More Than “Baby Blues”: The Reality of Postpartum Depression

After all the joy and excitement that comes with welcoming a baby into the world, people tend to graze over a very dark period of time for some mothers—postpartum depression. Postpartum depression (PPD) currently affects a relatively smaller percentage of mothers, but in recent years, it has become more common. It is important to address symptoms like anxiety and irritability—even if you feel they are a normal part of the pregnancy process. Too often, PPD gets swept under the rug or incorrectly labeled as “baby blues”, and while baby blues does occur for most mothers, PPD is a far more serious issue. Never hesitate to speak to a specialist or spend time for self-care. If you are interested in knowing more about symptoms, believe you or someone you know may be experiencing PPD, or wish to seek help, here's a list of websites to look into:

• Office on Women’s Health

• Postpartum Support International

• Postpartum Depression

• March of Dimes