Postpartum depression: causes, symptoms & treatment
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
Explore what postpartum depression is, including its causes and symptoms (and how long they last). Plus, 6 self-care tips to help you treat postpartum depression.
Early parenthood is often presented as a blissful time, but most parents know that life with a newborn is actually quite complex. Some parents find themselves facing an additional challenge: postpartum depression (PPD), a condition that affects both men and women. It can impact not only your emotional and physical wellbeing, but also, the process of bonding with your newborn. Recognizing the signs of postpartum depression and understanding its impact is the first step toward seeking help and finding a path to recovery.
What is postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a complex mental health condition characterized by a profound sense of sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that can interfere with your ability to care for your baby—and yourself. It thrives in silence and is often exacerbated by societal pressures and stigmas surrounding mental health, particularly in the context of parenting.
In the first few weeks postpartum, many new mothers suffer from the more common, milder "baby blues," marked by mood swings and feelings of weepiness that pass quickly. In comparison, PPD presents a more severe and enduring challenge. Postpartum depression can impact non-birthing parents, too. Awareness and support mechanisms are important for anyone impacted.
The onset of PPD can vary widely. While it commonly begins within the first few weeks after delivery, symptoms can sometimes start during pregnancy or even up to a year after birth. The main characteristics of postpartum depression include a persistent feeling of sadness, hopelessness, and helplessness that goes beyond the normal stress and tiredness associated with new parenthood. You may find it challenging to bond with your baby, which might lead to feelings of guilt and shame.
While societal norms and expectations frequently focus on mothers, the reality is that the hormonal, psychological, and lifestyle changes accompanying the arrival of a new baby can impact anyone, regardless of gender. Acknowledging that men can experience postpartum depression is critical in ensuring that all parents receive the support and resources they need.
What are the three types of postpartum depression?
Your emotional health as a new parent is particularly vulnerable. Awareness of different postpartum conditions helps ensure you receive the care and empathy needed to navigate the challenges of postpartum changes effectively.
1. Postpartum blues (“Baby blues”)
The “baby blues” are known to affect up to 80% of new mothers. They typically emerge within the first few days after delivery, peak around one week in, and resolve by the end of the second week postpartum.
Symptoms include mood swings, sadness, irritability, anxiety, and feeling overwhelmed. While these feelings are intense, they are generally brief and resolve without the need for medical intervention.
The baby blues are considered a normal part of the postpartum emotional landscape. They’re attributed to sudden hormonal shifts after delivery, combined with the physical and emotional challenges of caring for a newborn.
2. Postpartum depression (PPD)
Postpartum depression is a more severe and persistent form of emotional distress that can develop after childbirth. Unlike the baby blues, PPD symptoms are more intense and last much longer. They can also potentially interfere with a parent's ability to care for their baby and themselves.
Symptoms may include severe mood swings, excessive crying, difficulty bonding with the baby, withdrawal from family and friends, loss of appetite, overwhelming fatigue, intense irritability and anger, feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt, or inadequacy, and possibly thoughts of harming oneself or the baby.
PPD can appear days or even months after childbirth and often requires professional support—such as counseling or medication—to improve.
3. Postpartum psychosis
Postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious mental health condition that can occur in the first week or month after childbirth. It is considered a medical emergency, requiring immediate treatment.
Postpartum psychosis is characterized by extreme difficulty in responding emotionally to the baby, hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, extreme mood swings, and confusion. It may lead to life-threatening thoughts or behaviors and requires urgent care from a mental health professional. Treatment typically involves a combination of medication, therapy, and, in some cases, hospitalization to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby.
9 symptoms of postpartum depression
Identifying the symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD) can lead to early intervention, making a significant difference. The good news is that postpartum depression is treatable. With the right support, you can recover and enjoy a fulfilling relationship with your child.
These symptoms can range from mild to severe and may affect parents differently. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to reach out to a healthcare provider for assessment and support.
