Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSignsCauses and Risk FactorsPPD SymptomsMedicationsTherapiesSupportNext in Postpartum Depression GuideHow Long Does Postpartum Depression Last (And Can You Shorten It)?
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Signs
Causes and Risk Factors
PPD Symptoms
Medications
Therapies
Support
Next in Postpartum Depression Guide
Postpartum depression(PPD) refers to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and anxiety that last for longer than two weeks after giving birth. Postpartum depression can occur at any time in the year following childbirth and usually happens within the first three months. It is a serious mental health condition that affects both your physical and mental health.
Some possible signs of postpartum depression include crying more than normal, angry outbursts, a loss of interest in favorite activities, and changes in sleep and appetite. It is estimated that 1 in 8 peopleexperience postpartum depressionafter giving birth.
Help is available. Talk with your healthcare provider if you are concerned about your mood. This article will provide an overview of postpartum depression, including how it feels and how to recognize it in a loved one. It will also share treatment options and how to get help.
Getting Immediate Help
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Signs Someone May Have Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is a serious condition that interferes with your daily life. People with postpartum depression often experience feelings of:
To recognize postpartum depression in a loved one, look for the following signs:
Link Between Depression and Postpartum Period
The postpartum period is a unique time with serious challenges that can lead to depression. New parents are attempting to heal physically after childbirth while adjusting to a new role and less time for themselves. They are also usually sleep-deprived, which affects hormones and mood.
Known risk factors for postpartum depression include:
PPD After MiscarriageIt is possible to experience postpartum depression after amiscarriage(pregnancy loss). A 2022 study found that 59.1% of people were at an increased risk of depression after a miscarriage, and 48.9% were at a high risk of depression.
PPD After Miscarriage
It is possible to experience postpartum depression after amiscarriage(pregnancy loss). A 2022 study found that 59.1% of people were at an increased risk of depression after a miscarriage, and 48.9% were at a high risk of depression.
How to Tell If You Have PPD Symptoms
It can be challenging to recognize postpartum depression in yourself. You may be doubting yourself and your judgment right now.
It may be helpful to remember that feeling down and weepy for a few days after giving birth is normal. If you have been experiencing symptoms such as crying more than usual for over two weeks, you may have postpartum depression.
It is common to feel embarrassed or ashamed about these feelings. Some new parents fear that if they’re honest about how they’re feeling, people will judge them as a bad parent.
Medications to Treat Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is treatable with therapy and medication. Your healthcare provider may recommend an antidepressant medication to improve your mood. These medications usually take about three to four weeks before you start noticing an improvement.
Antidepressant medications often used to treat postpartum depression include:
Signs Inpatient Treatment Is Needed
Postpartum depression is treatable, and most people who seektreatmentbegin to feel better. It is important to note that some people experience such severe postpartum depression that they need to be hospitalized or admitted to an inpatient treatment program.
Signs that you may require inpatient treatment include:
Mental Health and Complementary Therapies During PPD Treatment
In addition to medication, complementary therapies are also helpful in treating postpartum depression. Once you have been diagnosed with postpartum depression, your healthcare provider will likely recommend meeting with a mental health provider to work on coping strategies and lifestyle changes to start improving your mood.
Look into meeting with a therapist or support group for new parents. Try to focus on self-care and look for social support where you can.
To start feeling better, consider taking some of the following actions:
Postpartum Psychosis Awareness: Signs to Know
Postpartum Depression Support: Where to Look
Postpartum depression can feel very isolating but there is support available. Research shows that the risk of PPD goes down when you discuss your mental health with your healthcare provider during your pregnancy. If you have been experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression for two weeks or more, call your healthcare provider.
A Word From Verywell
—RENITA WHITE, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Summary
Postpartum depression is a serious mental health condition that occurs within the first year after childbirth. Postpartum depression causes feelings of sadness, anger, hopelessness, and anxiety. Signs of postpartum depression include sleeping more or less than usual, crying often, and having angry outbursts.
Fortunately, help is available. Talk with your healthcare provider if you are concerned about your mood. Treatment for postpartum depression includes medication, therapy, and self-care activities. Consider meeting with a therapist or support group.
If you experience any thoughts of harming yourself or your feelings, seek immediate help.
7 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.Office on Women’s Health.Postpartum depression.MedlinePlus.Postpartum depression.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Depression among women.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Postpartum depression.Kukulskienė M, Žemaitienė N.Postnatal depression and post-traumatic stress risk following miscarriage.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(11):6515. doi:10.3390/ijerph19116515Frieder A, Fersh M, Hainline R, Deligiannidis KM.Pharmacotherapy of postpartum depression: Current approaches and novel drug development.CNS Drugs. 2019;33(3):265-282. doi:10.1007/s40263-019-00605-7Moshki M, Kharazmi A, Cheravi K, Beydokhti TB.The prediction of postpartum depression: the role of the PRECEDE model and health locus of control.J Family Med Prim Care. 2015;4(3):454-460. doi:10.4103/2249-4863.161354
7 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.Office on Women’s Health.Postpartum depression.MedlinePlus.Postpartum depression.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Depression among women.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Postpartum depression.Kukulskienė M, Žemaitienė N.Postnatal depression and post-traumatic stress risk following miscarriage.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(11):6515. doi:10.3390/ijerph19116515Frieder A, Fersh M, Hainline R, Deligiannidis KM.Pharmacotherapy of postpartum depression: Current approaches and novel drug development.CNS Drugs. 2019;33(3):265-282. doi:10.1007/s40263-019-00605-7Moshki M, Kharazmi A, Cheravi K, Beydokhti TB.The prediction of postpartum depression: the role of the PRECEDE model and health locus of control.J Family Med Prim Care. 2015;4(3):454-460. doi:10.4103/2249-4863.161354
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.
Office on Women’s Health.Postpartum depression.MedlinePlus.Postpartum depression.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Depression among women.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Postpartum depression.Kukulskienė M, Žemaitienė N.Postnatal depression and post-traumatic stress risk following miscarriage.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(11):6515. doi:10.3390/ijerph19116515Frieder A, Fersh M, Hainline R, Deligiannidis KM.Pharmacotherapy of postpartum depression: Current approaches and novel drug development.CNS Drugs. 2019;33(3):265-282. doi:10.1007/s40263-019-00605-7Moshki M, Kharazmi A, Cheravi K, Beydokhti TB.The prediction of postpartum depression: the role of the PRECEDE model and health locus of control.J Family Med Prim Care. 2015;4(3):454-460. doi:10.4103/2249-4863.161354
Office on Women’s Health.Postpartum depression.
MedlinePlus.Postpartum depression.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Depression among women.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Postpartum depression.
Kukulskienė M, Žemaitienė N.Postnatal depression and post-traumatic stress risk following miscarriage.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(11):6515. doi:10.3390/ijerph19116515
Frieder A, Fersh M, Hainline R, Deligiannidis KM.Pharmacotherapy of postpartum depression: Current approaches and novel drug development.CNS Drugs. 2019;33(3):265-282. doi:10.1007/s40263-019-00605-7
Moshki M, Kharazmi A, Cheravi K, Beydokhti TB.The prediction of postpartum depression: the role of the PRECEDE model and health locus of control.J Family Med Prim Care. 2015;4(3):454-460. doi:10.4103/2249-4863.161354
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