- Therapy Modalities Glossary
- ›Postpartum Depression
Postpartum Depression
PPD is more than the baby blues — it is a common and treatable condition, and reaching out is the first step toward feeling like yourself again.
What is postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a type of depression that can develop after having a baby. It brings more than the short-lived “baby blues,” with lasting sadness, anxiety, mood swings, or a loss of interest that can make it hard to care for yourself or your baby. It can begin within the first weeks after birth or come on gradually, up to a year later, and it sometimes starts during pregnancy.
PPD affects up to 1 in 7 people who give birth, and it can also affect surrogates and adoptive parents. It is different from the baby blues, which affect most new parents and fade within a week or two. A rarer, more severe form called postpartum psychosis is a medical emergency.
Postpartum depression is not a character flaw or a sign of being a bad parent. It is tied to the hormonal, physical, and emotional changes of having a baby, which are largely beyond your control.
What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?
Symptoms of postpartum depression are more intense and longer-lasting than the baby blues, and they get in the way of daily life. They show up in both mood and body, and they can range from mild to severe.
Emotional signs affect your mood and how you feel about yourself and your baby.
- Deep sadness, hopelessness, or feeling worthless or guilty
- Anxiety, irritability, or frequent crying
- Loss of interest in things you usually enjoy
- Feeling unable to care for your baby, or anxious around them
Physical and behavioral signs show up in your energy, sleep, and focus.
- Trouble sleeping, or wanting to sleep all the time
- Changes in appetite or eating
- Low energy and motivation
- Difficulty thinking, focusing, or making decisions
If these feelings last more than two weeks or keep you from daily life, it is time to reach out to a provider. Any thoughts of harming yourself or your baby need urgent attention right away.
Who is at increased risk for postpartum depression?
The exact link between the hormone drop after delivery and depression is not fully understood, but it is real, and it combines with the physical and emotional demands of a new baby. Hormonal shifts, personal history, and life circumstances all play a part. Knowing the common risk factors can help you make sense of your experience, even though having them does not mean PPD will develop.
- A personal or family history of depression, anxiety, or postpartum depression
- The sharp drop in estrogen and progesterone after delivery
- Depression or anxiety during pregnancy
Life and environmental factors
- Limited social support, or relationship conflict
- A difficult or high-risk pregnancy, delivery, or premature birth
- Financial stress, or challenges adjusting to parenthood
Postpartum depression can happen to anyone, and the factors behind it are largely outside your control. Having risk factors describes likelihood rather than certainty.
How is postpartum depression treated?
Postpartum depression is very treatable, and most people feel better with support. It rarely goes away entirely on its own, so reaching out makes a real difference. Care usually combines therapy and, when needed, medication.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other talk therapies help you work through the thoughts and feelings that come with PPD and build coping strategies. Many people find therapy helpful on its own or alongside medication.
Medication can help rebalance the brain chemistry involved in depression. Antidepressants are often used, and many are considered safe while breastfeeding, so a provider can help you weigh the options.
Support and self-care round out treatment. Support groups for new parents, help with chores and rest, time outdoors, and leaning on people you trust can all ease the load while you recover.
Treatment is personal, and getting help early, even during pregnancy, tends to make recovery smoother.
When should you seek help?
Contact a provider if symptoms last longer than two weeks, if you cannot cope with everyday tasks, or if you feel intensely anxious or panicked most of the day. An obstetrician, primary care provider, mental health professional, or even your baby's pediatrician can help.
Some symptoms need help right away. If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, call 911, or call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also reach Postpartum Support International at 1-800-944-4773 for free, confidential support. Postpartum depression is not your fault, and with help most people feel like themselves again. Whenever you feel ready, support will be there for you.
FAQs
What is the difference between the baby blues and postpartum depression?
The baby blues affect most new parents and usually fade within a week or two. Postpartum depression is more intense and lasts longer, interferes with daily life, and usually needs treatment.
When does postpartum depression start?
It can begin within the first weeks after birth or come on gradually, up to a year later, and it sometimes starts during pregnancy. It most commonly appears around six weeks postpartum.
Can postpartum depression affect adoptive or non-birth parents?
Yes. While hormones play a role, PPD can also affect surrogates and adoptive parents, since the emotional and life changes of a new baby affect everyone caring for them.
Will it go away on its own?
Usually not. Most people need some treatment to feel better, and getting help early tends to lead to a faster recovery. Untreated PPD can last a long time.
For Providers
Are you a mental health care provider?
See how Alma can help you grow a thriving private practice.