Baby blues or Postartum depression?

Is it really depression if you're not always depressed? I can't tell if I'm just suffering from the "baby blue" or if it's really postpartum depression. I have these weird swings where I'm just miserable, nothing feels important and I feel so overwhelmed, so I try to disconnect from it all and keep on trudging. But I find moments through the days where I can get into whatever I'm working on and stuff doesn't seem to bother me. How do you tell the difference? I just had a baby 3 months ago, so I know I'm getting over the huge shift in hormones... but is that all?

After having a baby, many women have mood swings. One minute they feel happy, the next minute they start to cry. They may feel a little depressed, have a hard time concentrating, lose their appetite or find that they can't sleep well even when the baby is asleep. These symptoms usually start about 3 to 4 days after delivery and may last several days.

If you're a new mother and have any of these symptoms, you have what are called the "baby blues." "The blues" are considered a normal part of early motherhood and usually go away within 10 days after delivery. However, some women have worse symptoms or symptoms last longer. This is called "postpartum depression."

Postpartum depression is an illness, like diabetes or heart disease. It can be treated with therapy, support networks and medicines such as antidepressants. Here are some symptoms of postpartum depression:

Loss of interest or pleasure in life
Loss of appetite
Less energy and motivation to do things
A hard time falling asleep or staying asleep
Sleeping more than usual
Increased crying or tearfulness
Feeling worthless, hopeless or overly guilty
Feeling restless, irritable or anxious
Unexplained weight loss or gain
Feeling like life isn't worth living
Having thoughts about hurting yourself
Worrying about hurting your baby
Although many women get depressed right after childbirth, some women don't feel "down" until several weeks or months later. Depression that occurs within 6 months of childbirth may be postpartum depression.

i would say its probably baby blues but i would also find a good therapist, i just had a baby 2 months ago and know that its really hard either way and even if u have neither. i wish you and yours all the best.

see a doctor. could be nothing, could be worse...

Only a Dr. can tell you the answer to that and you should see one ASAP. You may need some mild medication to get you though this. Are you getting enough sleep? Can someone help you with the baby so you can get out on your own for a little while?

It definitely sounds like mild postpartum depression and you should see your doctor about it. It's a big adjustment when you have a baby and you're right - there are hormones flying all over the place. Nevertheless if this is affecting your quality of life then you should definitely see someone. Postpartum depression is extremely common and help is readily available. I wish you the very best of luck and congratulations - my second child is just 3 months old too!

You are right,its just the hormones.If you have thoughts or begin to feel like hurting someone or yourself,you should seek help ASAP!

I think you're just suffering from the baby blues (post-partum depression)I went through the exact same thing. This was years ago though. My children are mostly grown up now. Ummm, let's see. If I recall correctly it only went on for about a month, but I suppose it's different with every woman. The only person to be able to tell you for sure is your Doctor. He'll know your history, is this your first baby etc... Good Luck! It eventually subsides and goes away.

What U R feeling could B a bit of both.
Quite natural & should pass in time, depends how upsetting it becomes, if it does worry U C some1.

Your hormones levels can sometimes take a while 2 sort them selves out.

& Congrates 2 U & yours.

my wife had this and i wasn't sure either but she kept yelling saying it was depression
but i don't really know i just took the brunt of this
so please be nice to your husban or boyfriend and remember we are only there to help not hurt
GO out for a walk or a sit in the park

Go ask a doctor about what your feelings are and then maybe he/she can let you know about what is really going on with you.You shouldn't have other people guess for you cause some times they are wrong.Its always best to turn to your doc never strangers even if they did go through it.

could be both... by plenty of literature to enrich your decision or diagnoisis