The birth of a baby can trigger a jumble of powerful emotions, from excitement and joy to fear and anxiety. But it can also result in something you might not expect â depression.
Many new moms experience the "postpartum baby blues" after childbirth, which commonly include mood swings, crying spells, anxiety and difficulty sleeping. Baby blues typically begin within the first two to three days after delivery, and may last for up to two weeks.
But some new moms experience a more severe, long-lasting form of depression known as postpartum depression. Rarely, an extreme mood disorder called postpartum psychosis also may develop after childbirth.
Postpartum depression isn't a character flaw or a weakness. Sometimes it's simply a complication of giving birth. If you have postpartum depression, prompt treatment can help you manage your symptoms â and enjoy your baby.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Signs and symptoms of depression after childbirth vary, and they can range from mild to severe.
Signs and symptoms of baby blues â which last only a few days to a week or two after your baby is born â may include:
Postpartum depression may be mistaken for baby blues at first â but the signs and symptoms are more intense and last longer, eventually interfering with your ability to care for your baby and handle other daily tasks. Symptoms usually develop within the first few weeks after giving birth, but may begin later â up to six months after birth.
Postpartum depression symptoms may include:
Untreated, postpartum depression may last for many months or longer.
With postpartum psychosis â a rare condition that typically develops within the first week after delivery â the signs and symptoms are even more severe. Signs and symptoms may include:
Postpartum psychosis may lead to life-threatening thoughts or behaviors and requires immediate treatment.
If you're feeling depressed after your baby's birth, you may be reluctant or embarrassed to admit it. But if you experience any symptoms of postpartum baby blues or postpartum depression, call your doctor and schedule an appointment. If you have symptoms that suggest you may have postpartum psychosis, get help immediately.
It's important to call your doctor as soon as possible if the signs and symptoms of depression have any of these features:
If at any point you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, immediately seek help from your partner or loved ones in taking care of your baby and call 911 or your local emergency assistance number to get help.
Also consider these options if you're having suicidal thoughts:
People with depression may not recognize or acknowledge that they're depressed. They may not be aware of signs and symptoms of depression. If you suspect that a friend or loved one has postpartum depression or is developing postpartum psychosis, help them seek medical attention immediately. Don't wait and hope for improvement.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
There's no single cause of postpartum depression, but physical and emotional issues may play a role.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Your doctor will usually talk with you about your feelings, thoughts and mental health to distinguish between a short-term case of postpartum baby blues and a more severe form of depression. Don't be embarrassed. Share your symptoms with your doctor so that a useful treatment plan can be created for you.
As part of your evaluation, your doctor may:
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association, is often used by mental health providers to diagnose mental conditions and by insurance companies to reimburse for treatment.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Left untreated, postpartum depression can interfere with mother-child bonding and cause family problems.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
If you have a history of depression â especially postpartum depression â tell your doctor if you're planning on becoming pregnant or as soon as you find out you're pregnant.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Postpartum depression isn't generally a condition that you can treat on your own â but you can do some things for yourself that build on your treatment plan and help speed recovery.
Remember, the best way to take care of your baby is to take care of yourself.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
The already stressful, exhausting period following a baby's birth is more difficult when depression occurs. But remember, postpartum depression is never anyone's fault. It's a common medical condition that needs treatment.
So, if you're having trouble coping with postpartum depression, talk with a therapist. Ask your doctor or therapist about local support groups for new moms or women who have postpartum depression.
The sooner you get help, the sooner you'll be fully equipped to cope with depression and enjoy your new baby.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Postpartum depression can develop after the birth of any child, not just the first. The risk increases if:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
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