Postpartum depression is a kind of depression that starts after you’ve had your baby.

If untreated, it can last for years. It can hurt both you and your baby. For you, it can make you feel awful and affect your personal relationships. It can make it hard for you to take care of and bond with your baby.

It’s normal to have some mood swings while you’re pregnant and for two weeks after you’ve had your baby. But if you have really bad symptoms or they last longer than two weeks, you might have postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression has a lot of signs and symptoms, like:

  • Being depressed most of the day nearly every day
  • Being less interested in the things that used to make you happy
  • Losing a lot of weight without trying
  • Not being hungry almost every day
  • Not sleeping at night
  • Sleeping way more than usual
  • Being fidgety or restless including pacing, talking quickly, or having racing thoughts
  • Being really tired
  • Feeling like you don’t have any energy
  • Feeling worthless or overly guilty
  • Not being able to concentrate
  • Thinking about death a lot
  • Thinking about committing suicide

 

 

Postpartum depression happens to a lot of people. It doesn’t mean you’re weak or a bad parent. If you don’t reach out for help, it could get worse. If you think you might have postpartum depression, talk to your doctor. There are lots of treatments that can help you feel better, which can help you better bond and take care of your baby.

If you’re having suicidal thoughts, reach out to someone as soon as you can. You can talk to a doctor, mental health care provider, loved one, or a trusted member of your community. In the United States, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. They also have a Spanish phone line at 1-888-628-9454.

 

Had your baby and feeling blue? Talk to your doctor so they can help you feel like new!