You may wonder, "Why do women get postpartum depression?" The exact cause isn't known. Hormone levels change during pregnancy and right after childbirth. These hormone changes may produce chemical changes in the brain that play a part in causing depression.
Feeling depressed doesn't mean that you are a bad person, or that you did something wrong or brought this upon yourself. It is important to remember that help is available and that you can get better.
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
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Loss of interest or pleasure in life
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Loss of appetite
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Less energy and motivation to do things
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Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
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Increased crying or tearfulness
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Feeling worthless, hopeless or overly guilty
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Feeling restless, irritable or anxious
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Feeling like life isn't worth living
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Feelings of not being a good mother
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Feelings of disinterest or being overprotective toward the baby
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Having thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby