Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mood disorder that can occur after childbirth. It’s more than the baby blues and can affect your ability to care for yourself and your baby. If you’re worried you might have PPD, it’s important to seek care promptly. Here’s a concise guide to help you assess your symptoms and next steps. How to tell if you might have postpartum depression

• Persistent low mood: Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless most of the day, nearly every day, for two weeks or more.
• Significant changes in sleep or appetite: Sleeping too much or too little; eating much more or less than usual.
• Fatigue and low energy: Overwhelming tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest.
• Loss of interest: Little or no interest in activities you used to enjoy, including time with your baby.
• Concentration problems: Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.
• Difficulty bonding: Feeling detached from your baby or worrying you’re not a good parent.
• Irritability or anger: More easily frustrated or angry than usual.
• Anxiety or panic: Excess worry, racing thoughts, or physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat.
• Thoughts of self-harm or harming your baby: This is a medical emergency. Seek immediate help if you have these thoughts.
• Changes in self-care: Neglecting personal hygiene, safety, or daily routines.

Important notes

• The severity can vary; some people have mild symptoms, others have more intense symptoms.
• PPD typically arises within the first year after birth but is most common in the first few weeks to months.
• Baby blues are common in the first two weeks after delivery and are usually milder. If symptoms linger beyond two weeks or worsen, it’s not just the baby blues.

What to do if you suspect PPD

• Talk to a healthcare professional soon: Your obstetrician, midwife, primary care provider, or a mental health professional can assess you. If you’re still pregnant or recently postpartum, you can ask for a postpartum depression screening.
• Be honest about your symptoms: Include mood, sleep, appetite, energy, thoughts about harming yourself or your baby, and your ability to care for your baby.
• Safety first: If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, seek emergency help immediately (call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room).
• Treatment options: Depending on severity, treatments may include psychotherapy (talk therapy), medication, or a combination. Support groups and partner/family involvement can also help.
• Self-care and support: Try to rest when possible, eat balanced meals, stay hydrated, and accept help from trusted friends or family. Gentle physical activity and sun exposure can be beneficial, if medically appropriate.

When to seek urgent help

• Thoughts of self-harm or harming your baby
• Sudden inability to care for yourself or your baby
• Severe anxiety, panic, or inability to sleep or eat

Screening and ongoing care

• Many providers use standardized screening tools to identify PPD and monitor symptoms over time.
• If diagnosed, a plan with your provider can include therapy, medication (when appropriate), and follow-up visits to track progress.

If you’d like, I can help you prepare questions for your healthcare provider or find local resources and support options in your area. If you’re comfortable sharing your location, I can tailor suggestions for screening, trusted professionals, and support groups near you.