Beauty Tips

How to Tell if You Have Postpartum Depression

The condition might not be as obvious as you think (lots of women overlook no. 7)

by Rose Curiel | COMMENT

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Postpartum Depression: It May Be Confused with the Baby Blues Here's a scenario many new mothers may recognize: You've come home from the hospital with your bundle of joy … as well as a series of emotions that are out of character and perhaps a little alarming. All of a sudden, you're experiencing bouts of weepiness, irritability, anxiousness, stress and sadness -- sometimes for no reason. But if you find yourself tearing up almost as often as your newborn, is that cause for concern? Not necessarily. You may have a case of the baby blues, which are very common among postpartum mothers. In fact, according to Ho, a whopping 75 percent of women will experience the baby blues after giving birth.

But mothers aren't destined for an emotionally unstable existence. On the contrary, Ho explains symptoms usually go away within 7 to 10 days after giving birth. If they don't, Ho recommends consulting a pediatrician, OB or a mental health professional versed in reproductive mental health because prolonged symptoms could point to a variety of conditions -- including postpartum depression. And if you have any thoughts of harming yourself or your baby at any time, she says you should seek immediate help.

SEE NEXT PAGE: Postpartum Depression: Every Case is Unique

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