What to Know About Postpartum Depression (PPD)

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Table of Contents

Symptoms

Diagnosis

Treatment

Causes

Prognosis

Coping

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It’s important for new mothers and family members to be on the lookout for signs of postpartum depression. It’s treatable and early intervention can be key to helping mothers feel better as quickly as possible.

It’s completely normal for new moms to feel tired, moody, or overwhelmed after giving birth. But when these symptoms interfere with a new mother’s ability to function and care for their new child, it can be a sign of postpartum depression.

Symptoms of PPD vary from person to person. And they may fluctuate on a daily basis. In general, here are some symptoms that mothers with this condition experience:

Symptoms typically appear within a few weeks of giving birth, but they may not surface until months later. They sometimes temporarily subside and then resurface.

If you or a loved one are struggling with postpartum depression, contactPostpartum Support Internationalat1-800-944-4773for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you or a loved one are struggling with postpartum depression, contactPostpartum Support Internationalat1-800-944-4773for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

Postpartum Anxiety Symptoms

A physician or mental health professional can diagnose PPD. This diagnosis would be made after an interview and assessment.

Many physicians routinely ask new mothers questions about whether they’ve had thoughts of hurting themselves or their babies and whether they’re feeling down. This is part of the screening process for postpartum depression.

Physicians may run some tests to rule out any health issues that may be contributing to symptoms. Thyroid conditions, for example, can cause depression.

Once physical health issues have been ruled out, a diagnosis of postpartum depression might be made if the criteria are met.

Treatment for PPD may include medication, therapy, or a combination of both. As of August 4, 2023, the Food and Drug Administration approved Zuranolone as the first oral treatment for postpartum depression. Zuranolone is a once-a-day medication for postpartum depression taken over two weeks.

Antidepressantsare also commonly prescribed to treat it. These regulate the chemicals in the brain that manage emotions. But it can take a few weeks for them to take effect. And sometimes the first antidepressant doesn’t work, so a new medication may be tried.

Some antidepressants are safe to take if you’re breastfeeding, but others are not. Your physician will discuss treatment options with you as well as any side effects you might experience.

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Postpartum depression affects up to 15% of mothers. While all the reasons some mothers develop postpartumdepressionand others don’t aren’t completely known, recent research has identified several risk factors.

Psychosocial risk factors for postpartum depression include:

Normal fluctuations in hormonal levels during pregnancy and after delivery can lead tochanges in sleep patterns. And these interruptions in sleep can contribute to the onset of postpartum depression.

One study found that difficulty falling asleep during the first three months after delivery can be a risk factor.

It’s important to seek treatment forpostpartum depression. Without treatment, symptoms can worsen.

In addition to experiencing emotional pain, women with postpartum depression are at a greater risk of suicide. In extreme cases, women with the condition have hurt or even killed their babies.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

There’s also a greater risk that mothers with postpartum depression may struggle to form healthy attachments with their babies. This can have longer-term consequences on children and families. And it can also affect a couple’s relationship as well.

Some people may find that symptoms resolve on their own. Others may have their symptoms cleared with medication, therapy, or a combination of the two. Most mothers feel better after about six months of treatment.

What to Know About Postpartum Depression (PPD)

Reaching out to others for help can be tough, but it is very important when you’re dealing with postpartum depression.

Many new mothers feel too embarrassed or guilty to tell anyone that they’re struggling. But postpartum depression can happen to anyone after childbirth. So it’s important to remember that it’s not a sign of weakness and it doesn’t serve as evidence that you’re a bad parent.

Some people might say, “Let me know if you need anything,” but they may not know how to help. So request that they assist you with household chores or errands if these things seem overwhelming. Or simply let someone know that you need to talk.

But eating a well-balanced diet, getting a little exercise (once your doctor says it’s OK), and getting adequate rest can help you feel better.

It can also help to join a support group for new mothers. You’ll likely find that many of them are experiencing (or have experienced) PPD as well.

Postpartum Psychosis Can Be Fatal If Left Untreated—Here’s What to Know

A Word From Verywell

If you think you may be experiencing postpartum depression, talk to your physician right away. Share your symptoms, and talk about your concerns—even though it may be tough to do so. Your physician can assist you in getting thetreatment you need to feel your best.

If you are concerned that a loved one may be experiencing postpartum depression, ask them how they are doing. Offer practical assistance or emotional support if you’re able to do so.

