If you’re a new mother and feeling unusually and persistently blue, you may be wondering (and worrying about) if you have postpartum depression. Although meeting with a mental health professional for a diagnosis is the best way to be sure, here are some common indicators that might help you determine whether it’s a possibility:
- You don’t feel bonded to your baby.
- You feel hopeless.
- You either have no appetite or find yourself binge eating.
- You feel deeply sad.
- You feel like you should be able to snap out of it, but you can’t.
- You might be having thoughts of running away and leaving your family behind.
- You are afraid that this is your new reality and that you’ve lost the “old you” forever.
- You are afraid that if you reach out for help people will judge you. Or that your baby will be taken away.
This list was adapted from a more comprehensive list of possible post-partum depression symptoms featured on PostpartumProgress.com. (See the full list here.) If you found yourself identifying with most or all of the listed symptoms, you may want to schedule an appointment to talk with a mental health professional or your doctor or OB-GYN for diagnosis and treatment options.
Seeking help in moments like this is not a sign of weakness or vulnerability. It is a show of strength in the face of a seemingly insurmountable challenge. Medical and mental health professionals are bound to keep your confidence. Also, PostpartumProgress.com offers a number of resources for seeking support and connecting with a community of other women experiencing similar issues.