Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow Long Does It Last?Why Might PPD Last Longer For You?Risk FactorsHow PPD Affects Your LifeFinding ReliefSeeking TreatmentNext in Postpartum Depression GuidePostpartum Depression Treatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How Long Does It Last?
Why Might PPD Last Longer For You?
Risk Factors
How PPD Affects Your Life
Finding Relief
Seeking Treatment
Next in Postpartum Depression Guide
Postpartum depression (PPD)is a type ofmajor depressive disorder (MDD)(clinical depression) that occurs after childbirth. Giving birth causes your body to go through major hormonal adjustments. The sharp drop inestrogenafter childbirth can impact mood regulation. In addition, the lifestyle changes and upheaval that come after delivery can lead to anger, stress, fatigue, and anxiety.
This article reviews how long postpartum depression lasts, what might cause it to last longer for you, PPD risk factors, how it affects daily life, when to call a healthcare provider, and relief from PPD.
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Understanding the Onset of Postpartum Depression: When Does It Start?
How Long Does Postpartum Depression Last?
For some, PPD can be a short episode that lasts a few weeks. It can last months or years for others, especially when left untreated. This is known as persistent or chronic PPD.In one study, about 5% of females with postpartum depression still had symptoms three years after giving birth.
PPD Symptoms
PPD symptoms may include:
The duration and severity of PPD varies from person to person. Several factors can make it last longer, including medical history, life stressors, the severity of the symptoms, getting the correct treatment, and more.
Some of the most common reasons people have persistent PPD symptoms include:
Other factors that could cause PPD to linger include:
When Does Postpartum Depression Start?
What Can Increase the Risk of Postpartum Depression?
While anyone can get PPD, regardless of their risk profile, having a history of a mental health condition, abuse, trauma, sleep deprivation, or high stress increases the risk.While this is not an exhaustive list, the following are examples of factors that increase the risk of PPD:
Postpartum Care: A Guide to Taking Care of a Body That Just Delivered
Postpartum depression can impact physical, emotional, mental, relational, and occupational health.
When PPD affects cognitive processes such as memory, concentration, and decision-making, it makes daily tasks, decisions, and responsibilities more challenging. This may cause work performance and productivity to suffer.
PPD can also:
Suicide Prevention
Postpartum Depression Awareness: Signs to Recognize
How to Get Relief from PPD
For PPD to resolve, it typically requirestreatmentfrom a healthcare professional, including medical and mental health providers.
A mental health professional might suggestcognitive behavioral therapy (CBT),interpersonal therapy, or family therapy. They can help you develop coping strategies, address negative thought patterns, and manage your emotions.
Finding a Mental Health ProviderFindTreatment.govprovides a confidential and anonymous resource for finding treatment in your area. You can also search for therapy you can receive online. In addition, theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline(1-800-662-HELP (4357)) provides 24/7 information and referrals if you or a loved one are facing mental health or substance use issues.
Finding a Mental Health Provider
FindTreatment.govprovides a confidential and anonymous resource for finding treatment in your area. You can also search for therapy you can receive online. In addition, theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline(1-800-662-HELP (4357)) provides 24/7 information and referrals if you or a loved one are facing mental health or substance use issues.
Your healthcare providers may also suggest one or a combination of the following:
PPD Self-Care
Self-care involves:
Doulascan also be helpful as they are trained professionals who provide support during pregnancy, childbirth, and after birth. Research shows doulas help decrease the risk of PPD.
Finding SupportThe following are reputable organizations that can help you find postpartum support:DONA Internationalis a great place to start your search for doulas in your area.Postpartum Progresscan help you make online connections.Postpartum Support International (PSI)provides a directory for local support groups.
Finding Support
The following are reputable organizations that can help you find postpartum support:DONA Internationalis a great place to start your search for doulas in your area.Postpartum Progresscan help you make online connections.Postpartum Support International (PSI)provides a directory for local support groups.
