Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression symptoms can appear any time after birth, up to a year after delivery.

• Feelings of anger, irritability, or rage

• Feeling easily overwhelmed

• Avoiding or lack of interest in the baby

• “Going through the motions” of caring for the baby

• Numbness, feeling empty

• Appetite and sleep disturbance

• Crying and sadness

• Feelings of guilt, shame or hopelessness

• Struggling to bathe, brush your teeth, and other basic self-care activities

• Loss of interest, joy, or pleasure in things you used to enjoy

• Having trouble remembering things, concentrating or making decisions

• Withdrawing from friends and family

• Having no energy and feeling tired all the time

• Having headaches, stomach problems or other aches and pains that don’t go away

• Thoughts of harming yourself or the baby, not wanting to be alive, or recurrent thoughts about death

Risk Factors

• A personal or family history of depression, anxiety, or postpartum depression

• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD or PMS)

• Inadequate support in caring for the baby

• Financial stress

• Stress in relationship with partner or family

• Complications in pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding

• A major recent life event: loss, house move, job loss

• Mothers of multiples

• Mothers whose infants are in Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU)

• Mothers who’ve gone through infertility treatments

• Women with a thyroid imbalance

• Women with any form of diabetes (type 1, type 2 or gestational)

Postpartum depression can also occur in women with no history of mental health issues. In addition, the stigma associated with having mental health conditions can cause women to fear being seen as an unfit mother or having their babies taken away if they seek help. As a result, many women go undiagnosed, suffering for months, or even years without support. The good news is that postpartum depression is treatable with the right help. Reach out now to get started!