Postpartum Depression

What Is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression is a serious condition that affects around 15% of new parents after the birth of a baby — including mothers, fathers, and same-sex relationship partners.

If left untreated, PPD can have severe impacts on the mother, including lingering depression, risk for substance abuse, and risk of more severe conditions, like psychosis.

PPD can also affect the entire family. Some effects include developmental delays in the child, strained relationships among spouses and siblings, and more.

Fortunately, postpartum depression is a highly treatable condition and most women fully recover if they seek prompt and adequate help.

Postpartum depression is never your fault, and it can happen regardless of how careful or diligent you are to prevent it. But know this: help is available to those who seek it.

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression symptoms vary for each affected person but generally include a mixture of side effects.

Some of the main PPD symptoms that women experience include:

• Mood swings
• Trouble sleeping or oversleeping
• Changes in appetite
• Anger and irritability
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Moderate to major depression
• Fatigue
• Excessive crying
• Inability to bond with the new baby
• Anxiety, worry, and/or fear
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Withdrawing from friends and family

When Do Postpartum Depression Symptoms Start?

For most new moms, these feelings and symptoms develop within the first few weeks after childbirth and can last up to six months.

In some cases, symptoms may develop in the months before childbirth.

What Are the Signs of Postpartum Depression?

If you or your loved one are struggling, there are some signs of postpartum depression to watch for, such as:

• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling lonely, guilty, and trapped
• Generally lacking motivation
• Lack of concentration
• Inability to enjoy life and activities

Suppose you experience sadness or emotionlessness that lasts more than two weeks after your baby is born.

In that case, The Office on Women’s Health (a division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services) suggests that you talk to a healthcare provider that you trust as soon as possible.

Sometimes, women who have given birth can experience significant depression and suicidal thoughts.

If you or a loved one is struggling with thoughts of suicide, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 855-912-3035. This hotline is free and is available 24/7.

How Long Does Postpartum Depression Last?

The timeline of postpartum depression symptoms is different for each woman, as everyone’s experience is unique.

The onset of symptoms and signs typically present within the first few weeks after childbirth. Sometimes, symptoms can begin later and may intensify initially and ease within the following months or vice versa.

Postpartum depression symptoms typically only last up to six months after childbirth. However, if left untreated, PPD can become a chronic depressive disorder.

The stages at which postpartum depression can begin are as follows:

• Prenatal symptoms: Some women experience symptoms of PPD while still pregnant and up to 3 or 4 months before giving birth.
• After birth: Women may experience symptoms as early as 48 hours after giving birth, with symptoms that are acute and severe.
• 1 to 6 months postpartum: Most cases of postpartum depression begin in this period and within the first 3 months after giving birth.
• 6 months to 1 year postpartum: Some women experience a delayed onset of postpartum depression, not experiencing symptoms till at least 6 months after giving birth.

Causes of Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is typically caused by a combination of physical and emotional factors that many women experience after childbirth.

Postpartum depression never develops due to something the mother does or doesn’t do.

Postpartum depression is also not uncommon — according to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 15% of births result in PPD.

Sudden changes in hormone levels that women experience postpartum often contribute to developing PPD. After a baby is born, the mother’s estrogen and progesterone levels drop dramatically, which can sometimes trigger the onset of depression and other PPD symptoms.

Risk Factors of Postpartum Depression

A mother’s history or family history of depression and mental illness are two major risk factors for developing postpartum depression.

Having anxiety can also increase a woman’s risk, with research indicating that nearly two-thirds of women with PPD also have an anxiety disorder.

Other risk factors include:

• Major life events that cause severe emotional, financial, physical, or relationship stress
• Giving birth to a child with special needs or health problems
• A traumatic or difficult birth experience
• An unplanned or unwanted pregnancy
• Lack of a support system
• Being a single parent
• Being under the age of 20 or over the age of 40

Many studies have explored the association between postpartum depression and maternal age. A recent Canadian study found that women in their 20s and in their 40s may have an increased risk of developing postpartum depression.

