Pregnancy and childbirth bring many emotions, and many mothers feel depressed or anxious at times. If these feelings last for more than a few weeks, however, you could be experiencing postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression is a common term. About 20 percent of pregnant and postpartum mothers have symptoms that last longer than two or three weeks or have symptoms that increase or get worse.

There are many categories of emotional problems that can affect a new mother. These symptoms can happen during pregnancy, right after birth or any time in the first year after delivery. Symptoms may include depression, panic, anxiety or obsessive/compulsive behaviors.

Depression Symptoms

• Sense of despair
• Feeling hopeless or powerless
• No energy or interests
• Not eating
• Eating all the time
• Sleeping too much
• Sleeping too little
• Weight gain
• Weight loss
• Guilt or shame
• Depressed mood
• Feeling insecure or inadequate
• Suicidal thoughts
• Unable to concentrate

Panic or Anxiety Symptoms

• Muscle tension
• Fast heartbeat
• Dizziness
• Fast breathing
• Irritability
• Fear of being alone
• Constant fears for baby's health
• Tingling/numbness
• Chest pain
• Anger/rage
• Can't sleep
• Feeling trapped
• Fear of dying, death of baby
• Trouble breathing
• Fear of going crazy

Obsessive/Compulsive Disorders Symptoms

These include intrusive, obsessive thoughts, related to:

• Fears
• Shame
• Embarrassment
• Guilt
• Inadequacy
• Continuous thoughts of harming baby
• Compulsive behaviors like:
  • Ritual cleaning
  • Constantly checking baby for problems
  • Constantly checking the house for safety problems

Postpartum Psychosis

Postpartum psychosis is very rare. It affects only one in two women out of 1,000. It can involve any of the above symptoms, plus life-threatening confusion. Women with symptoms of psychosis should seek treatment right away. Women suffering from postpartum psychosis must often be put in the hospital for treatment.

Postpartum psychosis symptoms:

• Can't relax
• Speech doesn't make sense
• Strange hallucinations (hearing or seeing things)
• Can't tell the difference between reality and hallucinations
• Can't sleep
• Refuses to eat
• Paranoia (thinks people are out to get her)
• Irritable
• Thinks things are not what they really are
• Manic behavior (feeling wired or speeded up)

Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale

How We Can Help

If you believe you're experiencing postpartum depression, ask your doctor about our Postpartum Depression Program. We'll meet with you in private and help you develop a treatment plan. We'll also suggest books (available through our lending library), videos and Web sites. For more information call 317-962-8191.

We encourage moms experiencing depression issues to take advantage of our weekly support group, where you will meet other women and talk with caregivers.