Is it just baby blues or postpartum depression?
Feeling anxious or depressed after giving birth can be difficult for moms to face. You may feel ashamed. You might blame yourself for having trouble finding happiness during what you thought would be a joyous time.
There are several symptoms that may indicate postpartum depression. The symptoms include:
- Unable to bond with your baby
- Postpartum anxiety leading to panic attacks
- Daily depression
- Severe mood swings
- Decreased energy levels
- Feelings of shame or guilt
- Frequent crying
- Trouble finding any humor, fun or joy in things
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
If your blues don’t go away in a couple weeks, tell your provider. If your symptoms go beyond being moody, cranky or feeling sad, tell your provider. You may have postpartum depression.
It can make caring for your baby difficult. It can cause major strains to your relationships with friends and family members, as well.
At its most severe, postpartum depression can cause thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby. Go to the emergency department for immediate care if you have these kinds of thoughts.
An even more severe mental illness is a rare condition called postpartum psychosis. Delusions and hallucinations are the most common symptoms of postpartum psychosis. You need immediate care if you experience these signs of psychosis. Call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency department.
Postpartum depression screening
After giving birth, your provider should talk to you about postpartum depression before you leave the hospital.
The most commonly used tool to help identify possible cases of postpartum depression is called the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. This postpartum depression quiz is made up of 10 multiple choice questions that examine your mental state over the past week.
Your answers are scored. The higher the score, the more likely it is you suffer from postpartum depression.
How long does postpartum depression last?
Postpartum depression can last for years after giving birth, especially if it’s not treated. For some, it can last months, years or may never go away without treatment.
