Postpartum depression (PPD) involves lengthy episodes of low mood, fatigue, and feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness within the first year or so after giving birth. It impacts many new parents, making it harder to feel connected to the new baby. Understanding the symptoms and getting help as soon as they start can make a world of difference.

If you’re experiencing any difficult feelings or symptoms of PPD, know you’re not alone and help is available. You deserve support, and sharing the ways that you’re struggling doesn’t make you a bad parent.

What Is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression is a serious mental health condition that affects about one in eight people in the United States after giving birth.¹ But it doesn’t just affect the person who gave birth. Partners and adoptive parents can also experience it, showing how far-reaching it is.

Sadly, many people feel ashamed to express their feelings, but staying silent makes the struggle harder. Talking about PPD and understanding it is the first step toward healing and making life better for everyone involved.

Postpartum Depression vs. “Baby Blues”

The “baby blues” feel very similar to PPD, with symptoms like mood swings, irritability, insomnia, anxiety, and crying spells. However, these symptoms are milder and more transient, typically fading after a few weeks. PPD can show up anytime in the first year or so after having a baby, and without support or treatment, it can stick around much longer.

It can be tricky to tell the difference between the baby blues and full-blown postpartum depression. If you feel any mental discomfort after giving birth, it could be a good idea to reach out to a mental health professional for support either way.

Signs & Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

Like other forms of depression, PPD can involve episodes of sadness or tearfulness, changes in sleep or appetite, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, or issues with concentration, leading to significant distress and impairment.

Postpartum depression can look different for everyone. You might notice some of these signs, or maybe just a few:²

• Feeling sad, hopeless, or empty most of the time
• Losing interest in things you used to love
• Changes in your appetite or sleep habits
• Feeling overwhelmed, irritable, or even angry
• Struggling to bond with your baby
• Pulling away from friends and family
• Having scary or intrusive thoughts, like fears about hurting yourself or your baby

Signs of Postpartum Psychosis

Some people experience severe mental health symptoms within the first several weeks giving birth, a condition known as postpartum psychosis. Caused by physical and hormonal changes, lack of sleep, and the emotional challenging that come with caring for a new baby, this condition involves extreme confusion, delusions, and hallucinations.

If you experience any of the following, reach out to your doctor or a mental health professional right away:

• Feelings of confusion
• Like you can’t control your body or limbs
• Inability to organize your thoughts or form coherent sentences
• Delusions or hallucinations
• Thoughts of suicide or infanticide

While incredibly rare, if you suspect these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, please seek help immediately.

If you are feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out for immediate support by contacting your local emergency services, visiting your local emergency room, or calling/texting the National Crisis Hotline at 988.

Causes & Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression

While there isn’t one exact cause for postpartum depression, several risk factors can come together to increase the likelihood for new parents, including genetics, hormonal changes, lack of sleep, and having any previous mental health diagnoses.

Potential causes and risk factors for developing PPD include:²

• A genetic predisposition for depression
• A high-risk pregnancy or stressful or traumatic childbirth
• Lack of social support or any issues with your partner
• Not getting enough sleep or movement
• Having a family history of psychiatric disorders

Why Early Diagnosis & Treatment Are So Important for PPD

Identifying postpartum depression early is essential for both the parent and the baby. When left untreated, PPD can interfere with a parent’s ability to care for and bond with their child. It may also increase the risk of developmental challenges in children and long-term mental health issues for the parent.

The good news is that treatment can lead to meaningful recovery. A 2023 study from the CDC found that 75% of people who received care for PPD reported significant improvements in their symptoms within six months.³ Empathetic care can make a huge difference in how you feel, and it’s never too late to reach out.

How Is Postpartum Depression Treated?

Like many types of depression, PPD typically responds well to treatment, usually starting with therapy and social supports. For some, medication or other interventional treatments may become necessary.

Treatments for postpartum depression can include:

• Therapy: Therapies like CBT and interpersonal therapy have been proven to be effective in treating PPD. Beyond just the modality being used, talking to another empathetic, supportive adult while dealing with a new baby can offer a wealth of support.
• Medication: Alongside therapy, moderate to severe symptoms may warrant antidepressant medications, many of which are perfectly safe to take while breastfeeding. A psychiatric provider can work with you to ensure your symptoms are addressed while maintaining proper care for your child.
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): TMS is an incredibly safe procedure (including for those who are breastfeeding) with few side effects. It involves using magnetic waves to stimulate areas of the brain that are underactive due to depression.

Tips for Coping with Postpartum Depression

Your mental health matters just as much as your physical recovery after childbirth. Feeling the pressure to “bounce back” or always be joyful as a new parent is common, but the truth is that healing and adjusting to a new baby will take time and patience.

Here are a few gentle reminders to help protect your well-being after having a baby:

• Check in with yourself: Keep track of your emotions, energy, and stress to recognize when something feels off.
• Lean on people you trust: Talk about how you feel with a partner, friend, or therapist. Sharing can lighten the load, and talking to someone else who has been through a similar experience can remind you that you’re not broken.
• Rest when you can: Sleep might feel impossible some days, but even short breaks or quiet moments can make a difference.
• Let go of perfection: No one has it all figured out, and every parent has days where they struggle to show up best for their child. Learning to take a deep breath and then do your best will go a long way in the long-term health of both you and your child.
• Say yes to help: Whether it’s someone dropping off a meal, folding laundry, or just listening, accepting help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

How Long Does Postpartum Depression Last?

Everyone experiences postpartum depression differently, and each person heals on a different timeline. Some people may have intense symptoms within the first several days of giving birth that taper off over the next few weeks to months. Others may have few symptoms after birth but worsen over the first year or so. For a select few, PPD may last as long as a few years after giving birth.⁴

Thankfully, with proper treatment, most people have a pronounced reduction in symptoms after about six months.³

Start Feeling Better with Northeast Health Services

Northeast Health Services offers holistic care that meets you where you are. Whether you prefer in-person or telehealth services, our network across Massachusetts provides personalized therapy, psychiatric medication management, and alternative treatment options like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your depression treatment, call us today at 508.794.8711 to learn more or schedule an appointment. For existing clients, find your office location to contact them directly.

 

Footnotes:

1. Postpartum Depression. (2025). March of Dimes. https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/postpartum/postpartum-depression
2. Carlson K, Mughal S, Azhar Y, et al. Perinatal Depression. (2025). Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519070/
3. Robbins CL, Ko JY, D’Angelo DV, Salvesen von Essen B, Bish CL, Kroelinger CD, et al. Timing of Postpartum Depressive Symptoms. Prev Chronic Dis 20, 103. https://doi.org/10.5888/pcd20.230107
4. Postpartum depression may last for years. (2020). National Institutes of Health. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/postpartum-depression-may-last-years