Warning Signs Of Post-Partum Depression And Where You Can Find Help
After giving birth, you may get the “baby blues” for a week or two. You might experience mood swings, feelings of ambivalence toward motherhood, mild depression, and the tendency to burst into tears for no apparent reason. This stage is probably a result of hormonal changes, the isolation new mothers often feel, residual discomfort or pain, and most certainly lack of sleep! But some women, up to 1 in 7, experience a much more serious mood disorder—postpartum depression (PPD).
Unlike the baby blues, PPD doesn’t go away on its own. It can appear any time, even months, after delivering a baby, and it can last for many weeks or months if left untreated. PPD can affect your ability to take care of your baby, or yourself, or both. And PPD can affect any woman, regardless of health, experience, marital status, income, age, race or ethnicity, culture or education.
What are the warning signs of PPD?
The top 10 signs of postpartum depression include:
- Change in appetite, either an increase or a decrease.
- Change in sleep, whether you can’t fall asleep or stay asleep, or you want to sleep all the time.
- Anxiety, agitation or irritability, including worrying constantly about your baby or being fearful of leaving the house or visiting public places.
- Decrease in energy, concentration, or ability to accomplish tasks. This can include having trouble getting up, out of bed, and going in the morning.
- Loss of interest in activities that you once enjoyed.
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness, or worrying that you’re not a good parent.
- Inability to care for yourself or your baby.
- Complete lack of libido.
- Negative feelings towards or disinterest in your baby.
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.
If you have any thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, DO NOT WAIT! Contact your healthcare provider IMMEDIATELY!
If you experience one or more of the other signs and symptoms of postpartum depression for two weeks or more, it is time to seek additional help from your obstetrician, midwife, primary healthcare provider or a therapist or social worker
You may need counseling, medication or both. Don’t be embarrassed to seek help! You are not alone, and you are not the only one to have the feelings you’re experiencing.
The doctors at Chouchani, Sayegh and Bagnarello care for our patients before, during and after pregnancy. Your health (including your mental health) is a priority for a happy mom and baby.
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