Postpartum Depression: Symptoms, Treatment, and Support

You’ve just welcomed a beautiful new life into the world, and while you may have expected this time to be filled with joy, you could find yourself feeling unexpectedly overwhelmed, sad, or even distant. These emotions may signal postpartum depression—a very real and common experience that many parents face.

If this sounds familiar, know that support is here, and you don’t have to navigate this alone. Taking steps to seek help may ease these feelings and allow you to enjoy moments with your newborn as you deserve.

Read on to learn about postpartum depression symptoms, how it differs from the “baby blues,” and the types of postpartum depression treatments that could be recommended. We’ll also cover postpartum depression in men and offer tips on supporting someone who may be experiencing it.

_{What is Postpartum Depression?}

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a condition that can bring about strong, lasting feelings of sadness or worry in the months after giving birth. These emotions may sometimes feel overwhelming, making daily tasks like caring for yourself and your baby seem especially challenging.

You may be wondering, “When does postpartum depression start?”, as the name suggests, PPD usually appears during the postpartum period—often between one and three weeks after your baby is born—but it may sometimes start later, even up to a year after delivery. For some, depression after birth may even begin while still pregnant called perinatal depression.

Postpartum depression isn’t limited to a first delivery; it can occur after any birth. While feeling overwhelmed in those early months is normal—you’re adjusting to a new family member, likely losing sleep, and managing many new responsibilities.

With postpartum depression, the feelings of sadness and emptiness linger, typically lasting longer than two weeks and impacting your ability to enjoy motherhood and bond with your baby. Importantly, PPD is not a sign of weakness or a character flaw but rather a complication of childbirth. Seeking help from a healthcare provider can make a real difference, helping you find the support you need.

Postpartum Depression Vs. Baby Blues

Postpartum depression is different from the postpartum blues, often called the baby blues. The term baby blues refers to common, less intense feelings of sadness or being overwhelmed after giving birth. With the baby blues, you may experience short periods of crying, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, or a reduced appetite, but these feelings generally don’t last long or require treatment. They often appear within a few days after birth and usually fade within a few weeks.

While the baby blues vs. PPD may feel similar, there’s a key difference: the baby blues typically don’t interfere with daily life, whereas PPD’s stronger, more persistent feelings can make caring for yourself, and your baby feel difficult.

If you’re feeling down after giving birth, you’re far from alone—up to 70 to 80 percent of new parents experience baby blues as the body and mind adjust to the changes of having a newborn. During this time, having support from loved ones may make a difference.

Here are a few gentle ways to care for yourself during the baby blues:

• Rest whenever possible

• Share your feelings with trusted friends or family

• Ask for help

• Engage in light exercise (after your healthcare provider gives the OK)

• Connect with other new parents through a support group

• Set aside a little “me time” each day, including a bit of time outside.

What is Postpartum Psychosis?

Postpartum depression should not be confused with a rare mood disorder called postpartum psychosis, which is more severe and involves symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and extreme agitation, making it a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

Postpartum psychosis is estimated to affect about 4 in every 1,000 births, making it much less common than PPD. While postpartum depression vs. psychosis may seem similar at first glance, the symptoms of psychosis are typically more intense, posing potential risks for both the parent and baby if untreated.

What Causes Postpartum Depression?

What causes postpartum depression isn’t fully understood, but it’s thought to result from a combination of physical, hormonal, and emotional factors. Here are some elements that may help explain why postpartum depression occurs:

• Hormonal changes. After birth, there’s a sudden drop in the levels of the pregnancy hormones estrogen and progesterone, which may contribute to mood swings. Additionally, thyroid hormone levels may decrease, leading to fatigue, sluggishness, and mood shifts.

• Sleep deprivation. Recovering from childbirth while also caring for a newborn might impact your ability to rest. This lack of sleep may lead to physical discomfort and exhaustion, which might trigger symptoms of postpartum depression.

• Emotional factors. Welcoming a newborn brings significant life changes, and feeling overwhelmed or anxious is common. Adjusting to a new identity, experiencing body image concerns, or feeling a lack of control may also contribute to PPD symptoms.

Risk Factors

While postpartum depression may affect any new parent, certain risk factors may increase its likelihood:

• A personal or family history of depression or other mental health issues such as managing bipolar disorder

• Experiencing premenstrual syndrome (PMS) before periods

• Having had postpartum depression after a previous pregnancy

• Recently experiencing major stressors or difficult transitions, such as returning to work

• Giving birth to twins or multiples or having a preterm delivery

• Having difficulty breastfeeding or a baby with special needs

• Issues with your partner or lacking a support system

• Financial stress

If you have a history of postpartum depression or any of these risk factors, it’s helpful to share this with your healthcare provider early on, even during pregnancy. They may take steps to monitor your mental health closely, offer a depression-screening questionnaire, or suggest counseling, support groups, or other therapies as part of your prenatal care.

Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Recognizing the signs of postpartum depression may help you know when to seek support.

Some common PPD symptoms include:

• Feelings of hopelessness or despair

• Severe anxiety or panic attacks

• Persistent sadness or feeling low

• Intense mood swings, irritability, or anger

• Frequent crying spells

• Difficulty bonding with your baby or feeling detached from them

• Fear that you’re not a “good” parent

• Changes in appetite, either eating much more or much less than usual

• Trouble sleeping (insomnia) or sleeping too much

• Constant fatigue or loss of energy

• Trouble concentrating or making decisions

• Difficulty managing daily tasks

• Withdrawing from loved ones or social activities

• Losing interest in things you once enjoyed

• Feelings of guilt, shame, worthlessness, or inadequacy

• Physical symptoms, like headaches or stomach problems, without a clear cause

• Recurrent thoughts of self-harm, harming your baby, or suicide.

