Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mood disorder that can sometimes occur in mothers within a few weeks of giving birth. Symptoms are often complex and can present both physically and mentally, and can only be diagnosed by a medical professional. It's important to be on the lookout for symptoms of PPD in every new mother.
Here are some of the most common symptoms of PPD:
Intense feelings of sadness or emptiness
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness
Fatigue or abnormal decrease in energy
Abnormal weight loss or gain
Inability to concentrate, make decisions, or remembering things
Trouble bonding with your baby
Aches or pains that don't seem to have a cause
Difficulty sleeping
Doubts about your ability to care for your child
Thoughts of hurting yourself or your child
While mood swings, sadness, and empty feelings are common within the first few days or weeks after giving birth (this is often known as "baby blues"), if these symptoms persist or get in the way of you caring for yourself or your newborn, they often indicate PPD.
Take our online depression quiz to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of depression. It's free, quick, confidential, and clinically validated.