by Tenisha Dixon

Created on: March 09, 2009   Last Updated: March 17, 2009

Postpartum depression is something that most people do not think about on a daily basis, but is very common after child birth. Most women confuse it with the baby blues, but postpartum depression, unlike the baby blues, usually occurs within the month after giving birth, miscarriage, or giving birth to a stillborn. Postpartum depression is caused by many different things, including changes in hormone levels, stressful home life, colicky baby and not having a proper support system at home.

The symptoms are easy to recognize and very common in most women. A feeling of sadness all of the time, anxious, not wanting to do everyday activities, weight loss or gain, increased or decreased appetite, loss of concentration, and trouble sleeping. Some women may experience different side effects, like seeing things that are not there, or they may feel like hurting themselves or others around them, and this is dangerous because it is possibly a sign of postpartum psychosis. Having any of these symptoms is reason to contact a doctor immediately for help.

Under a doctor's care and with the help of others, you can began a road to recovery. Sometimes you can get better with therapy for you and your loved ones, getting plenty of exercise, eating healthier, and getting the proper amount of sleep. I found that if you take at least an half hour to an hour before bed to spend by yourself doing something that is relaxing is a good start. Therapy helps you get rid of your anxiousness and it helps you learn how to cope under stress. It gives you outlets to deal with your sadness and it is a wonderful way for you and the family to learn how you work as a team and provide support for you. If none of these treatments seem to help you progress you can ask your doctor about how the right anti-depressant can get you feeling like you again.

Take it from some one who has recovered from severe postpartum depression herself, with time, patience, and the right treatment, you will get well again. I did and I feel like me. Remember postpartum depression is not permanent and it is one hundred percent treatable.

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