Postpartum Depression

Many new moms feel happy one minute and sad the next. If you feel better after a week or so after having a baby, you probably just had the "baby blues." If it takes you longer to feel better, you may have postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression can make you feel restless, anxious, fatigued and worthless. Some new moms worry they will hurt themselves or their babies. Unlike the "baby blues," postpartum depression does not go away quickly.

About 10% of all women who have recently given birth develop postpartum depression. It usually begins after discharge from the hospital. It can be distinguished from the "baby blues" in that the women with the "baby blues" are able to function normally, and feel better by the time their baby is 2 weeks old.

Symptoms of postpartum depression can vary in severity and type from person to person. You may have postpartum depression if you:

• Cannot deal with the demands of your baby and your home
  
• Have feelings of despondency and hopelessness
  
• Feel very sad and cry frequently
  
• Are very fearful and anxious
  
• Suffer from panic attacks
  
• Are irritable and tense all the time
  
• Are lacking energy and are too tired to concentrate
  
• Cannot perform simple tasks
  
• Feel confused
  
• Have trouble sleeping
  
• Have lost your appetite
  
• Do not have an interest in sex
  
  

If you have one or two of these symptoms, it might not be postpartum depression (new motherhood is very demanding and you could just be exhausted!). But if your depression lasts more than a week, call your doctor. If you start having thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby, call 911.

Postpartum depression is a real illness and there is help available. Proper treatment can reduce the number of bad days that you experience; and eventually, they should go away completely.