How to Find Postpartum Depression Support

Postpartum depression is a serious case of the blues that requires help and medical attention. Tap into postpartum depression resources to feel better and understand your emotions.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Know that postpartum depression is a real illness that affects many new mothers. Symptoms include feelings of sadness and worthlessness, trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, excessive exhaustion and withdrawal from friends and family in addition to irritability, anxiety, guilt and anger.
2. Seek professional help if you are following your postpartum plan and your symptoms last for 2 or more weeks, talking with friends, family, or your spouse does not help, or the activities of daily living are completely overwhelming. Hospitalization is urgently needed if you are hearing voices, you have thoughts of hurting or killing yourself and/or your baby or you experience ideas or visions that seem unreal.
3. Call the Postpartum Support International (PSI) hotline for immediate help at 1-800-944-4PPD. PSI is built on the foundation of providing support to families. They have PSI Coordinators throughout the world who provide information and support. There is someone in your area who can help you if you are experiencing any of the following: depression, irritability, exhaustion, unlike yourself, sadness, anger, guilt, worry or feelings of inadequacy.
4. Talk to friends who are also mothers who may have shared similar experiences. There are also support groups for women experiencing depression after childbirth.
5. Discuss your feelings and condition with your physician, who can recommend treatments and get you on a path to better health.