MARINDA VENTER PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES

 

 

The signs of postpartum depression include:
  • Feeling restless or irritable.

  • Feeling sad, depressed or crying a lot.

  • Having no energy.

  • Having headaches, chest pains, heart palpitations (the heart being fast and feeling like it is skipping beats), numbness, or hyperventilation (fast and shallow breathing).

  • Not being able to sleep or being very tired, or both.

  • Not being able to eat and weight loss.

  • Overeating and weight gain.

  • Trouble focusing, remembering, or making decisions.

  • Being overly worried about the baby.

  • Not having any interest in the baby.

  • Feeling worthless and guilty.

  • Being afraid of hurting the baby or yourself.

  • No interest or pleasure in activities, including sex.

The signs of postpartum anxiety include:

A woman may feel anxious after childbirth but not have PPD. She may have what is called postpartum anxiety or panic disorder.

  • Anxiety and fear

  • Rapid breathing,

  • Fast heart rate,

  • Hot or cold flashes,

  • Chest pain

  • Feeling shaky or dizzy.

Talk with your health care provider right away if you have any of these signs. Medication and counseling can be used to treat postpartum anxiety

Warning signs of postpartum depression
Here are some warning signs to look for in the postpartum period, call your practitioner if you have any of these symptoms:

-
  • Fever over 101 F
-
  • Crying that lasts for days
-
  • Suicidal thoughts
-
  • Thoughts of harming the baby
-
  • Your depression significantly interferes with your ability to care for your baby or carry out other normal daily functions
-
  • Intense fatigue or sleeplessness.
-
  • Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.
-
  • Lack of motivation or loss of interest in yourself and your family

 

Remember, postpartum can be a wonderful time of adjustment. Having a new baby to love and care for is difficult no matter how much you prepare.

Feel free to contact me if you have any further questions mailto:psychservices@shawbiz.ca