Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Depression Related Information:

Postpartum depression is a fairly common illness that can affect women that have had a baby. Often, people ask the difference between what is simply known as ‘baby blues’ and postpartum depression. With baby blues, a woman may experience mood swings, which can vary from feeling great to feeling depressed, tearful, and unable to function properly. If these symptoms begin a few days after delivery and last for several days, then they are known as ‘baby blues’. However, in some cases the symptoms can be more severe and can last for a far longer period, and this is what is known as postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression needs to be treated just like any other illness, and there are a number of different types of treatment available, which include medications, support groups, and therapy. There are a number of symptoms to look out for withy postpartum depression, and these include:

Loss of interest is life’s pleasures
Loss of appetite
Lack of energy
Sleep problems
Tearfulness
Feelings of guilt and low self esteem
Restlessness and irritability
Anxiety
Weight loss or gain
Feelings of self harm or suicide
Worries about harming the baby

The symptoms of severe postpartum depression can be serious, and it is therefore important that women that have given birth are aware of the symptoms and ready to identify them. This can make it easier to initiate early treatment. Postpartum depression can occur as much as six months after childbirth, and the earlier the sufferer gets treatment the easier it will be to enjoy the joys of motherhood without risk of harm to mother or baby.

There are people that may be at a higher risk of getting postpartum depression, and these include: