Depression: Managing postpartum depression

Postpartum depression is more than a temporary feeling of sadness or lack of energy—it is a medical condition that develops some time in the first several months after childbirth. It seems to be triggered by the normal hormonal changes that occur after pregnancy. These hormonal changes are especially likely to lead to postpartum depression if you've had depression before, are under a lot of additional stress, or have poor support from your partner, friends, or family.²

You probably have postpartum depression if you've had five or more of the following symptoms (including at least one of the first two symptoms) for most of each day over the past 2 weeks:²

1. Depressed mood—tearfulness, hopelessness, and feeling empty inside, possibly with severe anxiety
2. A significant loss of pleasure in either all or almost all of your daily activities
3. Appetite and weight change—usually a drop in your appetite and weight, but sometimes the opposite
4. Sleep problems—usually insomnia, even when your baby is sleeping
5. Noticeable changes in how you walk and talk—usually restlessness, but sometimes sluggishness
6. Extreme fatigue or loss of energy
7. Feeling worthless or having inappropriate guilt
8. Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
9. Thinking a lot about death or suicide

If you think you have postpartum depression after reviewing this list, click here to fill out and print a postpartum depression checklist (What is a PDF document?) to take to your doctor. Early treatment is important for both you and your baby.

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