More Than The “Baby Blues”: Postpartum Depression (PPD)

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. 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. 

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 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

• 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 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. 

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.

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.  

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.

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. 

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.