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Postpartum Depression

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Taking care of a newborn is hard work. No matter how ready you are, you will have some “ups” and “downs”. Many women experience the “Baby Blues”. It can happen from birth through the first two weeks. You may cry for no reason or be impatient, annoyed, restless or anxious. You may also feel very tired, due to lack of sleep. Symptoms of “the blues” last a short time and often go away on their own, sometimes as quickly as they came.

There are other postpartum mood disorders that are more serious and can last for a longer time period.

Postpartum Depression can occur a couple weeks to a year after the birth of your baby. Postpartum depression is not the same for everyone. You may experience one or more of these symptoms: tiredness, sadness, depression, hopelessness, confusion, memory loss, over-concern for the baby, lots of crying, irritability, guilt, sense of failure, lack of interest in your baby, fear of harming the baby or yourself, or fear of “going crazy”. You may have “good” days and “bad” days.

Postpartum Psychosis (PPP) is a very severe and rare postpartum disorder. PPP is an emergency and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor or 911 immediately if you have these symptoms: feelings of wanting to kill yourself or someone else, hallucinations, delusions (usually religious), inability to sleep, severe anxiety and agitation, or strange feelings and behavior.

Postpartum mood disorders can happen to any woman who is pregnant or has had a baby within the past year. Women who have miscarried, had an abortion or have recently stopped breastfeeding can also suffer from these mood disorders.

If think you may be suffering from postpartum depression or psychosis, contact your care provider right away. Treatment for postpartum mood disorders depends on the type and severity of symptoms. All of the symptoms are treatable with support and professional help. Talk to your health care provider about what you are feeling.

Resources

Talk to someone about postpartum depression – call 1-888-404-7763.

To find postpartum depression resources in your area, call the Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588.

Learn more about postpartum depression: