How do I know if I have postpartum depression?
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Last Updated: 05/05/2022 at 10:38pm
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Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
August 6th, 2016 4:18am
To be certain, you should discuss your symptoms with your family doctor. It's important to discuss not just you're feeling, but how often, and how long, and how intense it is. It's also important to note that there are many forms of postpartum depression with varying influence over your lifestyle. If your life is being affected by how you feel, please contact your medical professional to discuss.
There can be a few signs or symptoms that you might have already picked up on, but there's no sure certain way of knowing apart from seeing a counsellor/ therapist
Anonymous
August 27th, 2016 9:46pm
Let me point you to a depression self-diagnose quizz. Once you've taken it, we'll be able to discuss this more efficiently.
The best thing is to talk to people who have expierinced this also seek help from your gp where possible
see a psychologist and ask them if you have postpartum depression? if they say yes, then you have it, :P
Just observe your emotions and work on it for sometime (as the reason for it to come, duration, occurrence etc) If you feel that it is worsening your livelihood just meet a doctor or a counselor. They would be better to help you know
There are symptoms to watch out for, but the only way to know for sure if you have postpartum depression is to talk to your healthcare provider.
Postpartum depression normally presents with following symptoms. - Decreased mood -Changes in appetite/ no appetite or too strong appetite - Changes in sleep patterns/ insomnia or oversleeping -Thoughts about harming yourself/ baby -Inability to take care of the baby
You should several of listed symptoms to qualify. If ever in doubt, medical professional / your PCP/ Ob-Gyn will help.
Anonymous
October 7th, 2016 3:48pm
I guess, perhaps you know when you begin to feeling upset the most of the time. See changes in the behavior of your relatives.
Anonymous
October 7th, 2016 6:02pm
The best way would be to talk to your gp, health nurse. They would evaluate your mental wellbeing and advise you accordingly
Anonymous
October 23rd, 2016 2:22am
It helps me get my mind off the bad stuff. I was able to finally sit down, and think of something other than I'm not good enough.
Anonymous
October 23rd, 2016 3:44am
If you are sad, not bonding with your baby and just upset, go talk to your doctor. it'll be ok. it won't go away if you don't ask for help
To find out go to a real therapist who can properly diagnose you. A proper diagnoses is the only real way to tell.
Anonymous
November 2nd, 2016 10:06pm
You should go to the doctor and/or a therapist to confirm this, do NOT make tests on websites you found on google, because these are not reliable sources.
You would need to speak with your GP or other health professional to establish if you have this condition. It is easy to self diagnose.
There are symptoms you can look up, but just because you may have some of them doesn't mean you have it. I'd suggest going to your doctor and talking about it with them and they should confirm if you have postpartum depression or not.
Good luck!
What differs postpartum depression from ordinary baby blues are long lows, feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness, and thoughts of suicide that are common with major depression. Post-childbirth, most ordinary symptoms are physical from excessive fatigue, difficulty sleeping, changing appetite, and the like. Hope that helps :)
I knew I had postpartum depression when my aunt, who had been with me daily since I got home from the hospital, left to go to her own home. She left me alone with my newborn and my toddler. The minute she pulled out of my driveway, I burst into tears. I felt so alone and sad and I didn't know why. Any movies that had babies in them, especially babies getting hurt in some way or being put up for adoption, made me an emotional wreck.
Welcoming a child into your life comes with challenges, no matter how much you love your baby. Having the ‘baby blues’ right after you give birth is relatively normal, but if your blues get worse and last more than a couple weeks, you may have postpartum depression. This depression and anxiety can cause you to think and feel negatively about yourself and your child. Luckily there are ways that you can overcome these negative thoughts and emotions, while also creating a healthy lifestyle for yourself that will help you to overcome this condition.
Anonymous
March 19th, 2017 1:29am
You may know you have postpartum depression if you are not feeling like yourself after giving birth. Pregnancy is an extremely difficult thing for someone to go through, and it is not at all uncommon for someone to be diagnosed with this. You may feel depressed or extremely tired, and irritable. Excessive crying or violent mood swings may occur. If you think you have it, please consult a licensed therapist for more help.
I experienced postpartum depression after the birth of my twins 13 years ago. I knew something was out of the ordinary when I started crying without knowing the reason, felt detached from happy moments and when I felt sad more than I felt happy. I reviewed a pamphlet I received from my insurance provider and discovered my symptoms aligned with postpartum depression. After this I sought counseling for help.
Feelings of apathy, feeling lazy or unmotivated, forgetting things, Not feeling emotionally connected to the baby. Not wanting to do anything, or not wanting to get out of bed. Household becomes more messy and unkempt. Interest in a partner may subside, or attraction to them might lessen or disappear.
People may experience:
Mood: anger, anxiety, guilt, hopelessness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, mood swings, or panic attack
Whole body: fatigue, loss of appetite, or restlessness
Psychological: depression, fear, or repeatedly going over thoughts
Behavioral: crying or irritability
Cognitive: lack of concentration or unwanted thoughts
Weight: weight gain or weight loss
Also common: insomnia
I think that if you are having any doubts or questions about postpartum you should contact your doctor.
If you are feeling low after giving birth it could be a sign of postpartum depression, and it is best to seek a diagnosis from a mental health care provider.
You will know if you have postpartum depression if you seek medical advise from a professional who can help you if any further medical attention is needed.
Along with symptoms similar to those of the baby blues, such as weepiness and anxiety, you may also become moody and irritable. Women with PPD can lose their appetite or their ability to sleep. Some have panic attacks. A small number of women believe they can't adequately care for their baby. Others report feeling suicidal or having disturbing negative thoughts about their baby.
Anonymous
November 15th, 2017 9:59pm
Those who develop postpartum depression are at greater risk of developing major depression later on in life.
Symptoms might include insomnia, loss of appetite, intense irritability, and difficulty bonding with the baby.
Untreated, the condition may last months or longer. Treatment can include counseling, antidepressants, or hormone therapy.
Feeling overwhelmed, not bonding with your baby, irritability, numbness, and hopelessness, are some of the symptoms associated with postpartum depression (or postpartum anxiety). If you experience anything that is not common to you, contact a mental health professional to receive an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Anonymous
December 28th, 2017 1:30am
Symptoms of PPD can occur any time in the first year postpartum. Typically, a diagnosis of postpartum depression is considered after signs and symptoms persist for at least two weeks. These symptoms include, but are not limited to:
Emotional
•Persistent sadness, anxiousness or "empty" mood
•Severe mood swings
•Frustration, irritability, restlessness, anger
•Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
•Guilt, shame, worthlessness
•Low self-esteem
•Numbness, emptiness
•Exhaustion
•Inability to be comforted
•Trouble bonding with the baby
•Feeling inadequate in taking care of the baby
Behavioral
•Lack of interest or pleasure in usual activities
•Low or no energy
•Low libido
•Changes in appetite
•Fatigue, decreased energy and motivation
•Poor self-care
•Social withdrawal
•Insomnia or excessive sleep
Cognition
•Diminished ability to make decisions and think clearly
•Lack of concentration and poor memory
•Fear that you can not care for the baby or fear of the baby
•Worry about harming self, baby, or partner
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