Postpartum anxiety symptoms may include intense worry or fear, even when situations may not be harmful, and panic attacks may sometimes accompany these feelings.

Only a healthcare provider may diagnose postpartum depression, so reach out if you’re experiencing symptoms.

Contact them immediately if:

• Symptoms last beyond two weeks

• Symptoms worsen over time

• Daily tasks, including self-care or caring for your baby, feel unmanageable

• You have thoughts of self-harm or harming your baby.

Treatments for Postpartum Depression

If you think you may have postpartum depression, reach out to your healthcare provider as soon as possible for an evaluation. They’ll be able to diagnose PPD based on your feelings and symptoms and work with you to create a treatment plan.

Postpartum depression treatment may involve one or both of the following:

• Psychotherapy. Also known as talk therapy or mental health counseling, this treatment allows you to speak with a therapist about your feelings and learn effective ways to deal with postpartum depression. Therapy sessions may be one-on-one or in a group setting with other parents experiencing similar challenges.

• Postpartum depression medication. Antidepressants may help stabilize mood by balancing brain chemicals. There are different types of antidepressants, and your provider will recommend one that’s safe and suited to your needs. Note that it may take a few weeks to see improvements, as medication often takes time to start working effectively.

While professional treatment is essential, these lifestyle practices may support recovery alongside your provider’s recommendations:

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Incorporating daily movement, like a walk, and prioritizing sleep and balanced nutrition may help improve emotional resilience.

• Set realistic expectations. This adjustment period may be intense, so allow yourself to ease into your new role without aiming for perfection.

• Take time for yourself. Having someone watch your baby while you relax or spend time with friends may help lift your spirits.

• Connect with others. Talking with loved ones or other parents may reduce feelings of isolation, and your provider may also suggest local support groups.

• Accept help. Let friends or family help with meals, errands, or household chores to reduce stress.

• Limit additional changes. Try to avoid major life shifts, such as moving, during this transition.

• Follow your provider’s advice. It’s important to complete your treatment, as stopping early may lead to a relapse.

With the right care, postpartum depression may improve, allowing you to focus on bonding with your baby and finding joy in parenthood.

How to Prevent It?

If you’re at risk of postpartum depression, taking preventive steps may help. How to prevent PPD often involves monitoring and proactive care from your healthcare provider. They may keep an eye on your mental health during pregnancy and after birth to catch any early signs of postpartum depression.

In some cases, your provider might recommend therapy or antidepressants during pregnancy or shortly after delivery to help prevent postpartum depression from developing. After your baby’s birth, they may also suggest an earlier postnatal checkup to screen for symptoms and start treatment as soon as possible if needed.

Being proactive and open with your healthcare provider about your mental health may make a real difference in how to avoid postpartum depression and ensure you feel supported in this transition.

How Long Does Postpartum Depression Last?

Postpartum depression often requires professional treatment, and how long it lasts may vary based on your unique situation and treatment plan. In some cases, postpartum depression symptoms may peak a few weeks after birth but then persist for anywhere from 3 to 12 months or even longer without treatment. Seeking help early may lessen the severity of symptoms and may shorten the duration of the condition.

Working closely with your healthcare provider can make a difference, helping you regain balance and focus on enjoying life with your baby.

Postpartum Depression in Men

If you’re the other parent, you might wonder, can men get postpartum depression? The answer is yes. Male postpartum depression is a recognized condition that may impact up to 25 percent of new fathers in the first year after birth. Similarly, same-sex and non-biological parents may also experience symptoms of postpartum depression as they adjust to the demands of parenthood.

Coping with new responsibilities, bonding with your baby, and managing the pressures of providing for a growing family may all contribute to male PPD. Common symptoms include feelings of anger, irritability, sadness, withdrawal from loved ones, and a general sense of being overwhelmed.

Your emotional well-being as a parent plays a vital role in your baby’s development and the health of your entire family. It’s also important for your happiness and quality of life. If you’re experiencing postpartum depression, consult your healthcare provider and consider some of the self-care strategies mentioned in the Treatment for Postpartum Depression section.

How to Help Someone with Postpartum Depression?

Supporting a loved one through postpartum depression may make a meaningful difference. People experiencing PPD may not recognize their symptoms, so if you suspect someone you care about is struggling, you may help them seek postpartum depression help by encouraging them to speak with a healthcare provider.

As a partner, friend, or family member, you can’t “fix” postpartum depression, but there are supportive actions you can take:

• Encourage them to seek professional help. A healthcare provider may provide the appropriate postpartum support and treatment plan.

• Listen and validate their feelings. Understand that postpartum depression creates difficult emotions beyond their control. Offer empathy and a non-judgmental ear.

• Offer time for self-care. Take care of the baby so they may do something relaxing, like taking a walk or meeting friends, without guilt.

• Help with rest. Arrange for a family member, friend, or sitter to care for the baby, giving them the chance for quality sleep.

• Assist with daily tasks. Pitch in with errands, chores, or basic responsibilities to lighten their load.

Your support may have a powerful impact in helping a loved one feel understood and supported through their journey with postpartum depression.

The Bottom Line

Postpartum depression is a challenging experience that affects many new parents, but with the right treatment and support, recovery is possible. Whether you’re experiencing postpartum depression symptoms yourself or supporting a loved one through it, know that you’re not alone, and help is available. Early intervention and ongoing care may make a positive difference, allowing you to focus on bonding with your little one and enjoying this new chapter.

For more guidance on adjusting to life as a new parent, check out this New Parents' Guide for helpful tips and resources.

As you navigate this time, consider using resources like the Pampers Club app to access discounts and digital offers on baby essentials. The app provides a simple way to help with expenses and make the parenting journey a little smoother.

_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}