Most of us feel sad, blue, unhappy, or down in the dumps sometimes. Clinical depression is different; it is a medical condition. Clinical depression occurs when feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life.
Some people describe it as a constant feeling of hopelessness. Others say it's like a dark cloud that surrounds them and separates them from others. Some women say they have fatigue that makes even the smallest task seem overwhelming and impossible.
Pregnancy-related depression can happen during pregnancy or within a year after delivering a baby. The good news is that depression can be treated and you can be happy again.
Look for these signs:
- Feeling restless and irritable
- Feeling sad, hopeless, or overwhelmed
- Crying a lot
- Having no energy or motivation
- Eating too little or too much
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Trouble focusing, remembering, and making decisions
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Decreased interest or pleasure in activities
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Loss of interest in bathing, fixing hair, getting dressed
- Having headaches, chest pains, or a racing heart
After pregnancy, signs of depression may also include being afraid of hurting your baby or yourself, or not having any interest in your baby. Seek help from your health care provider if any of these symptoms last for more than two weeks.
If you are thinking about harming yourself, or know someone who is, tell someone who can help immediately.
- Call 911 or go to a hospital emergency room to get immediate help. If necessary, ask a friend or family member to help you do these things;
- Call the hotline at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to talk to a trained counselor. The number is available 24 hours a day.
Toll-free: 1-800-273-8255, TTY: 1-800-799-4889; - Don't be alone;
- Don't leave another person alone if they are in a crisis.
To learn more:
CDC link