Q. What are some symptoms of postpartum depression?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Postpartum depression (PPD) can manifest in various ways and may vary from person to person. Some common symptoms of postpartum depression include:
Persistent Sadness or Mood Changes: Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness that last for an extended period and are not related to temporary changes in mood.
Loss of Interest or Pleasure: Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed or having a decreased ability to experience pleasure from activities.
Fatigue and Exhaustion: Extreme tiredness that doesn't improve with rest or sleep, often accompanied by difficulty sleeping even when given the opportunity.
Irritability and Agitation: Feeling easily agitated, irritable, or having a short temper, even in situations that wouldn't typically provoke such reactions.
Changes in Appetite: Significant changes in appetite, leading to either overeating or loss of appetite. This can result in weight gain or weight loss.
Difficulty Bonding with the Baby: Struggling to form a strong emotional bond or attachment to the baby, which can lead to feelings of guilt or inadequacy.
Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt: Experiencing intense guilt, feeling like a burden, or believing you're not a good enough parent or partner.
Trouble Concentrating or Making Decisions: Difficulty focusing, making decisions, or remembering things. This "brain fog" can impact daily functioning.
Physical Symptoms: Unexplained physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or general aches and pains.
Thoughts of Harming Yourself or the Baby: Experiencing intrusive thoughts of self-harm or harm coming to the baby, even if you have no intention of acting on these thoughts.
Social Withdrawal: Pulling away from social interactions, avoiding friends and family, and isolating yourself.
Changes in Energy Levels: Experiencing a lack of energy or motivation, or conversely, feeling restless and unable to sit still.
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