It can happen to anyone.
Pregnancy for many women is a time of great joy. Motherhood has its own challenges, and when depression occurs during or following pregnancy, it can be difficult for a woman and her family. Pregnancy-related depression is not anyone’s fault. By reaching out for help, you can overcome depression and enjoy your life once again.
You can feel better
Most of us feel sad, blue, unhappy, or down in the dumps sometimes. Clinical depression, though, is a medical condition that occurs when feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life. Some people describe it as a continuous feeling of hopelessness. Others say it’s like a dark cloud that surrounds them and separates them from others. Some women say they have fatigue that makes even the smallest task seem overwhelming and impossible. Pregnancy-related depression can happen during pregnancy or within a year after delivering a baby. The good news is that depression can be treated-you can be happy again.
Look for these signs
Symptoms of pregnancy-related depression may include:
- Feeling restless and irritable
- Feeling sad, hopeless, or overwhelmed
- Crying a lot
- Having no energy or motivation
- Eating too little or too much
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Trouble focusing, remembering, and making decisions
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Decreased interest or pleasure in activities
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Loss of interest in bathing, fixing hair, and getting dressed
- Having headaches, chest pains, or a racing heart
- After pregnancy, signs of depression may also include being afraid of hurting your baby or yourself, or not having any interest in your baby.
Seek help from your health care provider if any of these symptoms last for more than two weeks.
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