7 SourcesVerywell Mind 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.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.FDA Approves First Oral Treatment for Postpartum Depression.Robertson E, Grace S, Wallington T, Stewart DE.Antenatal risk factors for postpartum depression: a synthesis of recent literature. General Hospital Psychiatry. 2004;26(4):289-295. doi:10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2004.02.006Goyal D, Gay CL, Lee KA.Patterns of Sleep Disruption and Depressive Symptoms in New Mothers. The Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing. 2007;21(2):123-129. doi:10.1097/01.jpn.0000270629.58746.96Lindahl V, Pearson JL, Colpe L.Prevalence of suicidality during pregnancy and the postpartum. Archives of Women’s Mental Health. 2005;8(2):77-87. doi:10.1007/s00737-005-0080-1Mclearn KT, Minkovitz CS, Strobino DM, Marks E, Hou W.Maternal Depressive Symptoms at 2 to 4 Months Post Partum and Early Parenting Practices. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. 2006;160(3):279. doi:10.1001/archpedi.160.3.279Paulson JF, Dauber S, Leiferman JA.Individual and Combined Effects of Postpartum Depression in Mothers and Fathers on Parenting Behavior. Pediatrics. 2006;118(2):659-668. doi:10.1542/peds.2005-2948Meltzer-Brody S, Stuebe A.The long-term psychiatric and medical prognosis of perinatal mental illness. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2014;28(1):49‐60. doi:10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2013.08.009

7 Sources

Verywell Mind 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.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.FDA Approves First Oral Treatment for Postpartum Depression.Robertson E, Grace S, Wallington T, Stewart DE.Antenatal risk factors for postpartum depression: a synthesis of recent literature. General Hospital Psychiatry. 2004;26(4):289-295. doi:10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2004.02.006Goyal D, Gay CL, Lee KA.Patterns of Sleep Disruption and Depressive Symptoms in New Mothers. The Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing. 2007;21(2):123-129. doi:10.1097/01.jpn.0000270629.58746.96Lindahl V, Pearson JL, Colpe L.Prevalence of suicidality during pregnancy and the postpartum. Archives of Women’s Mental Health. 2005;8(2):77-87. doi:10.1007/s00737-005-0080-1Mclearn KT, Minkovitz CS, Strobino DM, Marks E, Hou W.Maternal Depressive Symptoms at 2 to 4 Months Post Partum and Early Parenting Practices. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. 2006;160(3):279. doi:10.1001/archpedi.160.3.279Paulson JF, Dauber S, Leiferman JA.Individual and Combined Effects of Postpartum Depression in Mothers and Fathers on Parenting Behavior. Pediatrics. 2006;118(2):659-668. doi:10.1542/peds.2005-2948Meltzer-Brody S, Stuebe A.The long-term psychiatric and medical prognosis of perinatal mental illness. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2014;28(1):49‐60. doi:10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2013.08.009

Verywell Mind 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.

U.S. Food & Drug Administration.FDA Approves First Oral Treatment for Postpartum Depression.Robertson E, Grace S, Wallington T, Stewart DE.Antenatal risk factors for postpartum depression: a synthesis of recent literature. General Hospital Psychiatry. 2004;26(4):289-295. doi:10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2004.02.006Goyal D, Gay CL, Lee KA.Patterns of Sleep Disruption and Depressive Symptoms in New Mothers. The Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing. 2007;21(2):123-129. doi:10.1097/01.jpn.0000270629.58746.96Lindahl V, Pearson JL, Colpe L.Prevalence of suicidality during pregnancy and the postpartum. Archives of Women’s Mental Health. 2005;8(2):77-87. doi:10.1007/s00737-005-0080-1Mclearn KT, Minkovitz CS, Strobino DM, Marks E, Hou W.Maternal Depressive Symptoms at 2 to 4 Months Post Partum and Early Parenting Practices. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. 2006;160(3):279. doi:10.1001/archpedi.160.3.279Paulson JF, Dauber S, Leiferman JA.Individual and Combined Effects of Postpartum Depression in Mothers and Fathers on Parenting Behavior. Pediatrics. 2006;118(2):659-668. doi:10.1542/peds.2005-2948Meltzer-Brody S, Stuebe A.The long-term psychiatric and medical prognosis of perinatal mental illness. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2014;28(1):49‐60. doi:10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2013.08.009

U.S. Food & Drug Administration.FDA Approves First Oral Treatment for Postpartum Depression.

Robertson E, Grace S, Wallington T, Stewart DE.Antenatal risk factors for postpartum depression: a synthesis of recent literature. General Hospital Psychiatry. 2004;26(4):289-295. doi:10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2004.02.006

Goyal D, Gay CL, Lee KA.Patterns of Sleep Disruption and Depressive Symptoms in New Mothers. The Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing. 2007;21(2):123-129. doi:10.1097/01.jpn.0000270629.58746.96

Lindahl V, Pearson JL, Colpe L.Prevalence of suicidality during pregnancy and the postpartum. Archives of Women’s Mental Health. 2005;8(2):77-87. doi:10.1007/s00737-005-0080-1

Mclearn KT, Minkovitz CS, Strobino DM, Marks E, Hou W.Maternal Depressive Symptoms at 2 to 4 Months Post Partum and Early Parenting Practices. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. 2006;160(3):279. doi:10.1001/archpedi.160.3.279

Paulson JF, Dauber S, Leiferman JA.Individual and Combined Effects of Postpartum Depression in Mothers and Fathers on Parenting Behavior. Pediatrics. 2006;118(2):659-668. doi:10.1542/peds.2005-2948

Meltzer-Brody S, Stuebe A.The long-term psychiatric and medical prognosis of perinatal mental illness. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2014;28(1):49‐60. doi:10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2013.08.009

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