Multiple treatments are available for treating postpartum depression, including medications, talk therapy, or lifestyle modifications. These can make the transition to this new chapter in your life smoother.

One in 8 women report experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression in the first year after delivery. If you feel sad, anxious, overwhelmed, and find it difficult to connect with your baby and or your daily routine feels impossible, you might be having postpartum depression.

Read on to learn more about the treatment and diagnosis of postpartum depression, as well as what support is available to you during this new phase of your life.

It’s natural to feel sad and anxious after giving birth. During pregnancy, the hormones progesterone and estrogen are at the highest levels they would ever be, dropping considerably after delivery. Very quickly after birth, usually in the first 24 hours, the progesterone and estrogen in your body will return to prepregnancy levels.

This is a dramatic shift, similar to how these hormones drop right before your period, but the hormonal and emotional changes after giving birth are far more intense.

According to research, people who experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS) before getting their period could be at higher risk of developing postpartum depression or intense mood changes after childbirth.

Levels of thyroid hormone also drop after birth, which may cause symptoms of depression in some people. Your doctor can rule out or confirm the condition with a blood test.

Due to hormones shifting immediately after delivery, feeling sad or anxious after birth can be a common experience for many new parents, called ‘baby blues’. If you’re having baby blues, you might be experiencing:

However, these feelings don’t usually last long, and they should resolve within a few days or a couple of weeks. You might be having postpartum depression if you’re experiencing the following:

  • anger
  • sadness or hopelessness
  • guilt, shame, or worthlessness
  • eating more or less than usual
  • sleeping more or less than usual
  • unusual crying or sadness
  • loss of interest, joy, or pleasure in things you used to enjoy
  • withdrawing from friends and family
  • possible thoughts of harming the baby or yourself
  • your baby blues symptoms don’t go away after 2 weeks or are very intense
  • symptoms of depression begin within a year of delivery and may last more than 2 weeks
  • you cannot care for yourself or your baby (e.g., eating, sleeping, bathing)

Diagnosis

Don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor or midwife if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms. They could refer you to a mental health professional and offer more advice on any additional treatment you might need.

Postpartum depression can be difficult to navigate, so always try to communicate your needs to your family, partner, friends, or anyone who could support you through this difficult time.

Help is out there

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

  • Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
  • Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

Different treatments are available for postpartum depression. You can work with your family and medical professional to choose what’s best for your specific needs. Some possible treatment options include:

  • Talk therapy: Talking with a mental health care professional can help you understand your feelings and gain more perspective on your specific situation. Multiple types of talk therapy are available, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy.
  • Social support: The support of your loved ones is crucial. Try to make time for self-care and allow your loved ones to support you and the baby. This can involve anything from doing the housework while you’re resting or caring for the baby when you need some rest. Joining a support group can also help you reach out to people in similar situations and can provide comfort in a time of emotional change.
  • Medications: Medications for postpartum depression typically include antidepressants, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors being the first line of treatment. Some antidepressants can also be taken while nursing. Other medications the FDA has approved for postpartum depression include:

At-home changes

Other changes you could make at home to get more comfortable with your new environment can seem small, but could make a huge difference. Try the following tips:

  • Rest as much as possible and try not to feel guilty for giving yourself grace.
  • Allow your loved ones to take over some responsibilities so that you won’t feel overwhelmed.
  • Talk about your feelings with your partner and loved ones, and don’t bottle up your negative emotions. It’s okay to feel sad, scared, and overwhelmed, especially during this new phase of your life.
  • Try to focus on the present moment and not make any major life decisions that could cause additional stress. You deserve to slow down and take it easy while caring for your newborn.

Untreated postpartum depression can increase the risk of symptoms worsening, and it could even lead to suicidal thoughts or harming yourself or the baby. Untreated postpartum depression can also affect the growth and development of the baby, including:

  • bonding difficulties
  • speech development issues
  • behavioral issues
  • crying and agitation
  • risk of shorter height growing up
  • difficulty adjusting to school and other social situations

Reaching out for help is brave, and caring for yourself is just as important as caring for your baby.

Multiple organizations can provide advice on how to navigate this period. Postpartum depression resources include:

  • help phone lines
  • community support groups
  • online forums
  • books and help guides
  • screening tools and quizzes
  • success stories from other women and families

These are some organizations and communities where you can find more information and support for postpartum depression:

  • American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Women’s Health
  • Postpartum depression Organization
  • Postpartum Support International Online Meetings
  • Smart Patients Postpartum Community
  • What to Expect Postpartum Depression Discussion Forum
  • Black Moms Connect
  • Connecting Rainbows
  • Perinatal Support for Latinx Moms

Postpartum depression can be a damaging condition and can affect you and your baby. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help when things get overwhelming. Many resources are available to support you while you navigate this new chapter of your life.