You may have heard the term “baby blues” and have wondered what it means. Baby blues can feel like anxiety or worrying, sadness, irritability (having a shorter fuse), having trouble sleeping and feeling exhausted, changes in your appetite (eating too much or too little), and being overwhelmed and distracted.
New parents often wonder - is “baby blues” the same as postpartum depression?
Baby blues passes with time and typically lasts a few days to two weeks after the birth of your baby. Baby blues is more mild than postpartum depression. Postpartum depression typically requires treatment (therapy or medication).
Be Gentle with Yourself
Whether your mood changes appear to be the “baby blues” or this is the beginning of postpartum depression, it is important to be gentle with yourself, and recognize that mood changes are not your fault. Postpartum depression can affect any parent, regardless of their age, culture, race, income or education. Postpartum depression is not caused by anything a parent has done or not done, and does not even have a single cause. If you’re finding yourself feeling particularly anxious or down, know that this is a common experience and reach out to your COMPASS care manager for support and assistance.