7 Uncommon Signs of Postpartum Depression Moms Shouldn’t Ignore

Postpartum depression or depression after birth is often brushed off as part of the new mom package: tears, mood swings, feeling unhappy. But PPD isn’t the same for everyone. Some signs are subtle, and if you aren’t paying attention, could slip under the radar.

Hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation, and the emotional rollercoaster of new motherhood are all part of it. Up to 80% of new moms experience postpartum depression, says the American Pregnancy Association.

But not all symptoms look like sadness. Here are a few unexpected signs you might have postpartum depression and what to do about them.

Postpartum Blues vs. Postpartum Depression

Those emotional ups and downs right after giving birth? Almost every new mom has them. Mild mood swings or postpartum blues affect up to 85% of new moms, say the experts at Hopkins Medicine and usually ease up within two weeks.

But when the sadness sticks around, or when exhaustion and detachment linger for more than a few weeks, it could be something more.

Experts from the MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health and Cleveland Clinic estimate that 10–15% of mothers experience postpartum depression, a deeper and more persistent condition that deserves attention and care.

Signs You Shouldn't Ignore After Childbirth

While mood shifts are common after childbirth, some signs go beyond the "baby blues." Knowing what to watch out for can help you get the right support early. If you’re experiencing any of the following, know that you’re not alone—and help is absolutely within reach.

1. Brain fog you can’t shake off 

We all forget things from time to time. But if you’re suddenly forgetting your phone in the fridge or forgetting conversations from five minutes ago, it could be more than just “mom brain”.

Cognitive fog is an often-overlooked sign of postpartum depression because it’s usually dismissed as sleep deprivation or stress. But recent studies show there’s more to it. A study in The Journal of Affective Disorders found that even mild postpartum depression symptoms are linked to measurable declines in memory and attention.

How to cope: Use your notes app or a notepad handy to jot down reminders. You could also try using voice memos if your hands are full.

2. Irritation over little things

Sure, your husband leaving the toilet seat up warrants an argument. But if you’re still a little testy even after he apologized, you might be more than just “in a mood”. Unexpected bursts of irritability or a short temper, especially toward loved ones, can be a red flag.

Irritability, particularly when paired with low mood and anxiety, is a key emotional symptom of postpartum distress, says an Archives of Women’s Mental Health study. Another study in Philippine Journal of Nursing also documents how Filipinas reported anger and agitation as primary emotional responses during the postpartum period, even when they didn’t feel "sad."

How to cope: Know your triggers. Are you feeling unheard or unsupported? Journalling or talking to a friend or counselor might help diffuse those bottled-up feelings before they escalate. If you don’t feel like talking, take a few minutes for some alone time to reset your mood. 

3. Feeling emotionally numb

Postpartum depression can last for months or even years if left untreated, but with proper support, many mothers see their symptoms improve within weeks to a few months.

It’s not that you’re crying all the time—it’s that you’re not feeling much at all. You’re going through the motions of motherhood but feeling detached or "meh" about it all.

Studies are uncovering more about this once-overlooked symptom. Research in BMC Psychiatry flagged emotional numbness as something that can really impact the bond between mom and baby.

It's a global issue, too. A 2023 report in Asia-Pacific Psychiatry showed that many Southeast Asian mothers felt quite distant emotionally postpartum despite being involved in their babies' daily care.

How to cope: Skin-to-skin contact and babywearing can help re-establish emotional closeness. Look at old photos of your pregnancy or birth to rekindle the connection. 

4. Unexplainable aches and pains

Your back hurts. Your shoulders are in knots. And no, it’s not just from breastfeeding or a lack of sleep. Sometimes, your body carries what your heart hasn’t said out loud.

There’s growing evidence that mood changes can physically manifest. A study in the Philippine Journal of Health Research and Development found a pattern of unexplained muscle pain, headaches and fatigue among postpartum women with depressive symptoms. 

How to cope: Incorporate gentle movement like stretching, walking, or warm baths into your day. Try massaging your shoulders with a warm compress or using a yoga app designed for postpartum moms. If symptoms persist or worsen, it might be time to look at how your body responds to emotional stress.

5. Over-attachment to routine

You might find yourself obsessing over the baby’s feeding schedule or folding the laundry just right. While structure is helpful, feeling overly anxious when routines are disrupted can signal something deeper.

A study in Clinical Psychological Science found that high-functioning anxiety often shows up as perfectionism and over-control—behaviors that can mask deeper emotional distress. Filipino healthcare workers in a UP Manila project noted that some moms coped with emotional upheaval by doubling down on routine as a form of control.

How to cope: It’s okay to let go of the schedule sometimes. Let your partner handle bath time or ask someone else to prepare a meal. Even leaving the dishes for a nap is a win. Notice how you feel when things aren’t "perfect." That discomfort might be pointing you toward something more important than your to-do list.

6. Inability to sleep

You've finally put the baby down, but your mind keeps spinning. You’re exhausted but can’t fall asleep or stay asleep. New studies are helping explain why.

A review in Sleep Medicine Reviews noted that postpartum sleep disruptions are not only symptoms but potential triggers for mood issues. Similarly, the Asian Journal of Psychiatry reported that Filipino mothers with poor sleep had significantly higher depression scores.

How to cope: Prioritize rest as seriously as feeding schedules. Nap when you can, even if it’s just 15 minutes. If sleep doesn’t come, use calming techniques like body scans or white noise. Should sleep issues persist for more than a few weeks, talk to your doctor about screening for postpartum mood disorders.

7. Appetite loss

For moms suffering from the “baby blues”, mealtimes can be a struggle

Skipping meals has become normal. Your once treasured chichirya doesn’t look so appetizing, or you now eat with zero enjoyment. It’s not out of choice—you feel disconnected from your hunger cues.

Appetite shifts can be surprisingly revealing. An article in Appetite explored how postpartum depression affects the brain’s reward system, making food less appealing. In a local context, midwives interviewed in the Philippine Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics shared that some moms ate only out of routine or pressure, not genuine hunger.

How to cope: Start with small, easy-to-eat meals like soup, smoothies, or boiled eggs. Focus on warm, comforting Filipino dishes like arroz caldo or tinola that are easy on the stomach. 
Just because you're not crying doesn’t mean you’re not struggling. Postpartum depression can wear many faces—some of them unexpected. If any of these signs sound familiar, know this: you’re not alone, and you’re not failing. Emotional healing deserves as much care as physical recovery. Talk to your OB, a mental health professional, or a fellow mom. There’s support waiting for you.