Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Symptoms usually appear any time from 24 hours to a few months after delivery.

• If you have these, it is important to see a health care provider, who will look for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
  • Sad mood, frequent crying

  • Lack of pleasure or interest in activities that once gave pleasure

  • Sleep disturbance

  • Weight loss

  • Loss of energy

  • Agitation or anxiety

  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

  • Trouble concentrating or making decisions

  • Thoughts of death or suicide

  • Decreased interest in sex

  • Feelings of rejection

• Physical symptoms such as frequent headaches, chest pain, rapid heart beat, numbness, shakiness or dizziness, and mild shortness of breath suggest anxiety. Postpartum anxiety disorder is a separate disorder from postpartum depression, but the two often occur together.

• See the introduction to this article for symptoms specific to each type of postpartum depression.