Taking Care of Yourself

Postpartum depression is a common mood disorder that can affect women after childbirth. With postpartum depression, women have feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion, making daily care activities of self and baby very difficult.

Common symptoms of postpartum depression:

1. Feeling sad, hopeless, empty, or overwhelmed.
2. Crying more than usual or for no clear reason.
3. Worrying or feeling overly anxious.
4. Moodiness, irritability, or restlessness.
5. Trouble concentrating or remembering details.
6. Anger or rage.
7. Loss of interest in activities.
8. Withdrawing from family and friends.
9. Difficulty bonding with baby.
10. Doubting ability to care for baby.
11. Thinking of harming self or baby.

Many new moms experience some of these feelings shortly after birth, when their bodies are adjusting to different hormone levels, decreased sleep, and caring for a newborn. This is known as “baby blues.”

See your health care provider as soon as possible if the symptoms:

1. Are severe.
2. Continue for more than a week or two.
3. Become worse.

Postpartum depression is not a flaw or weakness! It’s a complication of giving birth. If you might be having some postpartum depression, get treatment right away, so you can enjoy your life and your baby again.

If you or someone you know is in a crisis now, seek help immediately:

1. If you or anyone else is in immediate danger, call 911.
2. For support, call FirstLink Help Line at 2-1-1.
3. Call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach a 24-hour crisis center.