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Having a new baby at home can be overwhelming, even when everything goes as planned. Coping with postpartum depression (PPD) can make this transformative time especially challenging. Understanding the difference between regular postpartum changes and PPD is key to getting the support you need.
Read on to learn five facts that can help you understand postpartum depression.
New parents often experience the “baby blues” in the first month after giving birth, feelings of sadness that may last up to two weeks. PPD, on the other hand, lasts for longer than two weeks. It generally shows up in the first four to eight weeks following delivery. However, it can show up earlier or several months later.
PPD is a mood disorder. Unlike the baby blues, PPD does not usually go away on its own without treatment.
Some common symptoms of postpartum depression are:
If you or someone you love has had these symptoms for longer than two weeks, contact your healthcare provider.
Sometimes, people with PPD have thoughts of hurting themselves or their baby. If you are worried about harming yourself or your child, or if you're having suicidal thoughts, please contact emergency services right away.
If you start experiencing symptoms of postpartum psychosis, you should also contact emergency services. Postpartum psychosis symptoms can include:
Dial the following numbers to reach emergency help:
You can also go straight to your closest emergency room.
Understanding that PPD is a medical condition, not a personal failure, can be the first step toward seeking help and finding relief. According to the March of Dimes, PPD is the most common complication women experience after giving birth. Around 15 percent of women develop PPD after having a baby. You can also experience PPD after losing a pregnancy.
People of any gender, both birthing and non-birthing parents, can experience PPD. Around 10 percent of fathers develop PPD, according to a study in the journal Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience. Transgender and nonbinary parents also experience PPD. In fact, LGBTQ+ parents may experience more stressors related to societal stigma and heteronormative health services, which may contribute to PPD.
Many people experience PPD, and there are many resources to help you during this time.
There are many reasons you might develop PPD, but no one particular thing causes PPD. It’s important not to blame yourself for having PPD. You did nothing wrong.
Changing hormone levels after pregnancy might cause PPD for some. During pregnancy, your body produces lots of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. After you give birth, these hormone levels go back to normal, but the drop from the pregnancy levels can be a shock to your body. This hormonal shift can affect how your brain functions, potentially contributing to mood changes and feelings of sadness or anxiety.
Stressful life events, such as learning to care for a new baby, can be significant enough to trigger PPD. Some other risk factors might make you more likely to develop PPD. Having a family member who has had PPD or a family history of depression increases your risk. Having a personal history of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, or bipolar disorder, also increases your risk.
Other risk factors for developing PPD include:
Health professionals, like your OB-GYN or midwife, will likely screen for PPD at your checkups. Because most mothers go in for a checkup between four and six weeks after giving birth, these providers may be able to spot PPD early. Your child’s pediatrician may also ask questions about mental health at your baby’s wellness visits.
You can also ask other providers, like your primary care doctor or a mental health professional, to evaluate you for PPD. Screening is especially important for identifying cases that might otherwise go unnoticed due to stigma or other factors.
To diagnose you with PPD, your provider will give you a short questionnaire with questions about how you feel and your overall mood. They will also take into account your other individual risk factors. Your provider might also test your blood to rule out other physical conditions that could be causing your symptoms.
It’s important to be honest with your provider and let them know how you’re feeling. The sooner you get diagnosed, the sooner you can get treatment and feel better.
The good news is there are many treatment options for PPD.
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a treatment that will help you develop skills to cope with your new situation with a baby at home. In psychotherapy, you will meet with a mental health professional to talk about how you’re feeling.
Different types of therapy help treat PPD. Two possible types of therapy are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy. CBT will help you practice thoughts and behaviors that will help depression or anxiety. Interpersonal therapy focuses on improving your communication with your family and building a stronger support circle.
Talking to other new parents who are also experiencing PPD can help you feel supported during this time. Support groups may include new parents with PPD, those who have recovered from PPD, or family members who are supporting someone with PPD. Sometimes these groups are in person, and sometimes they are online. They allow group members to share their current or past experiences with PPD. Many people find joining a support group helps them feel less alone with PPD. They also pick up tools and strategies that may help with their day-to-day experience.
Postpartum Support International runs dozens of free support group meetings online. They are focused on specific experiences, such as birth trauma or placing a child for adoption. You can also chat with other members of MyDepresssionTeam for virtual support.
Sometimes, treating your PPD may require medication. It’s possible to take medication for PPD and continue to breastfeed. It’s important to discuss your breastfeeding goals with your doctor, so they can steer you towards the safest options. They can discuss the benefits and risks of nursing and medication so you can make informed decisions.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved zuranolone (Zurzuvae), a medication for PPD. It’s a synthetic version of the hormone allopregnanolone, which is made from progesterone. Progesterone levels drop after giving birth, and this short-term treatment often works quickly.
Many medications are FDA-approved for treating depression. While they are not specifically approved for managing PPD, they can effectively treat PPD. These include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, and medications like bupropion.
MyDepressionTeam is the social network for people living with all types of depression, including postpartum depression, and their loved ones. Members come together to ask questions, offer support and advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with PPD.
Did you know about the risk factors for postpartum depression before your baby was born? Do you have any advice for others managing these risks? Share your experience, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.
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