What is postpartum depression?
Having a baby is a huge life change, and the postpartum period can be an overwhelming experience for many women. Postpartum depression (PPD) is more than just the baby blues. It is a mood disorder that can occur after childbirth. Postpartum depression is relatively common, affecting 1 in 8 new mothers. It often starts within the first month after delivery but can occur up to a year after childbirth.
Caring for a new baby can be challenging, and many mothers may feel overwhelmed when bringing their babies home. Some moms may have postpartum depression symptoms but feel guilty or ashamed to seek help. If you can relate, it is not your fault or caused by anything you did. You are not alone in struggling with adjusting to life with a new baby. Understanding the symptoms of postpartum depression allows you to seek help and get the support you need.
Symptoms of postpartum depression
Symptoms of postpartum depression include:
- Changes in sleeping or eating patterns
- Difficulty concentrating, focusing, remembering things or making decisions
- Eating or sleeping more or less than usual
- Feeling irritable, angry, moody or lashing out
- Feeling restless, fidgeting or unable to sit still
- Feeling withdrawn from loved ones
- Feelings of anxiety, despair, sadness or hopelessness
- Feelings of guilt, shame, pessimism or worthlessness
- Frequent crying
- Inability to experience joyful feelings
- Losing interest in things you once enjoyed
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
When to see a doctor
If you are experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression that last more than two weeks, you should talk to your doctor. Also, talk to your doctor if your symptoms prevent you from going about your daily routine.
Seek urgent medical care if you have severe symptoms or thoughts of harming yourself, your baby or others. If your medical provider is not immediately available, call 911 or contact one of the following national resources:
- National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1.833.TLC.MAMA (1.833.852.6262). Dial 711 first if you are hearing impaired
- Postpartum Support International Helpline: Call or text “help” to 1.800.944.4773
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (or 711, then 988 if you are hearing impaired)
How long does postpartum depression last?
Women can experience postpartum depression very differently. For some women, symptoms can last for a few months, but for a small percentage of women, postpartum depression can last for years. Seeking treatment will help you manage symptoms and improve your mental health more effectively than if you wait for symptoms to go away on their own.
What causes postpartum depression?
More research is needed to understand the connection between the rapid hormonal drop after delivery and depression. During pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone levels increase significantly but fall sharply after childbirth, returning to pre-pregnancy levels within three days.
Beyond these hormonal changes, the social and psychological adjustments of having a baby—such as physical changes, sleep deprivation, parenting worries and shifts in relationships—can also heighten the risk of postpartum depression.
Risk factors for postpartum depression
You may be at higher risk for postpartum depression if you:
- Had depression before or during pregnancy
- Have a family history of depression
- Experienced abuse or adversity as a child
- Had a difficult or traumatic birth
- Encountered issues with a previous pregnancy or birth
- Have minimal support from family, friends or partners
- Are experiencing or have experienced domestic violence
- Face relationship issues, financial problems or other significant stressors
- Are under the age of 20
- Find breastfeeding challenging
- Have a premature baby or one with special healthcare needs
- Had an unplanned pregnancy
How is postpartum depression diagnosed?
There is no specific test for diagnosing postpartum depression. Your healthcare provider will assess you during your postpartum visit, typically scheduled two or three weeks after birth, to screen for depression and provide timely support.
They may use a depression screening tool or ask questions to evaluate your symptoms and your baby's well-being. Being open and honest will help them accurately understand your feelings and determine whether they indicate postpartum depression or are part of typical adjustments. Other treatable causes of depression, such as hypothyroidism, may need to be ruled out with blood tests.
Remember, your provider is there to support your health and well-being. You're not alone in this journey, and your provider is committed to walking this path with you. There is no judgment in seeking help, only care and understanding.
Treatments for postpartum depression
Help is out there for new moms, and you do not have to live with postpartum depression. Many treatments are available, and your obstetrician-gynecologist (OBGYN) can refer you to a mental health professional for additional care.
Self-care
There are self-care strategies that can support your recovery:
- Make healthy choices: Incorporate physical activity into your routine, such as taking walks with your baby, and aim for adequate rest. Eat nutritious foods and avoid alcohol.
- Set realistic expectations: Don’t pressure yourself to achieve perfection. Adjust your expectations for household tasks and focus on what you can manage.
- Take time for yourself: Schedule time away from home, whether it’s a hobby, a movie or spending time with friends. Arrange for a partner or sitter to watch the baby if needed.
- Avoid isolation: Share your feelings with your partner, family and friends. Connect with other mothers to understand their experiences and feel less isolated.
- Ask for help: Reach out to those close to you and accept offers of help. Use the opportunity to rest or engage in activities you enjoy. Additionally, seek advice on parenting techniques to improve your baby's sleep and soothe them.
Social support
Having a supportive partner, family members and friends may help reduce your stress and lower your risk of postpartum depression. There are also support groups for women with postpartum depression, their partners and loved ones. Confiding in someone you trust or seeking advice from a loved one or support group may provide comfort, understanding and insight. Loved ones may also offer to help with caring for your baby.