The following are reputable organizations that can help you find postpartum support:
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
Summary
PPD is a form of clinical depression that occurs anytime in the year following childbirth. It is a complex and challenging emotional experience that can impact people differently. Some people experience postpartum depression for a few weeks but it can last months or years. This is especially true for those with prior mental health conditions or when PPD is left untreated.
19 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).Bonding with your newborn: what to know if you don’t feel connected right away.United States (U.S.) Department of Health and Human Services Office on Womens Health (OASH).Postpartum depression.Viguera A.Severe postpartum unipolar major depression: Choosing treatment. In: Payne J, Lockwood CJ, eds. UpToDate. UpToDate;2023.Putnick DL, Sundaram R, Bell EM, Ghassabian A, Goldstein RB, Robinson SL, Vafai Y, Gilman SE, Yeung E.Trajectories of maternal postpartum depressive symptoms.Pediatrics.2020;146 (5):e20200857. doi:10.1542/peds.2020-0857National Institutes of Health (NIH).Postpartum depression may last for years.National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Perinatal depression.United States Federal Drug and Food Administration (FDA).FDA approves first treatment for postpartum depression.Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NIH).Mom’s mental health matters.Davies W.Understanding the pathophysiology of postpartum psychosis: Challenges and new approaches.World Journal of Psychiatry. 2017;7(2), 77-88. doi:10.5498/wjp.v7.i2.77Zhao XH, Zhang ZH.Risk factors for postpartum depression: An evidence-based systematic review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.Asian J Psychiatr. 2020;53:102353. doi:10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102353National Institutes of Health (NIH).Factors that affect depression risk.Oh W, Muzik M, McGinnis EW, Hamilton L, Menke RA, Rosenblum KL.Comorbid trajectories of postpartum depression and PTSD among mothers with childhood trauma history: Course, predictors, processes and child adjustment.J Affect Disord. 2016;200:133-41. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2016.04.037988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline.988 suicide & crisis lifeline.Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).National helpline.United States Federal Drug and Food Administration (FDA).Zurzuvae (zuranolone) drug label.United States Federal Drug and Food Administration (FDA).FDA approves first oral treatment for postpartum depression.Oyarzabal EA, Seuferling B, Babbar S, Lawton-O’Boyle S, Babbar S.Mind-body techniques in pregnancy and postpartum.Clinical Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2021;64(3):683-703. doi:10.1097/grf.0000000000000641Ramey-Collier K, Jackson M, Malloy A, McMillan C, Scraders-Pyatt A, Wheeler SM.Doula care: A review of outcomes and impact on birth experience.Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey. 2023;78(2):124-127. doi:10.1097/ogx.0000000000001103Falconi AM, Bromfield SG, Tang T, et al.Doula care across the maternity care continuum and impact on Maternal Health: Evaluation of Doula programs across three states using propensity score matching.eClinicalMedicine. 2022;50:101531. doi:10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101531Additional ReadingNational Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Perinatal depression.Putnick DL, Sundaram R, Bell EM, Ghassabian A, Goldstein RB, Robinson SL, Vafai Y, Gilman SE, Yeung E.Trajectories of maternal postpartum depressive symptoms.Pediatrics.2020;146 (5):e20200857. doi:10.1542/peds.2020-0857United States (U.S.) Department of Health and Human Services Office on Womens Health (OASH).Postpartum depression.United States (U.S.) Department of Health and Human Services Office on Womens Health (OASH).Postpartum depression.
