post natal depression or just the blues?

Baby Blues:

Many new mothers are surprised at how weak, alone, and upset they feel after giving birth. Their feelings do not seem to match the feelings they thought they would have. They wonder, “What have I got to be depressed about?” They fear that these feelings mean that they are bad mothers.

In fact, about 70"80% of women have baby blues after childbirth. About 2"3 days after birth, they begin to feel depressed, anxious, and upset. For no clear reason, they may feel angry with the new baby, their partners, or their other children. They may also:

cry for no clear reason
have trouble sleeping, eating, and making choices
almost always question whether they can handle caring for a baby
These feelings may come and go in the first few days after childbirth. The baby blues often go away in a few hours or a week or so without treatment.

When to Suspect Postpartum Depression:
A new mother may be developing"or already have"postpartum depression if she has any of the following signs or symptoms:

The baby blues do not start to fade after about 1 week, or if the feelings get worse.
Strong feelings of depression and anger come 1"2 months after childbirth.
Feelings of sadness, doubt, guilt, or helplessness seem to increase each week and get in the way of normal functions.
She is not able to care for herself or her baby.
She has trouble doing tasks at home or on the job.
Her appetite changes.
Things that used to bring her pleasure no longer do.
Concern and worry about the baby are too intense, or interest in the baby is lacking.
Anxiety or panic attacks occur. She may be afraid to be left alone in the house with the baby.
She fears harming the baby. These feelings are almost never acted on by women with postpartum depression, but they can be scary. These feelings may lead to guilt, which makes the depression worse.
She has thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
A new mother having any of these signs or symtpoms should take steps right away to get help.