How Is Postpartum Depression Diagnosed?

There are several ways that doctors diagnose postpartum depression, as there are different types of PPD.

Doctors will diagnose a mother with PPD by:

• Assessing her symptoms and severity through interviews
• Having her fill out diagnostic questionnaires
• Performing initial psychological screenings
• Testing for other medical conditions or health problems, i.e. through blood tests to check for thyroid disorders

It is crucial to distinguish between PPD and other mental conditions. Doctors will interpret the severity of the condition and whether it’s short-term postpartum baby blues or something more severe.

Mental health professionals may also use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to help diagnose postpartum depression.

Types of Postpartum Depression

Several types of postpartum depression exist, each with its own symptoms, characteristics, and primary triggers.

Postpartum Baby Blues

Postpartum blues (or baby blues) is a milder and short-term disorder that affects roughly 30-80% of new mothers. It leads to sadness, crying, tiredness, insomnia, and anxiety.

The symptoms of the baby blues are very similar to those of postpartum depression. The main difference between the two disorders is that the baby blues do not last more than two or three weeks at the most.

Postpartum Depression

The symptoms of postpartum depression are similar to those of the baby blues but are more severe.

These symptoms include a depressed mood and mood swings, crying excessively, loss of energy, changes in eating and sleeping habits, loss of interest, and suicidal thoughts.

This type of postpartum mental health condition is said to affect around 15% of new mothers and can last for up to a year after giving birth.

Postpartum Psychosis

Postpartum psychosis is a rare but severe disorder with terrifying symptoms that range from agitation and anxiety to memory loss and confusion.

In extreme cases, women can experience hallucinations and disinterest in their own babies. Women with bipolar disorder and schizoaffective disorder are at a higher risk of developing postpartum psychosis than other women.

Fortunately, postpartum psychosis is treatable and many women go on to recover fully with medication and after an inpatient hospital stay.

Other Postpartum Mental Health Conditions

There are several other types of postpartum mental health conditions that are related to PPD, each with its own specific characteristics and symptoms.

Other postpartum mental health conditions include: 

• Postpartum anxiety: Women with this condition feel excessive worry and fear about their baby’s safety and health and may experience physical symptoms like heart palpitations and sweating.
• Postpartum OCD: Women with this condition experience intrusive thoughts and associated compulsions. They may exhibit repetitive behaviors like checking or have a need to keep the baby’s things clean and organized.
• Postpartum PTSD: Women with this condition typically experienced a traumatic birth or other recent experience that left them with extreme anxiety as well as nightmares and flashbacks.

Postpartum Depression in Men and Same-Sex Partners

While PPD mainly affects the birthing mother, female partners, and fathers may also exhibit maternal or paternal postpartum depression.

This condition may occur more gradually in female partners and men. Postpartum depression in partners typically happens in the first 12 months of a child’s life.

While men may cope with their symptoms differently than women do, postpartum depression in men produces similar symptoms.

The symptoms that men may experience include:

• Depression and sadness
• Guilt
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
• Loss of interest in social or other activities
• Difficulty concentrating on tasks
• Irritability
• Frustration
• Violent and angry behavior
• Increased use of alcohol and drugs
• Increased impulsiveness or risk-taking behavior

Postpartum Depression in Adoptive Parents

Adoptive parents can also experience postpartum depression. Research shows that this condition involves the unmet expectations that adoptive parents place on themselves or the child when the baby is placed in their home.

Often, adoptive parents feel they do not get the same support from friends, family, and society as birth parents. All of these factors contribute to an emotional state that can resemble postpartum depression.

The signs in adoptive parents are similar to those in birth parents, including:

• Irritability or changes in mood
• Difficulty sleeping
• Fatigue
• Guilt
• Shame
• Uncertainty
• Loss of interest in social activities

The symptoms in adoptive parents not only affect the parents but can also affect the child’s emotional well-being.

