When Baby Blues Become Something More
- Emily Androes
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Becoming a parent is supposed to be one of the most joyful, fulfilling experiences in life, right? For many people, it is, but it can also be disorienting, exhausting, and emotionally overwhelming. Both experiences can be true at the same time.
Many postpartum parents feel pressure to present as happy or “put together.” There is also pressure around bonding and the expected positive emotions. When this doesn’t match your lived experience, this can easily lead to masking. Masking can look like hiding behind
perfectionism, not expressing your emotions honestly, and feeling like you are putting on a
performance.
Even when the mask comes off, parents during this time are often met with sentiments such as “It’s normal to be sad–it’s just the hormones,” or “Of course you’re anxious–anyone in your shoes would be!” While these messages may be well intended, they often lead to confusion and prevent parents from getting the support they need.
One of the biggest challenges in the postpartum period is knowing whether what you’re feeling is “normal” baby blues or something more serious like postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). This distinction is important for getting the right support.
Most birthing parents will experience baby blues due to shifting hormonal changes, changing sleep patterns, and overwhelming stress during the first two weeks in the postpartum period. This often looks like crying for no apparent reason, mood swings, mild anxiety, difficulty
sleeping, and fatigue. However, if these symptoms become more intense and persist beyond two weeks, it is no longer the baby blues.
PMADs are found to affect 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men. Though the symptoms can look similar to baby blues, PMADs are distinguishable as the symptoms last longer, feel more intense, and interfere with daily functioning. There also may be intense feelings of guilt or hopelessness, as well as a loss of interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy. When trying to figure out if this is “just the baby blues,” it is important to remember that baby blues will go away on their own after two weeks, while PMADs will not.
While there is no doubt that transitioning into parenthood can come with a number of changes and stress, it was never meant to be navigated alone. Parents deserve to unmask and get the support they need, and the vast majority of those experiencing PMADs recover. Through support groups and perinatal mental health treatment, it is possible to find a way through.
Postpartum Support International Helpline: 1-800-544-4773
By: Emily Androes, Social Work Intern
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