Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav

How do I know if I have postpartum depression?

101 Answers
Last Updated: 05/05/2022 at 10:38pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
Canada
Moderated by

Kajsa Futrell, RTC

Counselor

I specialise in respectfully helping people navigate their way through trauma and relationship issues. The adversities in our life can actually transform us.

Top Rated Answers
WhereTheSunflowersAre
May 11th, 2016 5:15am
The first step is to identify your emotions and how you're feeling. If you're not comfortable with speaking with someone there are helpful tools and resources available online that could help you identify the severity of your depression. In this case, I recommend seeking a professional. At 7 cups of Tea we would be happy to help you seek the proper resources you'll need!
SunFlower700
February 19th, 2017 7:59pm
Having a new baby is a great change in your life, it's normal to feel stressed especially with irregular sleep. You know you're depressed if you cry for prolonged times, feel as you don't like your baby,feel as your partner doesn't support you, and the most important feeling is as your life has ended
Roma90
May 26th, 2018 10:58pm
Sadness or guilt consume your thoughts. Feeling upset once in a while is normal. But if you have crying spells, or you often feel unhappy about being a parent, or you're often "down on yourself" as a mom, these may be among the first signs of postpartum depression.
Anonymous
April 12th, 2020 10:08am
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is developed for screening postpartum women. This test can be completed in less than 5 minutes! Postpartum depression is the most common complication of childbearing. This 10-question self-rating scale has been proven to be an efficient and effective way of identifying patients at risk for “perinatal” depression. While this test was specifically designed for women who are pregnant or have just had a baby, it has also been shown to be an effective measure for general depression in the larger population It is strongly recommended that this set of questions is completed with a health professional! https://psychology-tools.com/test/epds Good luck
Ebonee
January 26th, 2019 7:03pm
There are many signs to postpartum depression (PPD) that differ for each woman. Irritability, sadness, lack of desire to want to connect with the newborn, anger, feelings of numbness, a disconnect from activities that were previously enjoyed, are all some of the well known characteristics. PPD can set in right after birth or months later. For some women it might happen after the baby is 6 - 12 months old. Make sure to connect with your OBGYN or family doctor to talk about your symptoms. Counseling also helps some women. For other women, medicine is necessary to balance the hormones.
beautifulFreedom39
July 12th, 2017 6:20am
If you are feeling low after giving birth it could be a sign of postpartum depression, and it is best to seek a diagnosis from a mental health care provider.
caishrenee
August 20th, 2017 4:39am
You will know if you have postpartum depression if you seek medical advise from a professional who can help you if any further medical attention is needed.
sunnyHoney26
October 30th, 2017 10:54am
Along with symptoms similar to those of the baby blues, such as weepiness and anxiety, you may also become moody and irritable. Women with PPD can lose their appetite or their ability to sleep. Some have panic attacks. A small number of women believe they can't adequately care for their baby. Others report feeling suicidal or having disturbing negative thoughts about their baby.
Anonymous
November 15th, 2017 9:59pm
Those who develop postpartum depression are at greater risk of developing major depression later on in life. Symptoms might include insomnia, loss of appetite, intense irritability, and difficulty bonding with the baby. Untreated, the condition may last months or longer. Treatment can include counseling, antidepressants, or hormone therapy.
ChamomileTea5202
December 20th, 2017 7:51pm
Feeling overwhelmed, not bonding with your baby, irritability, numbness, and hopelessness, are some of the symptoms associated with postpartum depression (or postpartum anxiety). If you experience anything that is not common to you, contact a mental health professional to receive an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Anonymous
December 28th, 2017 1:30am
Symptoms of PPD can occur any time in the first year postpartum. Typically, a diagnosis of postpartum depression is considered after signs and symptoms persist for at least two weeks. These symptoms include, but are not limited to: Emotional •Persistent sadness, anxiousness or "empty" mood •Severe mood swings •Frustration, irritability, restlessness, anger •Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness •Guilt, shame, worthlessness •Low self-esteem •Numbness, emptiness •Exhaustion •Inability to be comforted •Trouble bonding with the baby •Feeling inadequate in taking care of the baby Behavioral •Lack of interest or pleasure in usual activities •Low or no energy •Low libido •Changes in appetite •Fatigue, decreased energy and motivation •Poor self-care •Social withdrawal •Insomnia or excessive sleep Cognition •Diminished ability to make decisions and think clearly •Lack of concentration and poor memory •Fear that you can not care for the baby or fear of the baby •Worry about harming self, baby, or partner
Anonymous
February 8th, 2018 12:27pm
I guess the only way to know that is by going to a doctor or therapist who is medically trained and has the credentials to properly diagnose it.
BeccaSunflower89
March 1st, 2018 5:51pm
Speaking from personal experience, I was very tearful. Fearful for my baby. Anxious and angry. Constantly feeling that I was an awful mother.
Anonymous
March 29th, 2018 8:43pm
For me to recognize that in my own self is when you finally recognize that there is a problem that you are not interested with things that are going on in your personal life that even the simplest things that you enjoy the most you're just show absolutely no interest like there is no value when you no longer like and enjoy your favorite foods you go outside and everything is a blah when you used to see things beautiful and exciting when you learn to see all of that that's when you know there is a problem that needs to be taken care of. And that's when we ourselves make that next step to seek help even if it is talking to a complete stranger who is more than willing to listen to help figure things out not to solve but to help figure things out on your own
Lilhelpy
April 6th, 2018 6:37pm
Disconnect from myself after I delivered baby. Depression after having a pregnancy and having a baby, time period when you cannot conect with your child
