by Sadaf Farooqi

Created on: October 31, 2008

Motherhood is one of the most amazing experiences any woman can go through. For most women, the innate maternal instinct kicks in during their twenties, and they start fantasizing about having a baby and nurturing it with care and love. When that monumental moment finally arrives, after a physically-challenging 9-month period and an even more painful labor, the emotional roller-coaster ride begins. Relatives and friends sometimes witness the new mother crying for no reason, over-reacting to trivial matters, and a bit too worried about the baby's well-being.

Whether you are a mother of an infant or someone who knows one, you should be able to identify the signs and symptoms of an illness called 'Postpartum Depression' (PPD). This is NOT to be confused with the 'Baby Blues', which occur immediately after birth and do not last for more than 2 weeks, at the most. PPD is a more serious, prolonged mental condition that adversely affects the mother, and needs treatment. Here are the signs that can help you identify this illness:

Extension of the 'Baby Blues':

The "Baby Blues" - weepiness, sleep-deprivation, fatigue, worry about the baby's well-being, and lack of energy - are part of common post-birth behavior for most women. However, if these symptoms linger beyond the two weeks after the birth, or appear any time in the first two years thereafter, they are an indication of PPD.

Lack of interest in leisure activities previously enjoyed:

The mother might be seen "letting herself go" in a big way if she has PPD. She'll no longer venture out of the house, will keep herself unkempt and ungroomed, not change her clothes too often or buy new ones, and generally lose interest in hobbies she previously relished or pursued with zeal (such as gardening, interior decorating, eating out, exercising, working at a job, etc.). She might even be unconcerned about looking good or feeling good about herself.

Inability to sleep/over-concerned about the baby:

The mother might not be able to sleep a deep, sound sleep even if the baby is sleeping peacefully. She might stay awake like an owl, waiting for the baby to move or cry for a feed.

Inability to concentrate:

Most mothers suffering from PPD are unable to fully concentrate on matters; their decision-making and analytical abilities get reduced. They are also forgetful and dazed, bordering on being totally insensitive and indifferent to important matters they previously looked after.

Overreacting to trivial matters/weepiness/mood swings:

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