Signs of Depression
Welcoming a new baby can be exciting, but it can also be scary. Before and after baby is born both mom and dad may feel extra worried or sad.
If you or your baby’s mom have felt, thought, or experienced some of the following signs or symptoms, this may be depression.
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Physical
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Sick and run down.
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Difficulty sleeping.
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Poor appetite.
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Muscle pain.
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Weight loss.
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Tired.
Thoughts
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“Nothing good ever happens to me.”
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“Life is not worth living.”
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“My future looks bleak.”
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“I’m worthless.”
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“It’s my fault.”
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“I’m a failure.”
Behaviors
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Withdraws from others.
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Doesn’t get things done.
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Stops doing enjoyable activities.
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Has difficulty concentrating.
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Drinks more alcohol or does drugs.
Feelings
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Overwhelmed.
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Unhappy.
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Irritable.
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Frustrated.
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Lacking confidence.
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Indecisive.
Things that can affect dads
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Feeling irritable.
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Difficulty developing an attachment with the baby.
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Feeling excluded and jealous over mother-child bonding.
If you need support, call SAMHSA's mental health helpline at
1-800-662-HELP or learn about SAMSHA resources here.
For more hotline resources, please click here.
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To learn about ways to reduce stress, and parenting and relationship resources, please click here.
Sources
American Academy of Pediatrics - Dads Can Get Depression During and After Pregnancy, Too. 2018. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/prenatal/delivery-beyond/Pages/Dads-Can-Get-Postpartum-Depression-Too.aspx​
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Depression? https://www.rethink.org/advice-and-information/about-mental-illness/learn-more-about-conditions/depression/
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