9 Questions to Ask Yourself: Signs of Postpartum Anxiety and Depression

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Symptoms of postpartum depression can appear any time during pregnancy and the first 12 months after childbirth. If you recognize that help is needed, call your doctor or midwife for a referral to a trained therapist. Also, like this Facebook page for peer support and further guidance. Don't wait to get help!! 
 

Below are 9 questions to help you determine if help is needed.

  1. Are you feeling sad or depressed?

  2. Do you feel more irritable or angry with those around you?

  3. Are you having difficulty bonding with your baby?

  4. Do you feel anxious or panicky?

  5. Are you having problems with eating or sleeping?

  6. Are you having upsetting thoughts that you can’t get out of your mind?

  7. Do you feel as if you are “out of control” or “going crazy”?

  8. Do you feel like you never should have become a mother?

  9. Are you worried that you might hurt your baby or yourself?

 
 


Get Help Now

Postpartum Support International hosts free, live phone sessions every week, including Wednesday chats for parents who have given birth, and on the first Monday of each month, a chat is held to support partners. You can also join online meetings and groups for peer support.

 

Your doula can help you to identify the important people in your village, and how they can help you once your baby is here.
 

I strongly believe in a proactive, preventative approach to help you build up your resources and help you develop a postpartum plan for wellness before your baby arrives. Your plan should include realistic ways to make sure you are getting physical activity, that your nutritional needs are being met, that you have a plan to make sure you are getting some sleep and rest.

Set aside some time soon so you and your partner can talk about expectations for yourselves and each other in your new roles as parents. Identify ways that you can continue to connect as a couple and find time to make sure your relationship is getting the attention it needs. And, if despite your efforts, you do experience significant distress postpartum, our team can provide you with local resources for help.

If you find this post helpful, please share this post with your friends to help raise awareness of postpartum depression and anxiety. Spreading the message helps to destigmatize mental health issues and the desire to seek care.

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