Feelings of shame, guilt, or inadequacy: A deep sense of failing at parenthood
Severe mood swings: Rapidly shifting from happiness to extreme sadness
Reduced interest in life: Losing interest in activities that were once enjoyable
Constant fatigue: Feeling tired all the time, even after resting
Abnormal eating habits: Eating significantly more or less than usual
Weight fluctuations: Significant weight gain or loss unrelated to dieting
Sleep disturbances: Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Difficulties in concentration: Unable to focus or make decisions
Distorted thoughts about bonding: Lack of feeling or intense anxiety over bonding with the baby
Symptoms can last for several weeks to months and, in severe cases, even longer. It's important to seek professional help if you're experiencing any of these symptoms.
What causes postpartum depression?
While the exact cause of postpartum depression isn't yet fully understood, research has identified several key factors that can contribute to its development. These can include:
1. Psychological challenges
The transition to parenthood is an emotionally tumultuous period for many new parents. Psychological stressors, such as changes in identity and self-esteem, pressure to be a perfect parent, and the overwhelming responsibility of caring for a newborn, can significantly impact your mental health.
2. Physical changes
Childbirth brings about profound physical changes, including hormonal fluctuations that can affect mood and emotional wellbeing. After delivery, the sharp drop in hormones such as estrogen and progesterone can trigger mood swings and symptoms of depression. Additionally, the physical recovery from childbirth, sleep deprivation, and the demands of breastfeeding can contribute to the development of PPD.
3. Family history
A personal or family history of depression or other mental health disorders can increase the risk of developing PPD. This suggests a genetic or hereditary component to the condition, making some people more predisposed to experiencing PPD than others. Understanding your family’s mental health history can help in assessing risk and preparing for potential challenges postpartum.
4. Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes play a significant role in the onset of PPD. In addition to the postpartum drop in estrogen and progesterone, changes in other hormones produced by the thyroid gland can also contribute to feelings of depression and fatigue. For some women, these hormonal imbalances can affect their emotional state and overall sense of wellbeing, making it harder to adjust to the demands of motherhood.
5. Lifestyle and environmental factors
Lifestyle and environmental factors, such as social isolation, lack of support structures, relationship problems, financial stress, and major life events happening around the time of childbirth, can all contribute to the development of PPD. The interplay between these factors and your ability to cope with stress can significantly impact your risk of experiencing PPD.
Postpartum depression self-care: 6 tips
Navigating the challenges of postpartum depression (PPD) involves a holistic approach that includes both professional healthcare and self-care strategies. Self-care is a vital component of recovery, offering practical and emotional support to new parents experiencing PPD. Incorporating these self-care strategies into your routine can provide a foundation for managing postpartum depression. However, it's important to remember that self-care is just one part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Professional help is crucial for a full recovery, so reaching out to a healthcare provider should always be a priority if you're experiencing symptoms of PPD.
1. Seek support from a therapist, friend, or family
Opening up about your feelings and experiences with PPD can provide relief and a sense of being understood. Professional support from a therapist can offer a safe space to explore your emotions, while friends and family can provide practical help and emotional comfort. Therapy, especially treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT), has been proven effective in managing PPD symptoms.
💙 Learn how to get the help you need during the Outside Help session of the Daily Jay.
2. Join a new parent's support group
Connecting with other parents who are going through similar experiences can be incredibly validating and helpful. Support groups offer a sense of community and belonging, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness. Sharing stories and coping strategies can provide new perspectives and tips for managing the challenges of parenthood.
💙 Learn to nurture new connections during the Relationship With Others series.
3. Focus on a healthy diet
Nutrition plays an important role in mental health. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help stabilize mood and energy levels. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish like salmon and sardines, have been linked to improved mood and reduced depression symptoms. Staying hydrated and limiting your intake of caffeine and sugar can also have a positive effect on your emotional wellbeing.
💙 Deepen your awareness by tuning into how your body feels during this Body Scan meditation.
