POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

Call 911 Now (you may need an ambulance)

• Suicide attempt
• Feeling like harming yourself or killing yourself
  • ...or call your local suicide crisis line NOW
  • ...or call the National Hopeline Network NOW for suicide counseling: 800-784-243

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

• You feel weak or very sick
• You feel severely depressed  (e.g.,  multiple symptoms of depression)
• You are thinking of hurting your baby
• Strange, bizarre, or confused behavior

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If

• You think you need to be seen
• You want to talk with a counselor (mental health worker, psychiatrist, etc.)
• You are fearful of being left alone with baby
• Your symptoms interfere with caring for your baby
• Your symptoms interfere with work or school or other activities
• Alcohol or drug abuse

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

• You have other questions or concerns
• Depression symptoms occur more than 1 month after delivery
• Depression symptoms persist longer than 2 weeks
• Any prior psychiatric illness (e.g.,  manic-depression, schizophrenia)

Self Care at Home If

• Baby Blues - Mild depression symptoms and it is less than 1 month since delivery

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Adult SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2004

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