Postpartum Depression

What is postpartum depression?

“Postpartum” means the time after childbirth. Most women get the feeling of sad or empty, within a few days of giving birth.

Feeling hopeless or empty after childbirth is not a regular or expected part of being a mother.

Postpartum depression is a serious mental illness that involves the brain and affects your behavior and physical health. If you have depression, then sad, flat, or empty feelings don’t go away and can interfere with your day-to-day life. You might feel unconnected to your baby, as if you are not the baby’s mother, or you might not love or care for the baby. These feelings can be mild to severe.

Mothers can also experience anxiety disorders during or after pregnancy.

How do I know if I have postpartum depression?

Some normal changes after pregnancy can cause symptoms similar to those of depression. Many mothers feel overwhelmed when a new baby comes home. But if you have any of the following symptoms of depression for more than 2 weeks, call your doctor, nurse, or midwife:

Feeling restless or moody

Feeling sad, hopeless, or overwhelmed

Crying a lot

Having thoughts of hurting the baby

Having thoughts of hurting yourself

Not having any interest in the baby, not feeling connected to the baby, or feeling as if your baby is someone else’s baby

Having no energy or motivation

Eating too little or too much

Sleeping too little or too much

Having trouble focusing or making decisions

Having memory problems

Feeling worthless, guilty, or like a bad mother

Losing interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy

Withdrawing from friends and family

Having headaches, aches and pains, or stomach problems that don’t go away.

Talking to someone how you are feeling is so so important to recover from postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression is an illness.

It can be cured.

However, it is nearly impossible to cure it yourself.

There are so many great resources out there to get help, so take advantage of these.

Acknowledging that you are suffering from postpartum depression is the first step. A step that may seem impossible right now, but once you have accomplished it, the options are endless!