Dual Dove
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a very serious condition that women suffer from in the weeks after they give birth. Suffering from this condition in no way makes a woman a bad mother and there are treatments for the symptoms, but you can’t be helped if you don’t make your doctor aware of what is going on with you.
Many mothers don’t receive treatment for PPD because of the high cost of health insurance and some don’t because they refuse to acknowledge the signs of PPD. Some new mothers don’t even realize that they have postpartum depression. In this article, you’ll find a few of the signs and symptoms of this condition, so that you can get help for it early on, before it’s too late.
The “Baby Blues” Aren’t Getting Any Better
The “baby blues,” as they are called, are common among new mothers in the first few days after coming home from the hospital. However, if those baby blues linger and refuse to go away, it’s an early warning sign that you need to talk to your doctor and see if you have postpartum depression.
Your doctor should be able to figure out whether you are simply suffering from the trials of being a new mom and getting very little sleep, or if you need to be set up with a specialist for postpartum depression treatment.
Guilt and Sadness Are Consuming You
If you constantly feel down and depressed or guilty because you feel like you can’t take care of your baby or are resentful of the little bundle of joy you couldn’t wait to arrive, then you need to see your doctor right away. Doubting yourself as a mother or crying constantly are two very early signs of postpartum depression, so you need to get help soon.
You’ve Lost Interest in the Things You Used to Enjoy Doing
Are you enjoying watching the movies you’ve always loved? Do you enjoy the food that you’ve loved forever? Are you eating at all? If you’ve lost interest in everything you used to enjoy doing, you need to talk to your doctor to determine why you’re having these problems.
You’re Unable to Make Decisions
If you’re finding yourself unable to make decisions concerning your daily life or the life of the baby, then you could be suffering from postpartum depression. If you can’t decide whether you need to get out of bed or not, or if you have no desire to eat dinner or clean up after yourself or the baby, or if you’re having problems deciding whether to change the baby’s diaper or not, then you need help.
You’re Thinking About Hurting Yourself or the Baby
If you’ve gotten to the point where thoughts of hurting yourself are in your mind, then you need to contact your doctor for an appointment right away. If you’ve had thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby, then there are numbers you can call until you can get an appointment with your doctor. Please get help somewhere before your symptoms get any worse.
Do Not Feel Ashamed
It’s important to note that the symptoms you’re feeling are nothing to be ashamed of. Postpartum depression is more common than you might think, and many, many new mothers suffer from it every day. If you’re not ready to go to your doctor, try talking to a family member you trust to help you through this trying time in your life.
These are just a few of the signs and symptoms that you might have postpartum depression. If you see these symptoms in yourself, don’t be ashamed, make an appointment with your doctor and get the help you need, instead.
