There are no signs of PPD, and the symptoms largely overlap with depression. The American Psychiatric Association lists the following symptoms of PPD on its website:ref
- Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
- Changes in appetite
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Loss of energy or increased fatigue
- Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., inability to still still, pacing, handwringing) or slowed movements or speech. These actions must be severe enough to be observable by others.
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Crying for “no reason”
- Lack of interest in the baby, not feeling bonded to the baby, or feeling very anxious about/around the baby
- Feelings of being a bad mother
- Fear of harming the baby or oneself
To be considered PPD, the depressive episode must begin during pregnancy or within four months of birth (per the APA).