A Warning!

Postpartum Depression is now one of the leading causes of death in women. It is real and it is not something you choose. I never realized how real until it happened to me. I learned Depression (or any mental illness for that matter) does not care who you are, what your background is, how many kids you have, if your married or not, your religion, or how much money you have.. it happens!

It is normal to experience baby blues up to two weeks after birth. If you still are having symptoms after the third week then you should see your doctor. Untreated or not knowing you have depression can ruin relationships, friendships, marriages, and go as far as hurting yourself or your baby. Gratefully, I never had thoughts of hurting my baby. Honestly thoughts of suicide come when you are going through this. You are not seeking attention. You are not crazy. Intrusive thoughts are real as well as postpartum rage. 

Help is available and while I am on antidepressants for Postpartum Depression and Anxiety it's been a hard last few months. But talking about it is such a release. I am not afraid anymore to be judged. There is a stigma that needs to go away. Trials happen in this life. But we are not given more than we can handle. Even if we feel somedays like we can't handle anything.

Brook Shields PPD quote from Google

quoteaddicts,com

http://medicalterms.info/diseases/Postpartum-Depression/

Postpartum baby blues symptoms 

(http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/basics/symptoms/con-20029130)

Signs and symptoms of baby blues — which last only a few days to a week or two after your baby is born — may include:

• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Sadness
• Irritability
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Crying
• Reduced concentration
• Appetite problems
• Trouble sleeping

Postpartum depression symptoms

Postpartum depression may be mistaken for baby blues at first — but the signs and symptoms are more intense and last longer, eventually interfering with your ability to care for your baby and handle other daily tasks. Symptoms usually develop within the first few weeks after giving birth, but may begin later — up to six months after birth.

Postpartum depression symptoms may include:

• Depressed mood or severe mood swings
• Excessive crying
• Difficulty bonding with your baby
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual
• Inability to sleep (insomnia) or sleeping too much
• Overwhelming fatigue or loss of energy
• Reduced interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
• Intense irritability and anger
• Fear that you're not a good mother
• Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy
• Diminished ability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions
• Severe anxiety and panic attacks
• Thoughts of harming yourself  or your baby **( I never had thoughts of hurting my baby)
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

Untreated, postpartum depression may last for many months or longer.

When to see a doctor

If you're feeling depressed after your baby's birth, you may be reluctant or embarrassed to admit it. But if you experience any symptoms of postpartum baby blues or postpartum depression, call your doctor and schedule an appointment. If you have symptoms that suggest you may have postpartum psychosis, get help immediately.

It's important to call your doctor as soon as possible if the signs and symptoms of depression have any of these features:

• Don't fade after two weeks
• Are getting worse
• Make it hard for you to care for your baby
• Make it hard to complete everyday tasks
• Include thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

If you have suicidal thoughts

If at any point you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, immediately seek help from your partner or loved ones in taking care of your baby and call 911 or your local emergency assistance number to get help.