Pregnancy and giving birth are supposed to be some of the happiest times in your life, so why, when you hold your new bundle of joy in your arms, do you feel so sad?  Some doctors attribute this postpartum depression to the rapidly fluctuating levels of hormones in a woman’s body following delivery, while others link it to the major lifestyle changes that occur after bringing a new baby home.  Whatever the cause, it’s important to realize that postpartum depression is a natural occurrence – not a failing on the part of the new mother.  If you have any of the symptoms identified here, seek help from a qualified medical professional immediately.

The signs of postpartum depression

The symptoms of postpartum depression manifest themselves differently in individual women.  One mother may experience all of the symptoms listed below, while another may only demonstrate one or two, but to a much more severe degree.  If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t be embarrassed about calling your doctor.  It’s natural to feel the “baby blues” after giving birth, but only your doctor can determine whether or not your symptoms indicate a more serious case of postpartum depression.

Symptoms

The following symptoms have all been linked to postpartum depression:

Lack of interest in everyday life
Change in eating habits – either a lack of interest in eating or compulsive overeating may indicate postpartum depression
Lethargy
Trouble sleeping
Crying more often than usual, generally with no provocation
Overwhelming feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, guilt and anxiety
Feelings of desire to injure yourself or your child

Postpartum depression is every bit as serious as regular depression – and if you’ve seen any of the recent news stories on mothers who have killed their newborn babies, you understand why.  Fortunately, there are treatment options for mothers who are suffering from postpartum depression.

Treatment options for postpartum depression

As with regular depression, postpartum depression is typically treated with a combination of prescription anti-depressants and therapy.  Your doctor will look at your medical history and prescribe the anti-depressant medication that makes the most sense for you, while reducing the incidence of side effects as much as possible.  He or she can also refer you to a therapist for regular talk therapy sessions, which may occur weekly or more often, depending on your schedule and preferences.  Many women find that just having someone objective to talk to about new motherhood can reduce much of the stress and depression they’re feeling.

In addition, there are several actions that women can take on their own to help alleviate feelings of postpartum depression.  While many new moms feel compelled to be “super mom” – constantly attending to their newborn’s care – it’s equally important for them to step back and relinquish care of the infant to another family member in order to have some time to themselves.  Participating in a favorite activity, napping, or writing about their feelings in a journal can help many new moms cope with the symptoms of postpartum depression.