[Guest]

Dr.,

On May 31, my wife delivered our first child. This past weekend, after returning from a a week-long business trip, she appeared to be moody and distant. Yesterday I found her on two ocassions sitting alone crying, her explanation was varied and she seemed to feel overwhelmed in general. I am aware that "baby blues" are very common, and postpartum depression is always possible. Oddly, she was fine until recently, seems a bit long to develop "baby blues".

My question is, at what point does her depressed and teary mood exceed "normal" and I seek help for her, and how long? She appears to be sleeping fine, eating OK, and she does not have trouble getting out of bed or dressed, or carry on her day at this point, she just seems a bit sluggish, is not smiling, and had the two crying spells (I imagine there are more I am not aware of)

I took of of work today to spend more time with her, and she seemed OK, but the low mood, distant appearance, and sluggishness are still present to a degree.

Thanks as always.

[Guest]

The "blues" are a phenomenon of the first week or so and fade. It is not unusual for new mothers to feel overwhelmed especially in our Western society where parents or other family live in another state and it is just the couple that are left with the responsibility. If your wife feels like she isn't connecting with your child or if she is unable to do the basics or if she feels depressed as her usual mood, I would say that she may be entering the realm of disorder. New mothers frequently are surprised at how much effort raising a child is and how little else (comparitively) gets done. It is hard to separate these temporary feelings of discouragement for a more long lasting depression. Depression tends to be more persistant and indeed the DSM criteria (available on this site)are useful in really coming to a diagnosis.
[quote] Dr. ,

On May 31, my wife delivered our first child... [/quote]