19 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).Bonding with your newborn: what to know if you don’t feel connected right away.United States (U.S.) Department of Health and Human Services Office on Womens Health (OASH).Postpartum depression.Viguera A.Severe postpartum unipolar major depression: Choosing treatment. In: Payne J, Lockwood CJ, eds. UpToDate. UpToDate;2023.Putnick DL, Sundaram R, Bell EM, Ghassabian A, Goldstein RB, Robinson SL, Vafai Y, Gilman SE, Yeung E.Trajectories of maternal postpartum depressive symptoms.Pediatrics.2020;146 (5):e20200857. doi:10.1542/peds.2020-0857National Institutes of Health (NIH).Postpartum depression may last for years.National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Perinatal depression.United States Federal Drug and Food Administration (FDA).FDA approves first treatment for postpartum depression.Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NIH).Mom’s mental health matters.Davies W.Understanding the pathophysiology of postpartum psychosis: Challenges and new approaches.World Journal of Psychiatry. 2017;7(2), 77-88. doi:10.5498/wjp.v7.i2.77Zhao XH, Zhang ZH.Risk factors for postpartum depression: An evidence-based systematic review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.Asian J Psychiatr. 2020;53:102353. doi:10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102353National Institutes of Health (NIH).Factors that affect depression risk.Oh W, Muzik M, McGinnis EW, Hamilton L, Menke RA, Rosenblum KL.Comorbid trajectories of postpartum depression and PTSD among mothers with childhood trauma history: Course, predictors, processes and child adjustment.J Affect Disord. 2016;200:133-41. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2016.04.037988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline.988 suicide & crisis lifeline.Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).National helpline.United States Federal Drug and Food Administration (FDA).Zurzuvae (zuranolone) drug label.United States Federal Drug and Food Administration (FDA).FDA approves first oral treatment for postpartum depression.Oyarzabal EA, Seuferling B, Babbar S, Lawton-O’Boyle S, Babbar S.Mind-body techniques in pregnancy and postpartum.Clinical Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2021;64(3):683-703. doi:10.1097/grf.0000000000000641Ramey-Collier K, Jackson M, Malloy A, McMillan C, Scraders-Pyatt A, Wheeler SM.Doula care: A review of outcomes and impact on birth experience.Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey. 2023;78(2):124-127. doi:10.1097/ogx.0000000000001103Falconi AM, Bromfield SG, Tang T, et al.Doula care across the maternity care continuum and impact on Maternal Health: Evaluation of Doula programs across three states using propensity score matching.eClinicalMedicine. 2022;50:101531. doi:10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101531Additional ReadingNational Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Perinatal depression.Putnick DL, Sundaram R, Bell EM, Ghassabian A, Goldstein RB, Robinson SL, Vafai Y, Gilman SE, Yeung E.Trajectories of maternal postpartum depressive symptoms.Pediatrics.2020;146 (5):e20200857. doi:10.1542/peds.2020-0857United States (U.S.) Department of Health and Human Services Office on Womens Health (OASH).Postpartum depression.United States (U.S.) Department of Health and Human Services Office on Womens Health (OASH).Postpartum depression.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).Bonding with your newborn: what to know if you don’t feel connected right away.United States (U.S.) Department of Health and Human Services Office on Womens Health (OASH).Postpartum depression.Viguera A.Severe postpartum unipolar major depression: Choosing treatment. In: Payne J, Lockwood CJ, eds. UpToDate. UpToDate;2023.Putnick DL, Sundaram R, Bell EM, Ghassabian A, Goldstein RB, Robinson SL, Vafai Y, Gilman SE, Yeung E.Trajectories of maternal postpartum depressive symptoms.Pediatrics.2020;146 (5):e20200857. doi:10.1542/peds.2020-0857National Institutes of Health (NIH).Postpartum depression may last for years.National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Perinatal depression.United States Federal Drug and Food Administration (FDA).FDA approves first treatment for postpartum depression.Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NIH).Mom’s mental health matters.Davies W.Understanding the pathophysiology of postpartum psychosis: Challenges and new approaches.World Journal of Psychiatry. 2017;7(2), 77-88. doi:10.5498/wjp.v7.i2.77Zhao XH, Zhang ZH.Risk factors for postpartum depression: An evidence-based systematic review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.Asian J Psychiatr. 2020;53:102353. doi:10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102353National Institutes of Health (NIH).Factors that affect depression risk.Oh W, Muzik M, McGinnis EW, Hamilton L, Menke RA, Rosenblum KL.Comorbid trajectories of postpartum depression and PTSD among mothers with childhood trauma history: Course, predictors, processes and child adjustment.J Affect Disord. 2016;200:133-41. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2016.04.037988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline.988 suicide & crisis lifeline.Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).National helpline.United States Federal Drug and Food Administration (FDA).Zurzuvae (zuranolone) drug label.United States Federal Drug and Food Administration (FDA).FDA approves first oral treatment for postpartum depression.Oyarzabal EA, Seuferling B, Babbar S, Lawton-O’Boyle S, Babbar S.Mind-body techniques in pregnancy and postpartum.Clinical Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2021;64(3):683-703. doi:10.1097/grf.0000000000000641Ramey-Collier K, Jackson M, Malloy A, McMillan C, Scraders-Pyatt A, Wheeler SM.Doula care: A review of outcomes and impact on birth experience.Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey. 2023;78(2):124-127. doi:10.1097/ogx.0000000000001103Falconi AM, Bromfield SG, Tang T, et al.Doula care across the maternity care continuum and impact on Maternal Health: Evaluation of Doula programs across three states using propensity score matching.eClinicalMedicine. 2022;50:101531. doi:10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101531
American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).Bonding with your newborn: what to know if you don’t feel connected right away.
