Brown Eyed Baby Boutique

Identifying Signs of Depression

October 10th, 2006

Often after the birth of your new baby there may be times of depression.  This is usually chemical and will pass.  However, if the depression last longer then you expect it to you may want to look for the following signs.

1. Have you been feeling sad, blue, hopeless, down in the dumps for more than two weeks?

2. Have your eating habits recently changed drastically?

3.  Do you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep?

4.  Do you feel fatiqued, run down, without your usual energy, and there are no clear reasons for this fatique?

5.  Do you have diffficulty concentrating or making decisions?

6.  Are you reeling jumpy, unable to sit still?

7.  Are you more irritable, easily annoyed, and do you experience a great deal more anger?

8. Do you feel extremely discouraged and pessimistic about most things?

9. Do you feel guilty and worthless?

10.  Do you have new stomach and abdominal pains or severe headache or backache with no medical explanation?

As you read through this list, you probably easily identified one or several symptoms that are current in your life.

Evaluate your own feelings, and seek help if you need it. The key concept is in item number one—have you felt this way for more than two weeks?  If so you may have depression and can get medical help to overcome this.

(sc) contributing editor for BrownEyedBabyBoutique

 

Entry Filed under: Uncategorized, Caring for the New Mom