When a woman gives birth, her body goes through many changes. Hormones are released that can cause mood swings and irritability. It is common for women to feel overwhelmed and tired after having a baby. However, some women experience more intense feelings of sadness, anxiety, and isolation. These feelings may last for weeks or longer and are known as postpartum depression.
Around the world, it is estimated that 10-15% of women experience postpartum depression. In the United States, this number is thought to be even higher, with as many as 1 in 7 women experiencing symptoms. Postpartum depression can occur anytime during the first year after childbirth. It can happen to any woman, regardless of age, race, economic status, or how much she’s looking forward to motherhood.
PPD is a type of depression that can happen after having a baby. It’s more than just the “baby blues.” The symptoms of PPD can last for weeks or even months after giving birth. Postpartum depression is a real illness that lasts much longer and interferes with a woman’s ability to care for her baby and herself.
Common Signs of Postpartum Depression
Since Postpartum Depression is a type of depression so most of the symptoms of depression are also common in people with PPD. Some of the common symptoms of postpartum depression can include: feeling overwhelmed or hopeless, anxiety, sadness or irritability, crying more than usual, trouble sleeping, or sleeping too much
Other signs include loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy, withdrawal from family and friends, difficulty bonding with your baby, and feelings of guilt or shame.
If you think you might have PPD, it’s important to get help from a mental health professional so they can help you get the treatment you need. Postpartum depression is common, but it’s also treatable. With the right help, you can feel better and bond with your baby.
Who Is This Postpartum Depression Quiz For?
If you think you may be suffering from postpartum depression, take this quiz. This quiz is not a diagnostic tool but will ask you about common symptoms of postpartum depression. It consists of a few questions about how you’ve been feeling over the past few weeks.
Be honest in your answers and give the best estimate of how you’ve been feeling. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please reach out to your healthcare provider.
How Accurate Is This Quiz?
This quiz is NOT a tool to identify mental health disorders. Only a licensed mental health care professional or specialist can diagnose mental health disorders.
MySelfCareNotes believes that self-assessments can be an initial step toward getting treatment. Too many people tend to avoid seeking professional assistance out of fear that their objections are not serious or legit enough.
