| Postpartum Depression |
| A very helpful website I have found is: http://www.depressionafterdelivery.com/home.asp It has support groups, all the information you may need, and several other helpful things. |
| Baby Blues |
| The "Baby Blues" is an exteremly common reaction to birth. 50-75% of all women have an experience of "let down" after birth. |
| Some symptoms include: - Crying for no reason - Impatience - Irritability - Restlessness - Anxiety |
| This is the most common of Postpartum Depression and least severe. It usually doesn't last long and leaves as quickly as it comes on. |
| Postpartum Depression |
| Postpartum depression usually affects 1 in 10 women and has various degrees of seriousness. Symptoms can appear as soon as a couple days after birth to a year later. With this, you will experience various symptoms and ranges of degree of severity. You will also experience "good" days and "bad" days. The Symptoms usually leave you feeling guilty, ashamed, and isolated. |
| Some symptoms include: - Slugishness, depression, exhaustion - Sadness, depression, hopelessness - Appetite and sleep disturbances - Poor concentration, confusion - Memory loss - Overconcern for the baby - Uncontrollable crying, irritability - Guilt, inadequacy, worthlessness - Lack of intrest in the baby - Fear of harming the baby or yourself - Fear of loosing control or "going crazy" - Exaggerated highs and/or lows - Lack of intrest in sex - Insomnia - Intrusive thoughts |
| Some women may not feel depressed, but very anxious |
| Postpartum Anxiety and/or Panic Disorder |
| - Intense anxiety and/or fear - Rapid breathing - Fast heart rate, palpitations - Sense of doom - Hot or cold flashes - Chest pains or discomfort - Shaking - Dizziness - Insomnia - Feelings of wanting to "run away" |
| Postpartum Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD) |
| - Intrusive thoughts (which may include thoughts of harming your baby or others) - Obsessive thoughts - Avoidance behavior (ex. Avoiding baby to avoid intrusive thoughts about baby) - Anxiety and/or depression - Fears |
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