This is a very serious variant of depression that usually raises its ugly head about 4 weeks after delivery.  Postpartum Depression affects 8-20% of women after pregancy. Did you experience this disorder?   Please be advised that this disorder is much more dangerous than the “Pospartum Blues.” (PPB) This generally occurs a few weeks after pregnancy and goes away in several weeks.   The PPB can be the antecedant to Postpartum depression so keep a watchful eye.  This variant of depression must be dealth with immediately because it can lead to the dreaded infanticide if not treated appropriately. Most of the symptoms are the same and similiar to Major Depression.

Here is the list:

• Agitation or Irritability
• Having problems with concentration or thinking
• Difficulty thinking and concentrating
• Increase or decrease in appetite
• Starting to feel worthless or a sense of guilt
• Lack of/ or too much sleep
• Having negative thoughts about the baby
• Lack of energy
• Feeling suicidal
• Thinking about death
• Not able to find pleaure in almost all activities

It is expected that when you have a baby it will trigger mood swings, since you will undergo several lifestyle changes.  Post Partum typically appears in the first 4 weeks, but can occur even later. This is why you have to be very cautious and monitor your moods daily in this period.

You may be at high risk for postpartum depression, if:

• under the age of 20yrs old
• a substance abuser
• not a planned pregnancy
• going through “Baby daddy drama”
• low on cash

Treatment: There is no single test to diagnose postpartum depression. Medication and professional counseling offer a better chance of eliminating symptons. Failure to treat the illness may put yourself at risk or your baby at risk, especially since it may last for months or years.   If you may be a candidate for postpartum go see your local psychiatrist and get a diagnostic exam immediately.

Enough Said!

Dr.O

Check Out our FREE Mental Health Status Exam if you feel you may be experiencing symptons of postpartum depression! Dr. Owens’  Mental Health  “free” Prescreen Assessment