Postpartum depression after stillbirth involves profound grief and symptoms of postpartum depression, like sadness, guilt, and anxiety. Therapy, support groups, or medications may help ease these symptoms and help you cope with the loss.

Experiencing a stillbirth brings immense grief, a natural response to such a profound loss. However, some women may also develop postpartum depression (PPD), which goes beyond typical grief.

While grief involves waves of sadness and mourning that evolve over time, PPD can bring persistent symptoms like overwhelming guilt, anxiety, and emotional numbness that interfere with daily life.

Learn more about postpartum depression.

Symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD) after stillbirth may include the following:

  • persistent sadness and hopelessness
  • severe fatigue and low energy
  • sleep disturbances
  • changes in appetite
  • guilt, shame, or self-blame
  • difficulty concentrating and making decisions
  • social withdrawal
  • intense anxiety and panic attacks
  • intrusive thoughts and flashbacks
  • loss of interest in activities
  • irritability and sudden shifts in mood
  • thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Postpartum depression after a stillbirth is distinct because it’s closely tied to grief and loss.

Unlike typical postpartum depression, which often arises from the challenges of caring for a newborn, PPD after stillbirth intensifies feelings of sadness, guilt, and anxiety related to losing a baby.

A 2016 study in Michigan surveyed 609 women, including 377 who experienced a loss and 232 with live births.

Bereaved women were almost four times more likely to show signs of depression and seven times more likely to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared to mothers with live births.

When to seek urgent care for depression

If you’re experiencing thoughts of self-harm, suicide, or harming others, it’s important to seek help immediately. Feeling hopeless, overwhelmed, or unable to cope are signs that you need support.

In a crisis, call or text 988 if available, or contact a trusted healthcare professional, therapist, or crisis hotline. If 988 isn’t available, go to the nearest emergency room. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from family, friends, or healthcare professionals — you don’t have to face this alone.

Treatment for postpartum depression after stillbirth often involves a combination of therapy, peer support, and potentially medication.

  • Psychotherapy: This may include grief counseling to process the loss, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for managing negative thoughts, or interpersonal therapy (IPT) to address social isolation or relationship challenges after the stillbirth.
  • Support groups and peer support: Participating in support groups, whether in person or online, provides an emotional connection with others who have experienced similar losses, helping reduce isolation and offering validation.
  • Partner and family involvement: Couples therapy can help rebuild intimacy and trust, while family involvement ensures practical and emotional support, easing the burden of day-to-day responsibilities.
  • Medication: Antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Finding help if you have postpartum depression after a stillbirth

  • Postpartum Support International (PSI): PSI offers support groups, a helpline, and resources for parents experiencing postpartum depression.
  • The Pregnancy Loss Support (PLS): PLS provides support groups and online forums for those who have experienced pregnancy loss.
  • Stillbirth Foundation: The Stillbirth Foundation offers resources, support, and information for families affected by stillbirth.

Postpartum depression after stillbirth can be influenced by several risk factors:

  • Previous mental health concerns: A history of anxiety or depression may raise the likelihood of developing postpartum depression.
  • Previous losses: Women with prior pregnancy losses may experience intensified grief, increasing their vulnerability.
  • Short inter-pregnancy interval: Conceiving soon after a stillbirth (within 12 months) can create emotional stress and elevate the risk of depression.
  • Social support: A lack of support from family, friends, or partners can lead to feelings of isolation, heightening the chances of developing depressive symptoms.
  • Coping styles: Coping strategies that may not help, such as avoidance, can worsen grief and contribute to the onset of depression.

Experiencing a stillbirth brings deep grief, which needs to be processed in a healthy way to reduce the risk of long-term postpartum depression or depression in future pregnancies.

Key strategies for prevention include:

  • Seek mental health support: Engage in therapy or counseling to manage emotions and anxiety.
  • Join support groups: Connect with others who have experienced stillbirth for shared experiences and coping strategies.
  • Educate yourself: Learn about the emotional effects of stillbirth to prepare for potential challenges in subsequent pregnancies.
  • Prioritize self-care: Incorporate regular exercise, balanced eating, and relaxation techniques to enhance overall well-being.

Stillbirth can have a serious effect on your mental health, increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress, especially in the short term.

Symptoms usually improve within 1 to 2 years, but emotional struggles can persist for some individuals. Many couples try to get pregnant again quickly, with about half conceiving within a year.

However, a new pregnancy may bring additional stress and interfere with the grieving process, often leading to anxiety, depression, and lower attachment to the unborn baby.

A 2018 study of 901 women found that anxiety (22.5%) and depression (19.7%) were more common in those pregnant after stillbirth. After giving birth to a healthy baby, the prevalence of depression and anxiety among these women decreases significantly.

By 6 months postpartum, the levels of depression are similar to those in the reference groups (women with previous live births), and by 18 months postpartum, anxiety levels also align with those groups.

You’ll notice that the language used to share stats and other data points is pretty binary, fluctuating between the use of “male” and “female” or “men” and “women.”

Although we typically avoid language like this, specificity is key when reporting on research participants and clinical findings.

The studies and surveys referenced in this article didn’t report data on, or include, participants who were transgender, nonbinary, gender nonconforming, genderqueer, agender, or genderless.

Postpartum depression after a stillbirth can significantly affect your mental health, often leading to heightened feelings of anxiety and grief.

However, with the right support and resources, you can navigate these challenges and find healing. Remember, recovery is possible — hope and healing can follow even the most difficult experiences.