How Long Does Postpartum Depression Last? Baby Blues, Health Conditions And Treatment
Giving birth or adopting a child can incite a range of emotions, from joy and excitement to confusion and anxiety. It’s a time of immense change, which can result in adverse mental health symptoms, such as depression and, in some cases, postpartum depression (PPD).
As new parents, there may be societal pressure to feel happy and excited about the new child. However, some new parents experience the “baby blues” after giving birth. There is a difference between baby blues and PPD. Baby blues include mood swings, anxiety, insomnia, and crying spells that show up two to four days post-delivery and can last up to two weeks. PPD involves depressive symptoms that last for over two weeks after the birth or adoption of a new child.
Both the gestational parent and their partner can develop PPD. Being aware of the signs and symptoms of PPD can help you or a loved one find the appropriate treatment quickly, as this condition can lead to serious health complications.
What is postpartum depression?
American Pregnancy Association statistics show that 70% and 80% of all new gestational parents experience mood changes after giving birth, known as “baby blues.” While similar to the symptoms of baby blues, postpartum depression symptoms are more intense and last longer, causing sadness, anxiety, and tiredness. According to research conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, about 1 in 8 women with a recent live birth reported experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression.Postpartum depression also lasts longer after giving birth or adopting a child, making it increasingly challenging for you to take care of yourself and your new child.
How long does postpartum depression last compared to baby blues
One study in JAMA Psychiatry found that 14% of individuals who recently gave birth meet the criteria for clinical postpartum depression. Often, baby blues last only a few days or up to two weeks. Starting about two to three days after the birth, you might experience symptoms for a few minutes or hours daily. Postpartum depression, on the other hand, lasts for over two weeks. It can last up to a year after the birth or the adoption of a new child and can impact any parent, including fathers, partners of gestational parents, and adoptive or foster parents.
Baby Blues Vs. Postpartum Depression: Mental Health Symptoms And Lasting Effects
Baby blues and postpartum depression, while similar in some ways, are two separate conditions. The first is relatively mild and short-lived, while the second can be much more severe and long-lasting. Their symptoms vary as well.
Symptoms of baby blues include:
- Mood swings
- Sadness
- Crying
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling tired
- Appetite changes
- Difficulty sleeping
Symptoms of postpartum depression include:
- Severe mood swings
- A depressed mood
- Difficulty bonding with your child
- Social withdrawal
- Appetite changes
- Sleeping too much or having insomnia
- Extreme fatigue and a lack of energy
- Lack of or little interest and pleasure in previously enjoyed activities
- Irritability and anger
- Hopelessness or worthlessness
- Believing you’re a failure as a parent
- Extreme difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Restlessness
- Severe anxiety or panic attacks
- Psychosis (in some cases)
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your child
If you’re unsure whether you’re experiencing postpartum depression, comparing your symptoms to the above lists may help. However, speaking to a doctor or therapist may also be beneficial, as postpartum depression can sometimes be dangerous.
Where to find immediate support for postpartum depression
If you’re experiencing postpartum depression and have the urge to harm yourself or your child, please call 988 for immediate support. If you’re looking for peer support, you can also contact the Postpartum Support International HelpLine at 1-800-4773 for resources and guidance.
What is postpartum psychosis?
Depression may not be the only postpartum challenge for new parents. Postpartum psychosis is a severe mental health condition. According to one study, one or two parents in 1000 have postpartum psychosis after birth. Still, it may be helpful for you and your family to recognize the symptoms.
Symptoms of postpartum psychosis include:
- Obsessive thoughts about your new baby
- Confusion or disorientation
- Delusions or hallucinations
- Sleep disturbances
- Increased energy and agitation
- Paranoid thoughts or behaviors
- Attempting to harm yourself or your children
If you’re experiencing postpartum psychosis, it can be essential to seek support immediately. Although it might be scary to ask for help, consider asking a friend or family member to accompany you to the doctor or to see a mental health provider.
Do non-birthing partners also experience postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression can affect the well-being of the entire family. Non-birthing partners can also have mental health conditions related to the birth or adoption of a baby. Men can also experience paternal postpartum depression, which exhibits the same symptoms as PPD.
How stigma and health conditions affect postpartum depression in men
Among heterosexual childbearing couples, the stigma against men seeking mental health care challenges the acknowledgment of PPD and subsequent treatment. Men may be reluctant to seek care for health conditions too. One study in Canada found that about 8 in 10 men may struggle to seek health care until their partner convinces them to be seen.
The stigma against men seeking help can be attributed to feelings of embarrassment or shame about being a father living with depression. A 2022 study of heterosexual couples found that three in 100 families were in a situation where both the mother and father experienced PPD simultaneously.
How to cope with postpartum depression (PPD)
To cope with postpartum depression, begin by taking care of yourself physically through a balanced diet. There is growing evidence that sugar can contribute to exaggerated mood swings. In addition, being in nature and getting fresh air daily can have mental and physical benefits. Some people may also benefit from calming techniques such as breathing exercises, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation.
How journaling can support postpartum mental health and healing
Consider starting a journal. Writing in a journal can allow you to express uncomfortable feelings safely. It can also help you find perspective and develop practical solutions to the daily challenges of caring for yourself and your child. Note that it may take some time for your body to heal, get used to being the parent, and for schedules to settle down.
Support options
Family may be a beneficial support option during the adjustment period of new parenthood. It can be healthy to ask them to help you make a meal, spend time with your other children, or take care of the newborn while you shower or take a brief nap.
