When should I call my doctor if I have postpartum depression?

If you have postpartum depression (depression after the birth of your baby), call your doctor immediately if:

• Your feelings of sadness or feeling "blue" don't go away after two weeks.
• Your symptoms of depression worsen or intensify.
• Your symptoms of depression occur anytime after birth -- even several months later.
• You are having trouble performing essential tasks at work or at home.
• You are having trouble caring for your baby or yourself.
• You have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.
• You start hearing or seeing things that other people cannot or develop thoughts that are not based in reality.

Postpartum depression can last for several months or longer if left untreated. However with appropriate treatment, which may include talk therapy, medication or both, you can recover, feel better and enjoy taking care of your baby and living your life.