Postpartum Depression: Symptoms and Treatment Options

Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a type of depression that can affect women after giving birth. It is estimated that 1 in 7 women experience PPD, with symptoms generally lasting 3 to 6 months depending on different factors. 

PPD can begin any time during the first year after giving birth, but symptoms typically arise within the first 4 weeks. The symptoms can vary, but they often include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, guilt, anxiety, irritability, and fatigue. Women with PPD may also experience changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, difficulty bonding with their baby, and thoughts of harming themselves or their baby.

Postpartum depression is not a character flaw or a weakness. If you think you or a loved one might have postpartum depression, continue reading for a breakdown of the different types, risk factors, and symptoms of PPD, as well as the different resources available.

Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression

Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing PPD, including:

• Having a personal or family history of depression, postpartum depression, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

• Limited social support

• Marital or relationship conflict

• Pregnancy complications like health conditions, difficult delivery, or premature birth

• Being a young mother (20 and under) or a single mother

These factors may increase your chance of experiencing PPD, but they’re not a requirement. Many mothers experience extreme feelings of postpartum depression without any of these factors, so it’s important to recognize your symptoms and have compassion for yourself. PPD can feel isolating and defeating but with help, it is possible to overcome. You’re not alone.

Postpartum Disorder Types and Symptoms

When discussing postpartum depression, it’s important to differentiate the three different variations: Baby Blues, Postpartum Depression, and Postpartum Psychosis. While each type is difficult to manage, it’s important to know which most closely relates to your experience or that of a loved one in order to receive the most effective treatment.

“Baby Blues” symptoms

Postpartum blues or “Baby Blues” affect more than 50% of women after delivery. Symptoms can last several days after your baby is born, and they may include: 

• Mood swings

• Anxiety

• Irritability

• Sadness

• Feelings of overwhelm

• Appetite problems

• Insomnia

Baby blues are not an uncommon experience due to a strong fluctuation of hormones post-birth. Many times, baby blues resolve, but should also be monitored, as can serve as a precursor to the development of postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression symptoms

If the symptoms continue for more than a few days and increase in intensity, it’s likely that you are experiencing symptoms of PPD. They usually develop within the first weeks after giving birth, but in some cases, it can take up to a year. These symptoms may include:

• Mood swings

• Persistent crying

• Difficulty bonding or interacting with your baby

• Drifting apart from your friends and family

• Changes in appetite

• Changes in sleep patterns

• Lack of energy, intense tiredness

• Severe anxiety and panic attacks

• Lack of interest in hobbies or activities

• Irritability

• Hopelessness

• Fear of not being a good parent

• Feelings of shame, guilt, or inadequacy

• Not being able to think clearly, concentrate, or make decisions

• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

Postpartum psychosis symptoms

This is a rare condition that affects around 1 in 1,000 people and develops within the first week after giving birth. The symptoms include:

• Feelings of confusion

• Feeling lost or disorientated

• Having obsessive negative thoughts about your baby

• Experiencing hallucinations/delusions

• Insomnia

• Feelings of paranoia

• Attempts to harm yourself or your baby

Postpartum psychosis may lead to life-threatening thoughts or behaviors and requires immediate treatment. Remember that there is no shame in sharing what you are going through and reaching out for help. It might make the difference for you and your baby.

Father’s Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression can also affect fathers, although it is less common than in mothers. Research has shown that up to 10% of new fathers experience postpartum depression, with similar symptoms as the mother. The rates may be even higher in fathers who have a partner with postpartum depression. It is important to recognize that postpartum depression in fathers is a real condition and should not be ignored or dismissed.

Fathers face unique challenges in seeking help for postpartum depression due to stigma, societal expectations, and other factors. It's crucial to create a supportive environment that encourages fathers to seek help when needed and to prioritize their mental health. Even if a father has not mentioned any symptoms, it’s important to keep these challenges for men’s mental health in mind and take the first step in asking how they’re doing.

While this article is directed primarily toward women since PPD is more common for them, all of the treatment options and information are just as applicable to men.

Create an open and compassionate environment, and make sure to emphasize that mental health knows no gender. PPD is very real and can impact fathers just as much as mothers. Checking in on new parents doesn’t just help the parents, but the babies, too.

Does PPD Impact the Baby?

Postpartum depression can have a significant impact on the baby. Children born to parents with untreated postpartum depression may be at risk for a range of negative outcomes, including:

• Attachment difficulties: Postpartum depression can make it difficult for a mother to bond with her baby, which can affect the baby's emotional development and ability to form healthy relationships later in life.

• Delayed development: Children born to mothers with postpartum depression may be at risk for delayed cognitive and motor development. This may be due to a lack of interaction and stimulation from the depressed mother.

• Behavior problems: Children of mothers with postpartum depression may be at higher risk for behavioral problems such as aggression, hyperactivity, and anxiety.

• Physical health problems: Infants may be at an increased risk for physical health problems such as asthma, ear infections, and gastrointestinal problems.

• Emotional problems: Children may be at higher risk for developing emotional problems such as depression, anxiety, and mood disorders later in life.

It's important to note that these outcomes are not inevitable, and many children born to mothers with postpartum depression do not experience any negative effects. However, receiving treatment for postpartum depression can help to reduce the risk of negative outcomes and promote healthy development for both the mother and baby.

How Is Postpartum Depression Treated?

Postpartum depression is a treatable condition, and there are several effective treatments available. The most common treatments for postpartum depression include:

Therapy

Therapy is often the first line of treatment for postpartum depression. It can help mothers to identify and change negative thought patterns, cope with stress, and develop strategies for managing symptoms. Individual therapy is standard, but group therapy and family therapy are also highly recommended for individuals struggling with PPD.

Medication

Antidepressant medications can be an effective treatment for postpartum depression. While many antidepressants are safe to use while breastfeeding, it's important to discuss the risks and benefits of medication with your healthcare provider.

Support groups

Support groups can provide mothers with a safe and supportive environment to share their experiences, learn coping strategies, and connect with other women going through similar struggles.

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes such as exercise, a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep can help to improve mood and reduce symptoms of postpartum depression.

Partner or family involvement

Having a supportive partner or family member can make a big difference in the treatment of postpartum depression. Partners and family members can help with household tasks, provide emotional support, and encourage the mother to seek treatment.

How to Support a Loved One with Postpartum Depression

If you have a loved one who is experiencing postpartum depression, it can be difficult to know how to best support them. Here are some tips on how to be a supportive ally:

• Educate yourself: Learn about postpartum depression and its symptoms, as well as treatment options.

• Offer help: Be specific about what you can do to help. Offer to take care of the baby for a few hours so your loved one can rest or get out of the house. Offer to do household chores or run errands to alleviate some of the stress.

• Listen: Let your loved one know that you are there to listen without judgment. Encourage them to talk about how they are feeling and validate their experiences.

• Be patient: Recovery from postpartum depression takes time. Be patient with your loved one and offer ongoing support throughout the process.

• Encourage them to seek help: Encourage your loved one to seek professional help. Offer to help them find a therapist or support group and offer to accompany them to appointments if they need it.

We’re Here to Help!

If you think you or someone you know might have postpartum depression, our trained therapists have the resources to help.

Consider scheduling an individual or couples therapy appointment at our Raleigh or Wake Forest offices. We even offer virtual couples counseling sessions to make therapy more accessible with your busy schedule. 

We provide a safe space for all couples- dating, married, life-partnered, and more- we are LGBTQI+ allied.