How friends and families can support you
Choose friends and family you trust to talk to about your feelings and experiences. Educate them about postpartum psychosis and depression so they can help you if you need them. Allow them to assist you and provide the support you seek during this challenging time.
If you are experiencing a short-lived case of the baby blues, taking care of yourself, getting help from others, and the passing of time may help you feel better. However, if you have any of the following signs of postpartum depression, it might be time to seek mental health support:
- Your symptoms are getting worse over time
- Your depression lasts over two weeks
- Symptoms are keeping you from taking care of your baby
- You’re struggling to complete daily tasks
- You have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
- You have signs of postpartum psychosis
Professional support options
If you’re living with symptoms of postpartum depression, you can receive support from a mental health professional regardless of the severity of your symptoms. Often, receiving early intervention can reduce the risks of severe symptoms. A therapist can use multiple modalities to support you as you cope with this challenge.
How online therapy can help with postpartum depression
If you are busy with being a new parent, reaching out to an in-person therapist may be challenging. In these cases, you can try counseling through an online platform like BetterHelp. With an online platform, you can receive support from home at a time that works for you. In addition, you can send messages to your therapist throughout the week, receiving a response as soon as they’re available.
Studies back up the effectiveness of online therapy for numerous mental disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder. One study found that online therapy could reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in individuals living with PPD.
Takeaway
PPD can last months if you don’t receive treatment. If you have symptoms of PPD, consult a mental health professional to rule out PPD or postpartum psychosis. Consider contacting a therapist online or in your area to get started. You’re not alone; there’s no shame in asking for support.
How long does postpartum depression last?
Postpartum depression can last anywhere from a few days after birthing or adopting a child, to up to a year.
How long does it take to feel normal after having a baby?
This is dependent on the individual, the pregnancy, family history, the presence or absence of mental illness like major depression or other mood disorders, whether substance abuse is an issue, pregnancy complications, and if there has been a previous pregnancy or pregnancies. The occurrence of postpartum depression is likely if you’ve had a history of these conditions; thus, your risk increases. Generally, it can take up to a year for hormones to control themselves after having a baby. Some individuals may stop feeling sad and feel back to their usual selves within the first few weeks after giving birth, while for other parents, it may take longer.
What is the 5 5 5 rule postpartum?
The 5-5-5 rule for postpartum is aimed at helping the body and mind properly rest and heal for the first 15 days after the arrival of a new baby. The first five days should be spent in bed resting as much as possible, then five days on the bed (not just resting), then five days around the bed (beginning to introduce more movement and stimulus).
What are the three stages of postpartum?
Postpartum includes three stages: the acute stage, the subacute stage, and the delayed stage. The acute stage occurs within the first six to 12 hours after childbirth and involves the mother recovering from childbirth and bonding with the baby. Lasting anywhere from six to 12 weeks after giving birth, the subacute stage is when the mother’s body and mind adjust to the physical changes and emotional adjustments of being a parent. The delayed stage lasts up to six months after childbirth and involves the longer-term effects of pregnancy and giving birth, like hormonal fluctuations, health problems, weight changes, trouble sleeping, and mood shifts.
When is the hardest time postpartum?
The most difficult time postpartum varies by individual and pregnancy. Some may consider the first few days or weeks after giving birth to be the most difficult time, while other parents may find the delayed stage hardest.
Is it normal to cry a lot after having a baby?
Yes, it’s normal for emotions of new moms to be closer to the surface and less predictable after having a baby. In fact, up to 80% of new gestational parents experience mood shifts known as “baby blues” in the first year after birth, and around 14% meet the criteria for clinical postpartum depression. Suppose you’re having trouble coping and meeting the demands of day-to-day life after giving birth, such as taking care of yourself, handling instances like your baby withdrawing from other people, a job loss, illness happening around the time of pregnancy, and others. Then, you may consider talk therapy, postpartum support groups, or even family therapy to help you through. Additionally, a depression screening questionnaire can help you and your doctor determine the next steps to help you, as untreated postpartum depression can negatively impact daily functioning. Moreover, untreated postpartum depression can pose an increased risk for you and your baby.
For instance, having postpartum depression may have these effects:
Poor sleep quality
Delays in your baby’s language development
Behavioral problems in your baby
Difficulty handling relationships
It is important to seek treatment and medical attention if you experience any symptoms of depression.
How long is bed rest after pregnancy?
The first six weeks post-pregnancy are considered the most important for getting rest. Typically, though, full bed rest is only recommended for the first five days or so after birth, but it depends on the mother and baby as well as any potential woman’s risk factors that may be present.
How do I plan my postpartum recovery?
It’s important to make a plan with yourself, your partner if applicable, family members, and your OBG/YN or doctor for after your child’s birth or postpartum care. If needed, write the plan out and post it where you and other members of the household can see it. At the very least, plan to spend at least a couple of weeks getting more rest than usual (though six weeks is generally recommended), but give yourself grace if you need more time to adjust and recover. For one, after giving birth, you may expect a drop in the levels of your hormones estrogen and progesterone and other changes in your body as well. During the first week, you may start feeling depressed, more tired than usual, angry, or anxious. Take things day by day; parenting is an adjustment, women’s health is a priority, and the post-partum experience is a bit different for everyone.
What postpartum symptoms should not be ignored?
The CDC lists the following as postpartum red flags:
A headache that won’t go away or gets worse over time
Dizziness or fainting
Changes in your vision
Fever of 100.4°F or higher
Extreme swelling of your hands or face
Thoughts about harming yourself or your baby
Trouble breathing
Chest pain or a fast-beating heart
If you find yourself thinking about self-harm or harming your baby, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
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