6 signs you may be struggling with your mental health after having a baby

By Vivian Nunez

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Keep an eye out for these red flags so you can get the help you need.

You will live through so many changes right after you bring a new baby into the world.

Everything will shift, from your sleeping habits to where you invest your time and energy. But, even amid this transformation and transition, certain changes may lead you to ask if you need further support or help.

Understanding what to look out for during your new parent transition can help ensure that you or your partner get the help you may need during this time.

Here are six postpartum mental health signs to look out for.

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Your overwhelming feelings last for longer than two weeks

For the birthing parent, it’s typical that hormones (and their impact on a person’s mind and body) can take about two weeks to balance out. Typically, overwhelming feelings, like sadness or anxiety, begin to minimize at the two-week mark. If your feelings linger beyond what some call the “baby blues” stage, it’s important to see your doctor, who can help determine if you’re struggling with postpartum depression or anxiety. (Interesting fact: The postpartum period also extends from childbirth to up to three years, not just a few weeks after delivery as is often assumed.)

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You are having a hard time taking care of yourself or your baby

Whether you’re in the thick of being a new parent or any other life transition, the flashing warning signs start blinking when you’re having a hard time taking care of yourself or those you love. It’s okay to ask for help during these seasons. Sometimes, the hardest part is admitting that you’re struggling. Feel free to copy and paste this text: “Hey, I’m having a really difficult time meeting my basic needs (or my baby’s basic needs). Do you think you can help?”

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You are having difficulty connecting or bonding with your baby

It can be hard (even devastating) to realize that you’re finding it difficult to connect with your newborn or baby. Try to be gentle with yourself and seek support from your family, friends, and care team.

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You no longer feel joy doing activities that used to be your favorite

As with other mental health conditions, it’s noteworthy when activities you used to love are no longer bringing you joy. Try to notice how often this is occurring because there is a normal shedding that may happen as you step into this new chapter. Maybe you’re not as interested in nights out right now, but you’re replacing them with other activities that do bring you joy — this may be normal for this new phase of life. A red flag in this scenario is tied more to not finding joy in any activity, new or old.

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You’re overwhelmed with guilt or anxiety about your ability to parent

It’s natural to second guess yourself or have moments of wavering self-confidence, especially if this is your first child. But, it may be helpful to seek out additional support if you feel frozen by your guilt or anxiety when it comes to your parenting style or decisions.

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You feel out of control with how frequently you’re monitoring your baby

Similar to feeling overwhelmed by your parenting, if you’re monitoring your baby to the point where it’s making it difficult for you to sleep, eat, or take care of your well-being, this can be a sign to ask for guidance or help. Your doctor or care team may be able to point you in the right direction.

These red flags are just the tip of the iceberg of what some parents may struggle with during their new parenthood journey. Even if your worry is not on this list, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor, therapist, or friend for support. You know yourself better than anyone else, and you know what is normal for you and what is out of the ordinary. Trust your instincts. Learn more about how to care for yourself during parenthood with our Calm Health Module.

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Calm Health is not intended to diagnose or treat depression, anxiety, or any other mental or physical health condition. The use of Calm Health is not a substitute for care by a physician or other health care provider. Any questions that you may have regarding the diagnosis, care, or treatment of a health condition should be directed to your physician or health care provider. Calm Health is a mental wellness product.

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