Symptoms & Diagnosis
Recognizing the Red Flags: Common Symptoms of PPD
Understanding the signs of PPD is a crucial step toward getting the support you need. PPD can show up in many ways, affecting your emotions, body, thoughts, and behaviours. Knowing what to look for can help you seek help sooner and get ahead on your recovery.

Emotional Symptoms
● Feeling persistently sad or down
● Experiencing severe mood swings
● Crying more than usual
● Feeling intensely irritable
● Struggling with feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or guilt

Physical Symptoms
● Changes in appetite, either eating too much or too little
● Having trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
● Feeling unexplained aches and pains
● Constantly feeling tired and drained of energy

Cognitive Symptoms
● Finding it hard to concentrate or make decisions
● Having memory problems
● Experiencing intrusive thoughts, especially about your baby’s safety

Behavioural Symptoms
● Withdrawing from family and friends
● Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
● Struggling to take care of yourself or your baby
● Having thoughts of self-harm or harming your baby

Everyone’s experience with PPD is different. Some moms may feel primarily emotional symptoms, while others might have more physical or cognitive challenges. This is why getting a personalized assessment from a healthcare provider who can understand your unique situation and provide the proper treatment for you is so important.