How do I know if I'm struggling with Postpartum Depression?
The following are signs that you may be suffering from postpartum depression:
Postpartum Depression usually sets in soon after childbirth and develops gradually over a period of several months. But postpartum depression can also come on suddenly, and in some women, the first signs don’t appear until months after they’ve given birth. Because of the possibility of delayed onset, if you have a depressive episode within six months of having a baby, postpartum depression should be considered.
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a screening tool designed to detect postpartum depression. Fill it out for a more complete look at your emotional state. If you believe you have postpartum depression, it can be helpful to bring the completed form to your physician or therapist. Please let your doctor know if you are concerned about how you have been feeling post-delivery.
Treatment of postpartum depression can involve a combination of anti-depressant medication, individual psychotherapy, marriage counseling, and/or hormone therapy. If you’re suffering from postpartum depression, there is no reason to feel guilty or ashamed. The symptoms of postpartum depression are outside your control, and they don’t make you a bad person or a bad parent. However, the choice to get treatment is in your control. Considering the impact depression has on both you and your child, it’s important to seek help right away.
Click on the below link to take the screening for Postnatal Depression:
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)
**Please note that a series of studies over the years have also suggested that up to 10% of new fathers experience postpartum depression; for more information on this topic, click on the following link:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126905558&sc=fb&cc=fp
The following are signs that you may be suffering from postpartum depression:
- Lack of interest in your baby
- Negative feelings toward your baby
- Worry about hurting your baby
- Lack of concern for yourself
- Loss of pleasure
- Lack of energy and motivation
- Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Sleeping more or less than usual
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
Postpartum Depression usually sets in soon after childbirth and develops gradually over a period of several months. But postpartum depression can also come on suddenly, and in some women, the first signs don’t appear until months after they’ve given birth. Because of the possibility of delayed onset, if you have a depressive episode within six months of having a baby, postpartum depression should be considered.
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a screening tool designed to detect postpartum depression. Fill it out for a more complete look at your emotional state. If you believe you have postpartum depression, it can be helpful to bring the completed form to your physician or therapist. Please let your doctor know if you are concerned about how you have been feeling post-delivery.
Treatment of postpartum depression can involve a combination of anti-depressant medication, individual psychotherapy, marriage counseling, and/or hormone therapy. If you’re suffering from postpartum depression, there is no reason to feel guilty or ashamed. The symptoms of postpartum depression are outside your control, and they don’t make you a bad person or a bad parent. However, the choice to get treatment is in your control. Considering the impact depression has on both you and your child, it’s important to seek help right away.
Click on the below link to take the screening for Postnatal Depression:
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)
**Please note that a series of studies over the years have also suggested that up to 10% of new fathers experience postpartum depression; for more information on this topic, click on the following link:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126905558&sc=fb&cc=fp
