Postpartum Depression: More Than the Baby Blues

The birth of a child is often portrayed as a purely joyous time, but the reality can be much more complex. Many new mothers experience a range of emotions—and for some, those emotions become overwhelming. If you're a new mother in the Gwinnett County area struggling to connect with your baby or feeling unlike yourself, you may be experiencing postpartum depression (PPD).

Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Depression

It's important to distinguish between normal "baby blues" and postpartum depression:

Baby blues typically last a few days to two weeks after birth and include mild feelings of anxiety, sadness, and irritability. These symptoms usually resolve on their own.

Postpartum depression is more severe and longer-lasting. It's a mood disorder that can significantly interfere with your ability to care for yourself and your baby. Without treatment, symptoms may persist for months.

What Does Postpartum Depression Look Like?

Common symptoms of PPD include:

• Extreme anxiety, hopelessness, and sadness
• Excessive crying
• Difficulty bonding with your baby
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Changes in appetite
• Difficulty sleeping (beyond normal newborn care)
• Intense anger or irritability
• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

Who Is at Risk?

Certain factors may increase your risk of developing PPD:

• Previous experience with postpartum depression
• Personal or family history of depression or bipolar disorder
• History of substance use disorders
• Lack of social support
• Ambivalence about motherhood
• Stressful life events during pregnancy or after delivery

Treatment Options

PPD is highly treatable, and seeking help is the best thing you can do for yourself and your baby. At Next Step Psychiatry in Lilburn, our team offers several treatment approaches:

Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help change negative thought patterns and develop healthy coping skills. Individual or group counseling provides essential support during this challenging time.

Medication

Several medications are safe and effective for treating PPD, including options that are safe during breastfeeding. Dr. Aneel Ursani and Fathima Chowdhury, PA-C will discuss the best options for your individual situation.

The FDA has approved medications specifically for postpartum depression, including brexanolone (IV infusion) and Zurzuvae (the first oral medication approved for PPD), providing more options than ever before.

Living with Postpartum Depression

Recovery takes time, but with proper treatment, you can feel like yourself again. In addition to professional care, these strategies can help:

• Accept help from family and friends
• Join a support group for new mothers in Gwinnett County
• Make time for gentle exercise when possible
• Prioritize rest when your baby sleeps
• Maintain open communication with your treatment team

If you're having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, please call 911 or the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 immediately.