Some new moms experience a much more severe form of depression. Postpartum depression can occur within days of your baby’s birth, or it might take up to a year to develop. Depending on the severity of the symptoms and how well your body can cope with postpartum changes, you might feel varying degrees of sadness or anxiety each day.

The common signs of postpartum depression include:

• Sluggishness, fatigue, exhaustion
• Sadness, depression, feelings of hopelessness
• Appetite and sleep disturbances
• Poor concentration, confusion, memory loss
• Over concern for the baby or lack of interest in the baby
• Uncontrollable crying or irritability
• Feelings of guilt, inadequacy, worthlessness
• Fear of harming the baby
• Fear of harming yourself
• Mood swings, or exaggerated highs and/or lows

If you need immediate help, such when you feel you may harm yourself or your baby, contact Crisis Intervention in your county:

• Western Cumberland and Perry Counties 243-6005
• Dauphin County Crisis 232-7511
• Eastern Cumberland and Perry Counties 763-2222
• York County Crisis 851-5352

If you’re experiencing the signs of postpartum depression, talk with your healthcare provider to plan a course of treatment. How you handle your depression depends on the type and severity of your symptoms; treatment may include psychotherapy and/or medication. If you’re breastfeeding, your healthcare provider will work with you to find a treatment that is safe for both you and the baby; some antidepressant medications are safe for breastfeeding women.

Counseling and support services are available through PinnacleHealth Psychological Associates (PHPA) at (717) 231-8360.