The symptoms of postpartum depression are essentially the same as the symptoms of general depression, with the inclusion of feelings about a new baby. The most common symptoms include:
- Excessive sadness and/or crying
- Outbursts of anger
- Severe mood swings
- Feeling overwhelmed by even the simplest, easiest things like washing the dishes
- Emotional numbness or feeling “unplugged,” withdrawn or isolated (from people in general, not necessarily just from your new baby)
- Feeling like you’re not a good parent, having low self-esteem
- Trouble sleeping (even when baby is sleeping)
- Loss of appetite