Diagnosis

Your doctor will usually talk with you about your feelings, thoughts and mental health to distinguish between a short-term case of postpartum baby blues and a more severe form of depression. Don't be embarrassed ? postpartum depression is common. Share your symptoms with your doctor so that a useful treatment plan can be created for you.

As part of your evaluation, your doctor may:

• Do a depression screening that may include having you fill out a questionnaire
• Order blood tests to determine whether an underactive thyroid is contributing to your signs and symptoms
• Order other tests, if warranted, to rule out other causes for your symptoms