Kallie112358
April 14th, 2018 12:31pm
the tricky answer is that most of the time you dont. If you are concerned or think it might be a possibility please seek help from a medical professional - with the right help and support this is something that can be managed
Joe4stressfree
April 21st, 2018 4:26pm
Best way would be to see your local doctor or therapist where they would be able to diagnose postpartum depression
sillyseraph002
April 27th, 2018 9:56pm
postpartum depression can be very difficult to experience. if you are concerned that you my be going through this, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
Anonymous
May 13th, 2018 3:44am
These are some of the symptoms for post partum depression: low energy, anxiety, crying episodes, irritability, and changes in sleeping or eating patterns
Artemidesia
June 1st, 2018 8:14pm
The best way to know is to get it clinically diagnosed and not rely on the internet. Professionals are the only people who can diagnose it for you. Self-diagnosis is dangerous. Having said that, if you feel like your symptoms do match with the ones stated online, please consider getting in contact with a professional.
Anonymous
July 1st, 2018 8:05pm
When you feel like your hopeless like you just don’t want to take care of your child or want to hurt yourself or have trouble being happy at times
acaiaboo
July 4th, 2018 4:53pm
I imagine this is different for everyone. But some symptoms would include of course sadness/depression after the baby is born, having a hard time sleeping and/or eating, irritability, and having a difficult time bonding with the baby
dontgiveup123
July 7th, 2018 2:46am
you have to see a medical doctor to confirm that and get the necessary treatment. your mood after delivery should normally be monitored as symptoms of depression are not uncommon. please i encourage you to follow up with your physician
Glazeyglaze
July 22nd, 2018 2:00pm
Postpartum Depression happens after having a baby. Yo will know if you have this kind of depression if you feel overwhelmed on having a baby and you also feel that you dont't deserve to be a mother to your baby.
Anonymous
August 2nd, 2018 1:51am
The lack of happiness and the flat static pattern of life where you tend to never do new thing and be in an awful unrealistic mood and casting yourself aside intendedly from the society and remove the probability of having someone close and bonded to you
MissLisa
August 24th, 2018 3:09pm
It is normal for women to find themselves feeling down following the birth of a child. These feelings are often referred to as baby blues and come to pass a short time after having a baby. Perhaps opening up to those around you and telling them how you are feeling, they can keep an eye on you. If these feelings do not pass after a short time you should speak with a specialist voicing your concerns over postpartum depression. This is a common condition which most people overcome . It takes time but awareness and monitoring the situation is key.
WhatIsYourWhy
August 29th, 2018 3:03pm
I personally had severe postpartum depression for several months after my son was born I felt so depressed so panicked so alone and like I was a terrible mother but I knew it would end I spoke out to Dr I reached out to therapist I reached out to friends anyone and everyone that had any advice to give and with that strengthen that support system I made it through. I also spoke with many women who had postpartum psychosis and or postpartum depression and had to go on medication or therapy and they never were on medication and they never had been to therapy before they were completely against it but once they let go of the driver seat and became the passenger and let someone else help guide them with the information they provided as well as doing mindful exercises DBT CVT and just meditation or being in the moment everything seemed to fall right in place over time
Naeco28
June 17th, 2021 5:04pm
Changes after such life experience is very common, Have you noticed a change in your eating habits, Possible loss of appetite? , Are you experiencing some difficulty bonding with baby, Crying, A lose of interest in your usual activities, Anger, Having a difficult time sleeping due to constant overthinking or unable to concentrate? If you believe one or more of these symptoms mentioned feel familiar you might be experiencing postpartum depression and you may benefit from reaching out to either a friend/family that you are comfortable with or if this is not an option you are comfortable with you may also want to consider reaching out for professional assistance during this difficult time.
Anonymous
May 16th, 2021 7:20pm
If you are experiencing classical signs of depression after your transition in motherhood, you might want to consider reaching out to a professional. There are a variety of symptoms that might implicate that you may have postpartum depression. This may include worry or anxiety, an overall negative mood or attitude, maybe some self-blame, sensitivity, over-eating or perhaps under-eating, maybe some trouble with getting sleep or maybe even sleeping too much. Some other signs may be a general loss of motivation to keep up with hygiene, over-caring for your baby or under-caring, loss of please in the things you used to once enjoy before motherhood, and perhaps some irritability. I hope this helps.
cooperelizabeth
April 29th, 2021 11:58pm
Many people feel sad after giving birth, this is called the "baby blues", this is due to the fluctuations in hormone levels that happen after birth. The "baby blues" seem to go away after 3-5 days after birth because the hormones return to normal levels. The first sign of having postpartum depression is if these so called "baby blues" last longer than a week. Another sign of postpartum depression is insomnia. I know that it would be hard to tell if you have insomnia or if its just your new baby being loud. Most new mothers are exhausted with taking care of a new baby and sleep at every opportunity they had. If you still feel exhausted but you can't sleep that is insomnia. Other signs are a loss in appetite, irritability and of course a difficulty bonding with your baby. I think the biggest question to ask yourself is what are your thoughts about your baby. Do you naturally feel like you want to protect them from harm? Have you considered abandoning your baby? If this is the case the best thing to do is seek proper help with a qualified therapist/psychologist. Many women experience postpartum depression and the guilt linked with it. Luckily postpartum depression doesn't usually last longer than a few months and it will improve heaps if you talk to someone about it. I wish you all the best and I hope things get better for you.