Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Giving childbirth always triggers mixed emotions including fear, anxiety, mood swings, etc. which poses a risk of postpartum depression symptoms going unnoticed until they become severe. It is normal to feel scared after childbirth because becoming a mom is a huge responsibility. But there is a major difference between postpartum depression and the so-called baby blues which is experienced by most new-born moms. Whereas the last typically goes away on its own within a week or two, postpartum depression does not. On the contrary, it gets worse if left untreated and can seriously interfere with your abilities to take care of yourself and your baby. For that reason it is highly important to know postpartum depression symptoms and seek professional help as soon as possible because you will feel better sooner if you receive proper treatment early.

Here are the 10 most common postpartum depression symptoms that can help you determine whether you should seek professional help or if your feelings are no cause of concern:

1. Feeling of worthlessness as if you are a bad person who does not deserve to be loved and respected.
2. Feeling hopeless and incapable to deal with your problems. You may also feel as if your life will never get better.
3. Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy. You may also feel that you cannot bond with your baby.
4. Loss of appetite and weight loss.
5. You have no energy and do not feel like doing anything. You may find yourself sitting around the house feeling completely worn out.
6. Cannot fall asleep despite feeling deadly tired.
7. Feeling extremely tired all the time even after a good night sleep.
8. Having difficulties concentrating and staying focused.
9. Experiencing severe mood swings.
10.Thinking about harming yourself or your baby.

Keep in mind, that symptoms of postpartum depression vary greatly from one woman to another and that it is possible to experience one or more of the above mentioned symptoms even if you do not have postpartum depression. However, if you are not sure whether you are only feeling depressed as most women do after giving childbirth or if you could be experiencing the early symptoms of depression you should contact your doctor. Be sure to make an appointment at your doctor immediately if symptoms of postpartum depression persist more than two weeks or if they are getting worse, if you are having difficulties taking care of yourself or/and your baby, if you feel unable to perform your everyday activities or if you are having thoughts about harming yourself or your baby.

It may be hard to admit to yourself that you are having symptoms of postpartum depression but it is crucial to seek treatment as soon as possible because you cannot make yourself to feel better. Keep in mind that postpartum depression does not go away on its own.

Jessica Rashiv

Award-winning researcher/author with superb skills; editor of books and articles. Former in-house Assistant Editor and Proofreader of a peer-reviewed family linguistic journal. I have also edited or ghostwritten books and chapters published nationwide. Skilled in research, editing and writing baby and family subject materials and literature. Ph.D. with sixteen years of university teaching experience. Check me out at Google

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