Depression after child birth

Depression after child birth

Most women may be depressed shortly after giving birth. This is often called the 'baby blues'. Symptoms include feeling emotional and irrational, crying for no obvious reason, feeling irritable, touchy or anxious. All these symptoms are normal and what most women go through, and usually don't last for more than a few days. They are probably caused by sudden hormonal and chemical changes which take place after baby's birth.

Postnatal Depression
Postnatal depression usually occurs between 2-8 weeks after childbirth and some signs are:
Sleeplessness;
Panic attacks;
Can't stop crying;
Feelings of hopelessness;
Memory loss;
Unable to concentrate on day-to-day things;
Anxiety; and
Loss of interest in the baby.

If you think that you are suffering from postnatal depression don't try to battle it on your own. It is not a sign that you are a bad mother or you that you aren't able to cope. Postnatal depression is an illness, so just ask for help, just as if you had flu or had broken your arm. It is advised that if you have postnatal depression, you should see your doctor.