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If you think you have PPD, don't waitseek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you start to feel better, the better you will be able to care for both yourself and your baby. Common symptoms of PPD include: Depression, anxiety, irritability, or mood swings Frequent crying, sometimes for no obvious reason Extreme fatigue Social and emotional withdrawal Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much Changes in appetite Feelings of guilt, shame, or inadequacy Trouble bonding with your baby Difficulty concentrating In some cases, PPD can cause you to have suicidal thoughts. You may also find yourself thinking about hurting yourself or the baby. If you have these thoughts, ask someone to take care of your baby and call emergency services immediately. If you experience these kinds of thoughts and feelings, don't be ashamed or afraid to seek help. You are not alonemany mothers with PPD struggle with these issues. You may also find it helpful to call a suicide hotline. They can talk you through your feelings and connect you with resources that can help. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 if you live in the U.S., or do an online search for your region's suicide prevention number. Talk therapy is one of the first lines of defense when dealing with PPD, so ask your doctor for a referral to a counselor or psychotherapist. Your therapist can help you develop the coping skills you need to manage your symptoms and begin healing. If possible, get your partner or spouse involved in your therapy as well, so that they can learn about PPD and get advice on how to support you effectively during your treatment. Common forms of therapy for PPD include: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of therapy helps you identify and change negative thought and behavior patterns that contribute to feelings of depression and anxiety. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT). IPT focuses on helping you cope with stresses in your personal relationships. This kind of therapy is especially helpful if you're dealing with tension between yourself and your partner or other family members. Antidepressant medications can be helpful for managing depression, anxiety, and other symptoms of PPD. They may work best when combined with other forms of treatment, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. Talk to your doctor about whether antidepressants might help you cope with your PPD. Many antidepressants, such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), are considered safe for breastfeeding mothers and babies. You should discuss the possible risks and benefits with your doctor before taking any medication, however. Most antidepressant medications take a few weeks to become fully effective, so try not to be discouraged if you don't notice a difference right away.
See your doctor right away if you have PPD symptoms. Get emergency care if you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. Ask your doctor to recommend a therapist with experience treating PPD. Talk to your doctor or psychiatrist about using medications.