United States (U.S.) Department of Health and Human Services Office on Womens Health (OASH).Postpartum depression.
Viguera A.Severe postpartum unipolar major depression: Choosing treatment. In: Payne J, Lockwood CJ, eds. UpToDate. UpToDate;2023.
Putnick DL, Sundaram R, Bell EM, Ghassabian A, Goldstein RB, Robinson SL, Vafai Y, Gilman SE, Yeung E.Trajectories of maternal postpartum depressive symptoms.Pediatrics.2020;146 (5):e20200857. doi:10.1542/peds.2020-0857
National Institutes of Health (NIH).Postpartum depression may last for years.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Perinatal depression.
United States Federal Drug and Food Administration (FDA).FDA approves first treatment for postpartum depression.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NIH).Mom’s mental health matters.
Davies W.Understanding the pathophysiology of postpartum psychosis: Challenges and new approaches.World Journal of Psychiatry. 2017;7(2), 77-88. doi:10.5498/wjp.v7.i2.77
Zhao XH, Zhang ZH.Risk factors for postpartum depression: An evidence-based systematic review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.Asian J Psychiatr. 2020;53:102353. doi:10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102353
National Institutes of Health (NIH).Factors that affect depression risk.
Oh W, Muzik M, McGinnis EW, Hamilton L, Menke RA, Rosenblum KL.Comorbid trajectories of postpartum depression and PTSD among mothers with childhood trauma history: Course, predictors, processes and child adjustment.J Affect Disord. 2016;200:133-41. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2016.04.037
988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline.988 suicide & crisis lifeline.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).National helpline.
United States Federal Drug and Food Administration (FDA).Zurzuvae (zuranolone) drug label.
United States Federal Drug and Food Administration (FDA).FDA approves first oral treatment for postpartum depression.
Oyarzabal EA, Seuferling B, Babbar S, Lawton-O’Boyle S, Babbar S.Mind-body techniques in pregnancy and postpartum.Clinical Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2021;64(3):683-703. doi:10.1097/grf.0000000000000641
Ramey-Collier K, Jackson M, Malloy A, McMillan C, Scraders-Pyatt A, Wheeler SM.Doula care: A review of outcomes and impact on birth experience.Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey. 2023;78(2):124-127. doi:10.1097/ogx.0000000000001103
Falconi AM, Bromfield SG, Tang T, et al.Doula care across the maternity care continuum and impact on Maternal Health: Evaluation of Doula programs across three states using propensity score matching.eClinicalMedicine. 2022;50:101531. doi:10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101531
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Perinatal depression.Putnick DL, Sundaram R, Bell EM, Ghassabian A, Goldstein RB, Robinson SL, Vafai Y, Gilman SE, Yeung E.Trajectories of maternal postpartum depressive symptoms.Pediatrics.2020;146 (5):e20200857. doi:10.1542/peds.2020-0857United States (U.S.) Department of Health and Human Services Office on Womens Health (OASH).Postpartum depression.United States (U.S.) Department of Health and Human Services Office on Womens Health (OASH).Postpartum depression.
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