Depression Postpartum Symptom - What Do You Look For

For a mom who is about to become a mom for a second, third time, it can be just as overwhelming as the very first time if not more so, for different reasons. She has to adjust to the role of being a new mom again, balancing work and family, coping with all the hormonal, mental and physical changes her body will go through. It is possible that depression specifically postpartum depression to creep in.


Postpartum moms (after giving birth) experience "baby blues." During this phase it is quite common for women to feel:


anxiety

mood swings

fatigue

sadness


These feelings are again quite common and usually affect about 80% of new moms. These symptoms last maybe a couple of days or weeks after giving birth and tyically go away on their own. If these symptoms don't disappear and last longer that a couple of weeks then they are no longer "baby blues" it is referred to as depression or actually postpartum
depression symptoms and if that sets in then treatment is needed.


Postpartum depression symptoms can include the following:


tearfulness, crying spells

loss of appetite or compulsive overeating

lack of interest in sex or other pleasurable activities

isolation from social supports

irritability

anxiety, including panic attacks

insomnia

feelings of hopelessness and a pervasive sense of sadness

thoughts of death or dying; sometimes suicidal thoughts

extreme guilt (usually about parenting issues but not always)

obsessive thoughts (sometimes about the health or safety of the baby or graphic intrusive images of the harm befalling the baby)

increased fatigue

problems concentrating and focusing


To know if these symptoms truly are postpartum depression they have to be inherent for at least two weeks or more. Another thing to know and understand is that these postpartum depression signs do not mean major depression, these are unique postpartum depression symptoms only and not to any other forms of depression.

The good thing is that if you suffer from these depression - postpartum symptoms they are completely treatable and if you get the jump on them early you will be well on your way to easing their effects. The key though is to getting help with the symptoms of postpartum depression early, don't wait or put them off thinking they will go away on their own. Take the time to visit with your family doctor and discuss what you are feeling and experiencing. Your doctor will be able to recommend ways to combat the symptoms of postpartum depression before they have lasting effects.

Dennise Ryder is the writer for depression postpartum symptom - If you aren't feeling up to par, go to feelhealthyagain.net for useful information on depression, stress, exercise, healthy eating and diets.