Warning! 5 Signs You Have Postpartum Depression
Crying all of the time, mood swings, not sleeping, and intrusive thoughts - these are the first signs of postpartum depression.
In this post, we'll discuss the five signs of Postpartum Depression, why this happens, and how to prevent it for your next pregnancy.
Let's dive in.
5 Major Signs of Postpartum Depression
Joylessness - can’t find any happiness in the day
Thoughts of harming yourself or your children
Panic attacks - feel like you can’t breathe
Insomnia - can’t fall asleep, can’t go back to sleep after getting woken up - wake up early with your heart pounding
Intrusive thoughts - negative thoughts about you, your body, and your family
You may be thinking this will go away soon. But, it may not.
Postpartum depression vs. baby blues
First, what's the difference between depression and the blues?
The major difference is that baby blues typically last less than 2 months and occur right after childbirth, whereas depression can last for years.
With postpartum depression, you often have thoughts of harming yourself and your child.
Watch this video to learn how anxiety is actually on your path toward healing.
What Does Postpartum Depression Feel Like?
It feels like you’re living outside of your body. There’s a lot of shame, discomfort, and thinking that no one can help or feels like you do.
Postpartum Depression: How Long Does It Last?
It typically begins 2-3 weeks after childbirth and lasts up to a year or longer
There is a feeling of hopelessness and no empathy or punctuation of happiness
You may have anger, insomnia, and anxiety
One key point is that you may have suicidal thoughts for yourself or your child.
**If you’re having these, please call the suicidal hotline and see these resources: resources:https://www.taragregorio.com/blog/postpartum-depression-and-anxiety-resources
So, why does postpartum depression happen?
8 Reasons for Postpartum Depression
The MTHFR gene and how you're assimilating nutrients. I share about the MTHFR gene here.
Low Vitamin D has been associated with postpartum depression. You want at least 40 i.u.
High copper and low Zinc levels
Iron deficiency anemia
Thyroid levels; you can go from hyperthyroid to hypothyroid in a matter of months
Gut inflammation and dysbiosis.
Insomnia and LOW progesterone
Low Omega-3s
Postnatal depression quiz
Postpartum depression late onset
You may not notice depression at first, and it'll turn into insomnia and anxiety.
Depression can last for years, and your doctor may label it "depression" or "anxiety,"; depending on how old your child is.
10 Ways to prevent postpartum depression?
Regulate your blood sugar, start your day with 30 grams of protein.
Get tested for the MTHFR gene- Head over to Seeking Health and Search for the Strategene Report
Take methylated B vitamins during pregnancy. Look for one that says L-methylfolate. {Seeking Health has them!}
Consume folate, NOT folic acid.
Get tested for Vitamin D and boost your levels if needed
Ask for help!
Get sleep, and if you can't sleep. Ask for help!
Consume herbal teas postpartum. Here are some of our favorite herbal remedies. Read this post.
Learn how to soothe your nervous system
Take a vitamin WITHOUT copper in it if you have copper toxicity.
Healing is possible. In The Postpartum Depression Relief Minicourse, we dive into the first steps in healing PPD naturally. Learn more HERE.
Conclusion
Postpartum depression is real, and it will affect your health and your family for years to come. Asking for help can be scary, but it’s the first step in your healing journey.
Postpartum depression is often from nutrient deficiencies, previous trauma, the MTHFR gene, Low progesterone, and how we assimilate nutrients, toxins in our environment, and even the hormones after every birth.
xo
Tara
P.S. What are your thoughts on healing PPD? Let me know in the comment area below. Join your FREE masterclass to learn how to prevent and heal postpartum depression naturally.
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