Complications of Postpartum Depression

When postpartum depression is left untreated, it can have serious consequences for both the mother and baby.

In turn, these consequences can start to affect all areas of the mother’s life and her personal relationships.

Complications of postpartum depression include: 

• Chronic depression
• Development of new mental health disorders
• Suicidal thoughts or tendencies
• Poor bond between mother and baby
• Impaired cognitive and emotional development in the infant
• Inability to perform daily tasks or responsibilities
• Strained relationships with partner or other children
• Postpartum psychosis

Postpartum Depression Effects on Marriage and Relationships

Postpartum depression can significantly affect relationships, marriages, and same-sex partnerships.

Because the moods and behaviors of those affected by PPD can change drastically in weeks, it can place great strain on the partner.

Having a newborn is difficult for couples under any circumstances. However, the added stress of coping with postpartum depression can create a new set of struggles many couples are ill-equipped to handle.

Because there are still misconceptions surrounding emotional disorders like PPD, the spouse or partner may not fully understand and empathize with how PPD has affected their loved one.

Potential relationship problems that can arise include:

• A lack of communication between the couple
• The added burden of increased responsibility
• Decrease in sex and intimacy
• Angst about when the PPD symptoms will end
• Loss of interest in other activities and time alone
• Loss of interest in spending time with each other

Each couple is different. While some couples may experience marital struggles and challenges, others may not.

Treatment and counseling options are available to ensure couples can work through their challenges in supportive and healthy ways.

Postpartum Depression Treatment Options

Treatment for postpartum depression can vary based on the severity of your condition and your unique needs.

The following are the most common, effective treatments.

Therapy

Typically, your doctor will recommend some form of therapy intervention. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a type of psychotherapy or “talk therapy,” is highly effective in helping women who are postpartum.

CBT helps women with postpartum depression by showing them how to identify their negative thought patterns and behaviors.

This form of therapy also teaches them to transform these thoughts and behaviors into more positive ones through identifying and addressing triggers.

Medications

Your doctor may also prescribe medication to help relieve some symptoms of PPD, specifically depression and anxiety. SSRI medications (anti-depressants) are the most commonly prescribed medications.

In recent years, a new medication called Brexanolone has become the first FDA-approved antidepressant medication to treat postpartum depression.

Not only is it effective at countering PPD, but it is also safe in breast milk, a common complaint by breastfeeding women who have been on traditional antidepressant medications.

Support Groups

Talking with your partner or family members about the challenges of PPD can be helpful. However, a support group offers emotional support and comfort from women who are going through the same experience.

These groups are often available either online or in person, depending on what is most convenient.

Tips for Coping with Postpartum Depression

In addition to seeking treatment for postpartum depression, there are also steps you can take in your everyday life to help manage your symptoms.

These activities cannot cure your postpartum depression, but they can help you feel better on some of the more difficult days.

Tips for managing postpartum depression symptoms include:

• Exercise and maintain a healthy diet.
• Make time for yourself to take breaks.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Resist the urge to isolate or withdraw from others.
• Re-evaluate your breastfeeding habits if they cause you stress.
• Lean on others for support.
• Ask for help when you need it.
• Prioritize self-care.

Postpartum Depression Outlook/Prognosis

Postpartum depression can last for up to a year after a baby is born but does usually resolve with appropriate treatment.

According to some studies, around 50% of women need at least a year to recover from postpartum depression, with 10% experiencing lingering symptoms after that time period.

Postpartum Depression Supportive Resources

In addition to professional support, women with postpartum depression also have access to an abundance of supportive resources.

These organizations work to let postpartum women know they are never alone during this challenging time.

Postpartum depression supportive resources include:

• Helplines: Many of these are free and available 24/7 in English or Spanish to anyone who is struggling with their mental health, including the 988 Lifeline.
• Community support groups: Local in-person support groups allow postpartum women to gather and share or discuss their individual experiences.
• Online support groups: Online forums and meeting places let women gather to share and discuss from the convenience of their home and on their own schedule.
• Depression screening tools and quizzes: Screening questionnaires help women recognize the signs of postpartum depression in themselves, including the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.
• Success stories: Stories of hope can improve the mood of women living with postpartum depression, and also educate them on the right treatments to pursue.