4. Exercise daily (as your body and recovery allow)
Physical activity may improve mental health, sometimes helping to release brain chemicals that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. Even light exercise, such as walking, yoga, or stretching, can improve mood and energy levels. It's important to listen to your body and start with gentle activities, especially if you're recovering from childbirth.
💙 Try a Mindful Walking meditation to help you stay present as you move your body.
5. Prioritize rest
Sleep deprivation can exacerbate symptoms of depression, making it important to prioritize rest whenever possible. While caring for a newborn often involves irregular sleep patterns, taking short naps when the baby sleeps can help. Establishing a simple bedtime routine for yourself, such as reading or taking a warm bath, can also improve sleep quality.
💙 Let the Sleepy Rhythm Meditation from the Postpartum Healing series help you drift off to sleep.
6. Delegate household tasks
Don't hesitate to ask for help with chores or childcare from partners, family members, or friends. Delegating tasks can reduce stress and provide you with more time to focus on your recovery and bonding with your baby. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
💙 Use your spare time to connect with your emotions during the Feeling Baby Blues with Love meditation.
Postpartum depression FAQs
How long is a mother considered postpartum?
The postpartum period used to be defined as the six weeks following childbirth—a period traditionally dedicated to the mother's physical recovery and adjustment to caring for their newborn. However, these emotional and psychological adjustments extend well beyond this six-week window. Some healthcare providers and researchers now view the postpartum period as extending up to a year after childbirth. This extended perspective acknowledges the ongoing changes and challenges new mothers face, including the potential for postpartum depression (PPD) to develop at a later point and the continued need for physical recovery and adaptation to motherhood. Recognizing this broader timeframe helps provide support and understanding of the complexities of the postpartum experience.
How do you fix postpartum depression (PPD)?
Treating postpartum depression (PPD) involves a multifaceted approach tailored to the person's needs and the severity of their symptoms.
Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT), have been proven to be effective in treating PPD. These therapies can help new mothers process their emotions, cope with the changes and challenges of motherhood, and develop strategies to manage symptoms of depression.
Antidepressants: These may be prescribed to help manage the chemical imbalances in the brain that contribute to PPD. Medication is often used in conjunction with therapy for the best outcomes.
Joining a support group: Sharing experiences with others who are facing similar challenges can be incredibly validating and helpful, providing a sense of community and understanding.
Prioritizing self-care: This includes ensuring adequate rest, paying attention to nutrition, and engaging in physical activity. Small, manageable changes in daily routines can make a substantial difference to your mood and overall wellbeing.
Education: Learning about PPD, including its symptoms, causes, and treatment options, can empower mothers and their families to seek help and understand their experiences.
A healthcare provider can offer guidance on the most appropriate treatment plan, considering the person’s specific situation and preferences.
Can men get postpartum depression?
Yes, men can—and do—experience postpartum depression, although it is often less recognized and discussed. Male postpartum depression can occur during the first year after their child's birth, with symptoms similar to those experienced by women, including sadness, fatigue, anxiety, irritability, and changes in sleeping or eating patterns.
Factors contributing to male PPD include hormonal changes, personal history of depression, stress related to the transition to fatherhood, and changes in the relationship dynamic. Recognizing that PPD can affect both parents is crucial for ensuring that everyone has access to the support and treatment they need.
How do I know if I have baby blues or postpartum depression?
Distinguishing between the baby blues and postpartum depression involves assessing the severity, duration, and impact of your symptoms. The baby blues are characterized by mild symptoms—such as mood swings, sadness, irritability, and anxiety—which typically resolve within two weeks after childbirth. In contrast, postpartum depression symptoms are more severe, last longer than two weeks, and can significantly impair your ability to function on a daily basis. Symptoms of PPD include deep sadness, hopelessness, severe anxiety, difficulty bonding with your baby, and possibly thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. If your symptoms are intense, persist beyond two weeks, or you're struggling to cope, it's important to seek professional support.
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