How do I know if I have postpartum depression?

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.

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.

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