Postpartum Depression is an intense, invasive sadness with severe mood swings.

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression:

The symptoms of postpartum mood disorders don't differ from the non-postpartum mood disorders except that the feelings of guilt and inadequacy about being an incompetent mother feed her worries about being an inadequate mother.

Women with postpartum depression feel guilty about being depressed at a time when they are supposed to be happiest and may be reluctant to discuss their feelings.

Women with postpartum depression may crave sweet desserts and experience other odd cravings. They may binge-eat and gain weight thanks to an overactive appetite.

Women with postpartum depression often report an increased yearning for sleep, sleeping heavily, but awakening (and unable to get back to sleep) the moment their baby makes a noise.

The distinguishing feature in postpartum depression is irritability. Episodes of irritability may be unprovoked or provoked by the slightest infraction. These episodes of irritability are often directed at the significant other or baby and may escalate to violent outbursts or uncontrollable sobbing.

Women with severe postpartum depression often have terrible panic attacks, severe anxiety and spontaneous crying, long after the duration of the "baby blues."

These women with PPD may feel jealous of their infant and have difficulties bonding with their babies.

If you're a new mother, don't hesitate to bring up these feelings with your doctor. Don't let your doctor brush it off. If they do, find another doctor.

There is real help out there for women with postpartum mood disorders.

Risk Factors for Developing Postpartum Depression:

  • Prenatal anxiety
  • Stress of child care
  • Marital problems
  • High-maintenance newborn
  • Lack of social support
  • Single motherhood
  • Low self-esteem

Treatment of Postpartum Depression:

Psychotherapy may help a woman manage her fears and worries about being a new mother.

Medication is often needed for effective treatment of postpartum depression.

Types of Postpartum Mood Disorders:

  • The Baby Blues - The Baby Blues affect 30-80% of new moms, normally within the first 4 weeks after delivery. Symptoms include anxiety, exhaustion, sadness, crying spells and moodiness.
  • Postpartum Depression - A woman may feel anger, irritability, guilt, lack of interest in the baby, trouble concentrating and possibly even thoughts of harming themselves or the baby.
  • Postpartum Anxiety - A woman may feel anxiety, nervousness, panicked, worried and fearful for the baby's safety. Panic attacks may be experienced along with chest pains, shortness of breath and profuse sweating.
  • Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder - Women with PP-OCD can have disturbing and repetitive mental images and need to do certain things over and over to relieve the anxiety associated with these images. Most moms find the images scary and unusual but never act on them.
  • Postpartum Psychosis (PPP) - Women suffering from PPP may hear things or see things (hallucinations) and believe things are true that are not. They will not trust anyone around them and may become manic and confused. This form of PPD is very dangerous and help should be sought immediately. There is a 5% infanticide or suicide chance with women suffering from PPP. It is temporary and treatable with medical help.

Related Resource Pages on Band Back Together:

Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Postpartum Psychosis

Prenatal (antenatal) Depression

Helpful Postpartum Resources:

Postpartum Progress - The most widely read blog about postpartum depression and other postpartum mood disorders on the internet. Postpartum Progress offers the latest research and an unflinching look at what it is truly like to experience postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum OCD, postpartum psychosis, and antenatal depression & anxiety.

It features daily news and stigma-busting commentary, as well as a continuously-updated list of support groups around the country, personal stories from moms, photos of survivors, and links to major support organizations and top treatment programs.

Postpartum Education and Support - Offers support for mothers and their families; provide resources for health care providers; and heighten public awareness of perinatal mood disorders.

My Postpartum Voice - Lauren provides wonderful information about her experience with PPOCD and Postpartum Mood Disorders and coordinates Twitter chats every Monday at #PPDChat. A valuable site for anyone suffering from PPD.

Postpartum Depression International - Source of great information about all types of Postpartum Mood Disorders and also offers women local help resources.

The Postpartum Stress Center - Offers wonderful connections to online resources and recommended reading.