Postpartum Depression (cont.)
What are warning signs of depression?
Any of these symptoms during and after pregnancy that last longer than two weeks are signs of depression:
- Feeling restless or irritable
- Feeling sad, hopeless, and overwhelmed
- Crying a lot
- Having no energy or motivation
- Eating too little or too much
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Trouble focusing, remembering, or making decisions
- Feeling worthless and guilty
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Having headaches, chest pains, heart palpitations (the heart beating fast and feeling like it is skipping beats), or hyperventilation (fast and shallow breathing)
After pregnancy, signs of depression may also include being afraid of hurting the baby or oneself and not having any interest in the baby.
What's the difference between "baby blues," postpartum depression, and postpartum psychosis?
The baby blues can happen in the days right after childbirth and normally go
away within a few days to a week. A new mother can have sudden mood swings,
sadness, crying spells, loss of appetite, sleeping problems, and feel irritable,
restless, anxious, and lonely. Symptoms are not severe and treatment isn't
needed. But there are things you can do to feel better. Nap when the baby does.
Ask for help from your spouse, family members, and friends. Join a support group
of new moms or talk with other moms.
Postpartum depression can happen anytime within the first year after
childbirth. A woman may have a number of symptoms such as sadness, lack of
energy, trouble concentrating, anxiety, and feelings of guilt and worthlessness.
The difference between postpartum depression and the baby blues is that
postpartum depression often affects a woman's well-being and keeps her from
functioning well for a longer period of time. Postpartum depression needs to be
treated by a doctor. Counseling, support groups, and medicines are things that
can help.
Postpartum psychosis is rare. It occurs in 1 or 2 out of every 1000 births
and usually begins in the first 6 weeks postpartum. Women who have bipolar
disorder or another psychiatric problem called schizoaffective disorder have a
higher risk for developing postpartum psychosis. Symptoms may include delusions,
hallucinations, sleep disturbances, and obsessive thoughts about the baby. A
woman may have rapid mood swings, from depression to irritability to euphoria.
Next: What should I do if I show signs of depression during or after pregnancy? »
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