Postpartum Depression Statistics

To help women facing this condition feel less alone, here’s a look at postpartum depression statistics in the United States:

• Approximately 1 in 10 women will experience postpartum depression after giving birth, with some studies reporting 1 in 7 women.
• 80% of women with postpartum depression will achieve a full recovery.
• Around 50% of men who have partners diagnosed with postpartum depression will go on to develop depression.
• According to a 2016 study, 17% of postpartum women experienced anxiety and similar mental disorders within the first 3 months after giving birth.
• Postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is believed to occur in 3% to 5% of childbearing women.
• Approximately 7% of new mothers develop postpartum panic disorder after childbirth.
• Between 1 and 2 women out of every 1,000 will develop postpartum psychosis, a severe and potentially deadly disorder.

Postpartum Depression Recovery

Most women who seek treatment for their PPD will see an improvement in their symptoms and an eventual resolution of the condition.

In fact, it is estimated that up to 80% of women with PPD will achieve a full postpartum depression recovery with appropriate treatment and support.

Postpartum depression is not considered a chronic condition, though prompt and adequate treatment is considered best for a timely and full resolution.

Can You Relapse with Postpartum Depression?

Yes, relapse is highly possible with postpartum depression and, in some ways, should be expected as part of the process of recovery. Relapsing with PPD is never your fault.

Factors that can put you at risk for relapse include:

• History of PPD in previous pregnancies
• Underlying or co-occurring mental health conditions
• Lack of social support or support at home
• Stressful life events
• Hormonal fluctuations

Because of the risk of relapse, it can be helpful to have a relapse plan in place in case you feel triggered. Spouses and other family members can be a part of this plan if they want to show support.

Is Postpartum Depression Preventable?

Postpartum depression is not necessarily preventable. However, there are some steps you can take if you are at a heightened risk for PPD.

Actions you can take to prevent PPD include: 

• Educate yourself about maternal mental health.
• Know the signs of PPD.
• Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated.
• Exercise and stay active.
• Get enough sleep.
• Enlist support from friends and family members.
• Prepare yourself and your home well for the baby’s arrival.
• Avoid any major life changes or decisions during the postpartum period.

Find Compassionate & Quality Care for Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression can leave women in a state of anxiety and sadness, but help is available and brighter days are possible.

With the right care, knowledge, and support, women in the early days of motherhood can conquer postpartum depression and feel like themselves once more.

Contact us today for more information on treatment, to connect to resources, or to find a qualified PPD therapist in your area.

Postpartum Depression FAQs

What is the best treatment for postpartum depression?

The best treatment for postpartum depression is usually a combination of medication and therapy. However, the right approach depends on each woman and a number of personal factors.

Additional treatments that are available for postpartum depression include support groups and inpatient treatment for cases that are severe.

How common is postpartum depression?

Around 15% of new parents experience postpartum depression, including both women and men.

This number may be larger, as it is believed that only around 50% of women who have PPD ever receive a diagnosis for it.

What does postpartum depression feel like?

If you are experiencing postpartum depression you are likely to feel sad and depressed, as well as overwhelmed by even the smallest daily tasks. There may not be obvious reasons for these feelings.

You may also notice that you lack a bond with your baby and are having trouble taking care of them and yourself.

What does postpartum depression look like?

Someone who is experiencing postpartum depression may withdraw from their loved ones and lack motivation or the ability to enjoy themselves.

They may also have frequent crying spells and appear sad and hopeless, as well as experience frequent mood swings.

How can you help someone with postpartum depression?

You can help someone with postpartum depression by listening to them if they want to talk and helping them find resources or health information nearby.

You can also help them feel less overwhelmed and stressed by offering to buy them groceries, bring them a meal, or watch their baby or older children while they take a nap or shower.