Postpartum depression often besets mothers after they have given birth. The symptoms are similar to other forms of depression and include the following:

• Trouble sleeping
• Irritability
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Thoughts about hurting yourself or your baby
• Lack of interest in daily activities
• Feelings of isolation
• Decreases appetite
• Difficulty thinking or concentrating

Postpartum depression can strike anytime from childbirth to a year afterwards, with the most common time frame being within the first four weeks following delivery. While there is no way to absolutely guarantee that you won’t suffer from postpartum depression, there are some things that you, and those around you, can do to help prevent it. These include:

• Get help when you need it with the baby. Raising a baby can be a daunting task, and it’s nothing that you should face alone. Even if your baby’s father is no longer in the picture, you can enlist friends and family members to offer support.
• Get as much rest as you can. Of course, you are going to miss out on some sleep with a baby in the picture. That’s unavoidable. But take advantage of the opportunities you do have to rest, such as when baby is napping.
• Tell others if you are feeling sad or depressed. Most people are understanding of this, especially in this day and age when postpartum depression is discussed openly.
• Continue to take prenatal vitamins and to eat properly. Proper diet and nutrition don’t eliminate the chances of postpartum, but they will help you to stay healthy.
• Breastfeed your baby if you can. Studies show a significant relationship between breastfeeding and postpartum. Mothers who breastfeed their babies for the first six months dramatically reduce their chances of having postpartum depression.

Don’t be afraid to seek professional help. Being depressed does not make you a bad person. In the case of postpartum depression, it could even be caused by chemical imbalances which you have no control over. Treatments for postpartum depression vary, including counseling and medicine. Your doctor can steer you in the right direction if you are suffering from postpartum depression. As with any kind of ailment, the earlier it is detected and treated, the better. So, if you think you may be dealing with postpartum, see your doctor sooner rather than later.

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