Postpartum Depression

Does your newborn seem like a stranger? Are you feeling like a terrible mother because you are overwhelmingly sad and too exhausted to care for your baby – who you resent for ruining your life?

You may be suffering from Postpartum Depression. Symptoms include:

• Depressed mood or severe mood swings
• Crying too much
• Difficulty bonding with your baby
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual
• Inability to sleep, called insomnia, or sleeping too much
• Overwhelming tiredness or loss of energy
• Less interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
• Intense irritability and anger
• Fear that you’re not a good mother
• Hopelessness
• Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy
• Reduced ability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions
• Restlessness
• Severe anxiety and panic attacks
• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

Untreated, postpartum depression may last for many months or longer.