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The postpartum period can be an emotional and physical rollercoaster. For many new parents, it’s a time of joy, exhaustion, and adjustment. For some, it may also contribute to mood disorders, adding another layer of difficulty. Postpartum mood disorders are common, affecting parents of all genders. Mothers, fathers, trans and nonbinary birthing parents, and non-birthing parents can all experience postpartum mood disorders.
Sometimes, postpartum mood disorders can overlap. This means someone may have symptoms of more than one disorder at the same time. Postpartum mood disorders can range from mild and temporary to severe and life-threatening. Below, we’ll explore the different types of postpartum mood disorders, including their symptoms and treatments.
The postpartum blues or “baby blues” are the mildest and most common postpartum mood change, affecting up to 85 percent of new mothers, per Johns Hopkins Medicine. They’re a normal response to the dramatic hormonal and life changes after childbirth. Symptoms of baby blues often include:
New mothers and other parents might cry for no reason or feel overwhelmed by the demands of caring for a newborn. This can begin within the first few days postpartum or up to a month after giving birth. Symptoms of baby blues usually go away within a week or two. Tell your health care team if you’re having mood swings or other symptoms that last longer than two weeks.
No medical treatment is needed for the baby blues. Rest, emotional support from loved ones, and time are usually enough to ease the symptoms. However, if these feelings persist beyond two weeks or get worse, it could be a sign of postpartum depression (PPD).
PPD, also called perinatal depression, is a more serious condition that affects about 1 in 7 mothers, according to March of Dimes. Mayo Clinic notes that it can also affect fathers and non-birthing partners. PPD goes beyond the normal adjustments of new parenthood and can interfere with daily life and bonding with the baby.
Symptoms of postpartum depression can include:
In addition to these symptoms, PPD can also result in changes in your everyday behaviors. Behavioral changes of PPD might include:
PPD is more severe and lasts longer than the baby blues. It can develop anytime during the first year after childbirth. It’s thought to result from a combination of hormonal changes, emotional stress, and sleep deprivation. People with a family history of mood disorders or those who’ve been diagnosed with a mood disorder in the past may be more likely to develop PPD.
Treatment for PPD is highly effective. Therapy is aimed at helping address negative thought patterns. This might include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or other types of therapy. Antidepressant medications are often recommended and can be safely used while breastfeeding under a doctor’s guidance. Support from loved ones and peer support groups can also be very helpful during recovery.
Postpartum anxiety (PPA) is less well-known than PPD but nearly as common. The journal Cureus notes that it affects about 10 percent to 15 percent of women after they give birth. While worry is a natural part of new parenthood, PPA causes excessive, uncontrollable anxiety that interferes with daily life.
Symptoms of PPA can include:
PPA is excessive worry that feels uncontrollable or unmanageable. Anxiety or worries can focus on the baby or other parts of life. Many times, PPA occurs alongside postpartum depression.
PPA can be treated with therapy and medications, as well as other interventions like mindfulness or yoga.
Postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a rare but distressing condition. Cedars Sinai, a medical center in Los Angeles, has found that it affects 3 percent to 5 percent of new mothers.
Parents with postpartum OCD may have terrifying thoughts about harming their baby, even though they would never act on them. These intrusive thoughts are deeply upsetting and may be accompanied by compulsive behaviors. Examples of compulsive behaviors include excessive cleaning, checking on the baby repeatedly, or avoiding being alone with the baby.
People with postpartum OCD are not a danger to their baby. The intrusive thoughts stem from fear and anxiety, not intent. However, the intense anxiety and shame associated with these thoughts can make it difficult for parents to seek help.
Exposure and response prevention therapy, a type of CBT, is particularly effective for treating postpartum OCD. Medications such as antidepressants can also help reduce symptoms.
Postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur after a traumatic or complicated birth. It’s estimated to affect about 6 percent of new mothers and can also affect partners who experienced the traumatic birth.
PTSD can result from emergency interventions, feelings of helplessness, or a lack of support during childbirth. Parents may experience flashbacks, nightmares, and avoid anything that reminds them of the traumatic event.
Hypervigilance, or feeling constantly alert, is a common symptom of postpartum PTSD. Parents may feel emotionally numb or detached from their baby. These symptoms can make it difficult to bond and care for the child.
Therapies like trauma-focused CBT or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing are highly effective in treating postpartum PTSD. Support from birth trauma groups can provide validation and connection with others going through postpartum PTSD.
Postpartum psychosis is the most severe postpartum disorder. It’s rare, affecting only about 1 out of 1,000 new mothers. Acute psychosis is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention.
Signs and symptoms of postpartum psychosis include:
During a psychotic episode, a person may have difficulty distinguishing reality from their thoughts and may act erratically. Severe mood swings and confusion are common. This condition usually develops suddenly, within the first two weeks after giving birth. Without treatment, it can lead to self-harm or harm to the baby. With prompt care, recovery is possible.
Postpartum psychosis typically requires hospitalization. Treatment may include antipsychotic medications, mood stabilizers, or antidepressants. Long-term therapy may be necessary for recovery.
It’s important to seek emergency medical help if someone you know:
Dial the following numbers to reach emergency help:
You can also go straight to your nearest emergency room for help.
Postpartum mood disorders can feel overwhelming, but they’re treatable. With the right care, the majority of people recover and go on to enjoy parenthood. Whether through therapy, appropriate medication, or support networks, help is available. Remember, you don’t have to face this alone.
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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