Postpartum Depression |
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DESCRIPTION
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Many women feel sad, afraid, and unable to cope in the first few days after having a baby. This feeling is called postpartum (post-PAR-tum) blues, or baby blues. It usually goes away within two weeks. When it doesn't go away or gets worse, you may find yourself unable to care for the baby or yourself. This is called postpartum depression. Treatment can relieve even the worst of such depressions. Without treatment, however, the condition could get worse and lead to dangerous thoughts about hurting yourself or your baby.
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CAUSES
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Fast changes in the body's hormone levels are partially to blame. Stress, lack of sleep, poor diet, and lack of help from family and friends also can bring on depression. Women who have emotional problems before the baby is born are more likely to develop the problem.
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SYMPTOMS
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You may feel sad, nervous, irritated, or moody. Sometimes women feel angry at their baby, their partner, or their other children. Trouble sleeping, eating, or making decisions is common. In very bad cases, self-destructive thoughts may emerge.
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CARE
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Many cases of postpartum blues will go away if a woman can get rest and help from family and friends. However, if the depression continues, medications and counseling may be needed.
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