Postpartum Depression

Do you think you have postpartum depression? If you're like most women, you probably think you don't. But experts estimate that 1 in 10 women suffer from some level of PPD -- and that most of them don't know it.

 

The bottom line is this: If you're feeling overwhelmed or depressed, get help. Although you and your spouse or partner might be able to muscle your way through PPD, it won't be a pleasant experience, and it can even be dangerous for you and your family. It also can take up to two years for PPD to resolve itself. So don't wait. Get help now.

 

Remember and believe these words: It's not your fault. You're not weak. You're not a failure. You're not alone. You can be treated. You can get better.

 

Who is at Risk of Postpartum Depression?

What is Postpartum Depression?

Moms with PPD Can Have Trouble Getting Help

Links for Information and Support

 

Who is at risk of postpartum depression?

Go to Top

What is postpartum depression?

The blues:  Many new parents experience "the blues" shortly after arrival of a new baby. Symptoms might include crying jags, irritability, erratic sleep (outside of the demands of a new baby), anxiety and moodiness. The blues come quickly, and they typically go away quickly.

Postpartum Depression:   Postpartum depression isn't fleeting. Symptoms often don't appear until several months after delivery (thereby contributing to lack of diagnosis). They can include some or all of the following: exhaustion, sadness, hopelessness, confusion, memory loss, uncontrollable crying, lack of interest in the baby (or obsession with the baby), feelings of being overwhelmed, feelings of guilt and inadequacy, fear of harming yourself or the baby, resurgence of past emotional issues. See your doctor for help in treating your symptoms (and if these or other symptoms are interfering with your ability to care for yourself and/or the baby, seek immediate medical help).

Postpartum Psychosis:   Postpartum psychosis is much more rare, but it's an emergency and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms usually appear within the first two weeks after delivery, and might include some or all of the following: severe agitation, hyperactivity, bizarre feelings and behavior, aggressive and/or suicidal tendencies, delusions, paranoia, confusion, hallucinations, severe insomnia.

Remember that 1) symptoms and severity vary from woman to woman, 2) you don't have to be a danger to yourself or your baby to be suffering from postpartum depression, and 3) a new mom who's had other children still can suffer from postpartum depression.

Go to Top

Moms With PPD Can Have Trouble Getting Help:

Mothers with postpartum depression sometimes have trouble getting the support, information, and compassionate ear they need -- in part because it probably won't occur to most of them that postpartum depression is what they have. Women are strong; they make things work. They can read a thousand articles about postpartum depression -- never once dreaming that they're reading about themselves.

Additionally, a great many mothers might feel they've failed if they "can't handle" a new baby, or they might worry the child will be taken away if they confess to having bewildering -- even frightening -- feelings. The good news is that postpartum depression is better understood today than it's ever been. Information is plentiful, and health care providers are much better informed.

A good way to obtain information and resources on PPD is to get them before you need them. But if you're feeling in need of help right now, and your doctor isn't giving you the information or support you need (you're getting brushed off or being given unhelpful advice), do consider seeing another doctor. Take this condition seriously, and do something about it. Postpartum depression isn't "just in your head," it isn't something you need to just "get over," and it is treatable.

Go to Top

 Links for information and support:

Go to Top

Safer Child, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization with federal tax-exempt status. Please note: 1) External organizations listed herein do not necessarily endorse Safer Child positions, nor do we necessarily endorse theirs. We list them as a courtesy and aren't responsible for their accuracy, completeness or content. 2) We recommend you maintain a healthy skepticism when reviewing information on the Internet; it might appear to be reliable --  yet actually be false, misleading, incomplete, out-of-date and/or intentionally harmful. 3) There might be material on the Internet that you disagree with or find objectionable; preview all sites before viewing them with your child. 4) We are not responsible for external addresses/phone numbers changing without our knowledge. 5) The information and commentary on this site are not substitutes for professional advice from your doctor, lawyer, or mental health professional. 6) Requests for permission to republish, copy and/or distribute any material found on this Web site should be directed to Safer Child, Inc.

This Web site is supported by donated services from SISNA of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho,

and has received a grant from the Wendell P. & Barbara J. Marshall Family Trust in the Idaho Community Foundation.

Safer Child is also supported by Time4Learning.com, online education from preschool through middle school,

and LOCKSAF, manufacturer of biometric gun safes that "provide quick access with foolproof security for firearms and other valuables." (Enter the discount code "saferchild15" when you purchase a PBS-001 and receive 15% off the manufacturer's suggested retail price and 10% will be donated to Safer Child, Inc. See our review of this device.)

Copyright 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 Safer Child, Inc. All rights reserved.