Managing postpartum depression

What is postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression is more than a temporary feeling of sadness or lack of energy—it is a medical condition that develops some time in the first several months after childbirth. It seems to be triggered by the normal hormonal changes that occur after pregnancy. These hormonal changes are especially likely to lead to postpartum depression if you've had depression before; have poor support from your partner, friends, or family; or are under significant additional stress.²

You probably have postpartum depression if you've had five or more of the following symptoms (including at least one of the first two symptoms) for most of each day over the past 2 weeks:²

1. Depressed mood—tearfulness, hopelessness, and feeling empty inside, possibly with severe anxiety
2. A significant loss of pleasure in either all or almost all of your daily activities
3. Appetite and weight change—usually a drop in your appetite and weight, but sometimes the opposite
4. Sleep problems—usually insomnia, even when your baby is sleeping
5. Noticeable changes in how you walk and talk—usually restlessness, but sometimes sluggishness
6. Extreme fatigue or loss of energy
7. Feeling worthless or having inappropriate guilt
8. Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
9. Thinking a lot about death or suicide

If you think you have postpartum depression after reviewing this list, print the list and circle those symptoms that apply to you, then take the list to your health professional.

Test Your Knowledge

1. I know I'm supposed to be happy about having a baby, but I feel hopeless and unhappy. However, I don't have all of the symptoms on the list. Should I see my doctor?

1. Yes
2. No

2. I've never had a problem with depression before. Do I have any risk of postpartum depression?

1. Yes
2. No

Continue to Why treat postpartum depression?
Return to Managing postpartum depression

Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW Carrie Henley	Last Updated: August 22, 2006
Medical Review:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry
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