Diagnosing postpartum depression
People experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression for more than two weeks within the first year of giving birth should reach out to a healthcare professional for screening. A medical professional will help assess your symptoms and medical history to reach a diagnosis. Some if the things they will look out for include:
- Symptoms of depression
- Disturbance to sleep pattern
- Feeling irritable
- Feeling low energy
As part of diagnosis, your doctor will also identify other risk factors for depression and associated conditions. Such as:
- A history of depression
- Recent stressful life events
- Outside stressors
- Your Medication history
Your doctor may also order a blood test to check if your depression is caused by a thyroid disease or a nutrient deficiency.