New mothers often experience feelings of anxiety, loneliness and depression after their babies are born. This is known as postpartum depression. Postpartum depression can develop quickly or over several months. It can occur anytime during the first two years after the baby is born. The intensity of depression varies.
If you consistently experience the following symptoms, you may have postpartum depression:
Feelings of:
- Anxiety or panic
- Inadequacy or incompetence
- Helplessness
- Numbness
- Anger
- Joylessness
- Inability to concentrate
- Inability to sleep
- Crying for no apparent reason
- Constant exhaustion
- Poor memory
- Unusual concern for the baby’s safety
- Lack of attachment to other family members
- Compulsive need to talk
- Compulsive counting
- Difficulty making even simple decisions
Resources:
If you think you may be affected by postpartum depression, it is important that you ask for help. This disorder can endanger you and your baby. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Here are some numbers to call:
Baby Blues Connection 503-797-2843
Women’s Psychiatric Resource Center 503-629-2131
Providence Resource Line 503-574-6595
Suggested Reading:
"This Isn’t What I Expected," by Kleinman and Raskin
"Postpartum Survival Guide," by A. Dunnawal
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