How do i know if i have postpartum depression?

You may not know...: It is easy to feel overwhelmed as a new mother--reach out! i would recommend speaking with your obstetrician or social worker at the hospital you had delivered at and informing him/her of your current state of mind and how you are feeling. You should not feel ashamed to talk with your family or doctor about how you are feeling nor should any of your symptoms be dismissed or taken lightly.

Call your physician: Contact a mental health professional with specialization/expertise in assessment and treatment of postpartum depression. You can contact postpartum support, international at www.Postpartum.Net.

Do speak with: Someone. I agree with dr scarantino. Don't wait if you are unsure whether it's post partum or not, speaking with your doctor or a therapist will help you figure out what s wrong..

Get checked: If you think you could be having post-partum depression then you should get checked. It is even more important to get checked immediately if you are having thoughts of hurting yourself or others, especially your baby.

Psychiatric Eval.: Between the changes in hormones and life style that come after childbirth, it is very common for a woman to have mood swings and to feel down. This can be accompanied by feeling overwhelmed, being more tearful, difficulty sleeping and feeling anxious, jittery or irritable. This is called the postpartum blues and it happens to more than half of women. It can increase for several days after your >.

Psychiatric eval.: Depression is not uncommon after childbirth, although mild "baby blues" are more common. Symptoms to look for include sadness/numbness, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, changes in sleep or appetite, guilt or worry, poor concentration, low energy, feeling heavy or slow. If there are any thoughts about wanting to not be alive or harm oneself or the baby it could be an emergency.