These changes can leave new mothers feeling sad, anxious, afraid, or confused. For many women, these feelings (called the baby blues) go away within a few days or weeks. But when these feelings do not go away or get worse, a woman may have postpartum depression. This is a serious condition that requires quick treatment from a healthcare provider.
Unfortunately, many people don't think about postpartum depression when the symptoms begin later, such as when a baby is three or four months old. It is important to keep in mind that postpartum depression can begin anytime within the first year after a baby is born though.
And because some new mothers don't recognize when they have symptoms of postpartum depression, it is important for everyone around her to be watchful for those symptoms. This includes her husband or partner, other family members and friends, and her pediatrician.
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
Remember that according to The National Women's Health Information Center, symptoms of postpartum depression can include:- Feeling irritable or restless
- Feeling hopeless, sad, and overwhelmed
- Crying a lot
- Having no motivation or energy
- Eating too much or too little
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Having trouble making decisions, focusing, or remembering things
- Feeling guilty and worthless
- Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Having chronic symptoms, such as headaches, chest pains, heart palpitations, etc.
- Feeling afraid that you will your baby or yourself and not having any interest in your baby
