Signs & Symptoms

 

Postpartum depression is more debilitating than the "blues" that usually starts 1 to 3 days after delivery, and is characterized by weeping, irritability, lack of sleep, mood changes and a feeling of vulnerability. These "blues" can last several weeks. It's estimated that between 50% and 80% of mothers experience them.

 

Women with Postpartum depression suffer:

despondency,

tearfulness,

feelings of inadequacy,

guilt,

anxiety,

anger,

obsessive compulsive thoughts of harming yourself and/or baby,
irritability, and

fatigue.

 

Physical symptoms include:

headaches,

numbness,

chest pain, and

hyperventilation.

 

A woman with postpartum depression may regard her child with ambivalence, negativity or disinterest. An adverse effect on the bonding between mother and child may result. Because this syndrome is still poorly defined and under studied, it tends to be under reported. Estimates of its occurrence range from 3% to 20% of births. The depression can begin at any time between delivery and 6 months post-birth, and may last up to several months or even a year.


http://www.cmha.ca/bins/content_page.asp?cid=3-86-87-99&lang=1; Canadian Mental Health Association website