, and emotional factors.!

PPD can be caused by an intense fluctuation in postpartum hormones, specifically estrogen and progesterone. But here's the thing...our society tries to make us believe that we have absolutely no control over our hormones and our ability to combat postpartum depression.

The truth about health (especially postpartum health) is that we can control our health outcomes more than we are led to believe. The fluctuation of hormones that happens immediately postpartum is inevitable--your body is supposed to change in this way to support breastfeeding and the transition into postpartum. The issues arise when we do not take the steps to bring our hormones back to balance through rest, proper nutrition, and other lifestyle changes immediately postpartum. Replenishment needs to happen so that the drop in hormones doesn't remain.

PPD can also be a completely normal response caused by:

• Lack of proper care and support

• Nutritional depletion

• Birth trauma

• Unrealistic societal pressures

Unfortunately, all of these things have been normalized within Western society. Women are the first to be neglected postpartum, as all time and energy go into caring for the baby.

Treatment for Postpartum Depression

Since there is no direct cause of PPD, there is no easy fix. With that being said, many things can be done to begin the journey toward healing from PPD.

Depending on the intensity of your PPD, you may require medical intervention from a doctor, who can ensure that your hormones, thyroid levels, and other biological factors are in check. 

When it comes to things that you can do individually to improve your PPD, small changes implemented into your daily routine will make a significant impact. Consider the following:

• Make your nutrition a priority

• Embrace the support of a community

• Connect with other mothers 

• Get as much rest as you can

• Avoid alcohol and other substances that can intensify hormone fluctuation

• Implement restorative practices that support your hormones

The Postpartum Wellness Revolution

If you are currently struggling with PPD, the above list is certainly easier said than done. Thankfully, we have the perfect all-inclusive solution that will empower you to get back on track:

Introducing the Postpartum Wellness Revolution!

At Elephant Baby, we understand that having information about healing and recovery being thrown at you is counterproductive. Postpartum is an extremely overwhelming time, which is why we have made it a priority to take you, step-by-step, through all of the information you need so that you can start feeling like yourself again.

We cherish the importance of:

• Nourishing your body

• Utilizing help

• Resting and resetting

• Tending to your soul

• Releasing emotion

• Restoring your mind

• Embracing your journey

When you embrace The Postpartum Wellness Revolution, you will receive lessons,  coaching calls (to honor the individualism of each woman’s journey!), recipes, meditations and affirmations, miscellaneous information, and access to an online community that is there to uplift, encourage and empower you to be the mother you know that you can be. 

Upon completion of The Postpartum Wellness Revolution, you will:

• Be confident in your knowledge about how to properly nourish and fuel your postpartum body

• Understand and have gained exposure to restorative practices that encourage optimal healing postpartum healing

• Feel supported and deeply healed through the N.U.R.T.U.R.E. Method.

• Be part of a group of mothers who are experiencing the same things as you are. 

If this program sounds right for you, don’t hesitate to learn more and sign up here.  

Regardless of what resources you utilize in your postpartum journey, you deserve to feel cared for, appreciated, and empowered for your decisions and for the journey you are on.

Postpartum is rarely easy, but if you are struggling exponentially, it is crucial to seek out the professional support that you need to ensure that you and your baby remain safe.

It IS possible to feel like yourself again after giving birth, despite a lack of personal connections, birth trauma, nutritional depletion, and societal pressure. As a mother educates herself on PPD and its potential treatment strategies (like The Postpartum Wellness Revolution ), she gives herself the tools to return to the joyful life she once enjoyed.