SYMPTOMS OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION




Many of the symptoms of postpartum depression overlap with the normal emotions of early motherhood -- emotions like fatigue, anxiety, guilt, anger, loss, and feeling overwhelmed.(1-2) Because of this, it is sometimes difficult to figure out whether your emotions are symptoms of postpartum depression or whether they are part of the normal experience of adjustment and/or just part of the postpartum blues or "baby blues."

Typically, this is the case with more minor forms of depression. Usually, with major depression, moms know that what they are thinking and feeling is "not normal". One way to help figure out if you have PPD or not is to complete this PPD screening questionnaire.

Another thing you can do is consult the table below, which outlines the main symptoms of postpartum depression. Use it to help you figure out how closely the main symptoms of postpartum depression match up with what you are experiencing.




Major Symptoms of Postpartum Depression (3-4)
  • Crying for no apparent reason, which continues beyond one week.

  • Inability to sleep / extreme fatigue

  • Loss of appetite or overeating

  • Extreme anxiety regarding the baby's health or safety

  • Feelings of inadequacy, numbness, helplessness, and/or profound inexplicable sadness

  • Exaggerated mood swings

  • Lack of feeling for the baby or others

  • Lack of interest in daily activities

  • Inability to care for the baby

  • Fear of being alone

  • Confusion

  • Inability to concentrate

  • Feeling overwhelmed and unable to make decisions

  • Inability to sit still, talking incessantly

  • Physical complaints which suggest a panic attack

  • Uncharacteristic silence or reclusiveness

  • Experiencing bizarre thoughts or frightening dreams

  • Feelings of worthlessness and/or suicidal ideation


Remember, like other forms of depression, PPD can be more or less severe in nature. As such, the question you always need to ask yourself is: "how well am I managing and coping"?

The bottom line is to seek help if you feel you are not handling things okay. See your health provider. Find a counselor and/or a peer support group to connect with.

Also, talk to your spouse/partner and any other trusted confidants about what you are going through. Get them on-side, helping you get the rest you need. Get them to temporarily take over some of the duties currently on your plate.

These kinds of supports will do many things to help you get back on track, regardless of the diagnosis you ultimately end up with:

  • They will help you to feel better understood and better connected

  • They will help you reconcile some of the gaps you are experiencing between your expectations and your reality

  • They will help relieve you of some of your duties, tasks and responsibilities (no, you are actually not supposed to be doing it all on your own).

  • They will help you to manage and/or reduce the stress in your life

  • They will better allow you to prioritize your own self-care -- getting the rest and sleep you need, eating well, and getting some activity or exercise.



Read other mothers'
stories of PPD


See this article for more details about the definition, prevalence, symptoms, and main risk factors for PPD


Click here to screen yourself for PPD


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to the Postpartum Problems menu page

Sources for this Symptoms of Postpartum Depression article:

1. Nicholson, Paula. 1999. "Loss, happiness, and postpartum depression: the ultimate paradox," Canadian Psychology 40: 162-178.

2. Romito, Patrizia. 1990. "Postpartum depression and the experience of motherhood," Acta Obstetricia et Gynocologa Scandinavica 69 suppl: 154-155.

3. Harberger, P.N., Berchold, N.G. and J.I. Honikman. 1992. "Cries for help," Pp. 41-60 in Hamilton, James Alexander, Harbinger Patricia Neel (eds.) Postpartum Depression: A Picture Puzzle. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press.

4. American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition Text Revision. 2000.Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association.



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