Therapy
Talking with a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health professional can be beneficial. Therapy can help you cope with your feelings, address problems, set realistic goals and handle situations more positively. Family or relationship therapy may also be useful. Common therapies for postpartum depression include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy.
Medication
Your doctor may recommend medications, such as antidepressants. The Food and Drug Administration has also approved two postpartum depression medications, one you can take orally and one given through an IV.
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding, as only certain antidepressants can be taken while breastfeeding.
How to prevent postpartum depression
While postpartum depression cannot be entirely prevented, recognizing warning signs and understanding risk factors can help. Here are some tips to reduce the risk of postpartum depression:
Prioritize physical and mental health
Take good care of yourself during pregnancy and after delivery.
Create a support plan
Discuss and arrange support with your partner and loved ones before the baby arrives.
Monitor symptoms
Keep track of your symptoms, especially if you have risk factors for postpartum depression.
Work with an OBGYN early
Regular prenatal visits allow for physical and mental health discussions. Your OBGYN can assess your risk for postpartum depression and monitor symptoms like those of perinatal depression.
Manage existing health conditions
Follow your OBGYN's guidance on managing chronic conditions and perinatal depression. Take your prescribed medications and seek medical advice if new or worsening symptoms arise.
Virtual postpartum care
Get access to six months of online care and support to help you and your new baby get a healthy start. Our Postpartum Care program connects you with a dedicated nurse care advocate who provides guidance and resources and can help you access lactation consultants, pelvic floor physical therapists, mental health support and more.
Find specialized care for postpartum depression
We help you get care at a location that fits your needs. We offer several locations for your care, including specialized women’s health centers in North and Central Texas.
AccentCare - Fort Worth
3880 Hulen St , Fort Worth, TX, 76107
AccentCare Home Health of Brenham
526 W Main St , Brenham, TX, 77833
AccentCare Home Health of College Station
119 Medical Park Lane Ste C, Huntsville, TX, 77340
AccentCare Home Health of College Station
1605 Rock Prairie Rd Ste 206, College Station, TX, 77845
AccentCare Home Health Of Denton
225 W. Mulberry St. Ste A, Denton, TX, 76201
AccentCare Home Health Of Desoto
911 York Drive Ste 203, DeSoto, TX, 75115
AccentCare Home Health Of Fort Worth (Arlington)
700 Highlander Blvd Ste 205, Arlington, TX, 76015
AccentCare Home Health of Huntsville
122 Medical Park Lane B , Huntsville, TX, 77340
AccentCare Home Health of Marble Falls
1100 Mission Hills Dr Ste 100, Marble Falls, TX, 78654
AccentCare Home Health Of McKinney
6800 Weiskopf Ave Ste 100, McKinney, TX, 75070
AccentCare Home Health Of Taylor (Hutto)
567 Chris Kelley Blvd Ste 201, Hutto, TX, 78634
AccentCare Home Health Of Temple
3809 S General Bruce Dr Ste 105B, Temple, TX, 76502
AccentCare Home Health Of Waco
8300 Central Park Dr Ste A, Waco, TX, 76712
AdventHealth Central Texas
2201 S Clear Creek Rd , Killeen, TX, 76549
Andrews Women's Hospital at Baylor Scott & White - Fort Worth
1400 8th Ave , Fort Worth, TX, 76104
Baylor Scott & White - Hillcrest Infectious Disease Clinic
50 Hillcrest Medical Blvd MOB1, Ste 104, Waco, TX, 76712
Baylor Scott & White - Plano Brain and Spine Center
4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 810, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White - Texas Brain and Spine Institute
900 Scott and White Dr , College Station, TX, 77845
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White - Texas Brain and Spine Institute - Huntsville
122 Medical Park Ln Ste A, Huntsville, TX, 77340
Baylor Scott & White - The Brenham Clinic
600 N Park St , Brenham, TX, 77833
- Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White 65+ Clinic
4716 Alliance Blvd Ste 500, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Cardiac Imaging Specialists
1100 Allied Dr , Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Cardiovascular and Imaging Consultants
4708 Alliance Blvd Ste 450, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Digestive Care
3434 Swiss Ave Ste 200, Dallas, TX, 75204
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart and Lung Disease Center - Fort Worth
1420 8th Ave Ste 103, Fort Worth, TX, 76104
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Anna
450 N Standridge Blvd , Anna, TX, 75409
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Decatur
2401 S FM 51 Ste 200, Decatur, TX, 76234
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Denton
3333 Colorado Blvd , Denton, TX, 76210
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Idabel, OK
4 SE Avenue A , Idabel, OK, 74745
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Keller (Satellite)
3124 N Tarrant Pkwy Ste 204, Keller, TX, 76177
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - McKinney (Satellite)
5236 W University Dr Ste 4450, McKinney, TX, 75071
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Mt Pleasant (Satellite)
1011 N Jefferson Ave , Mt Pleasant, TX, 75455
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Paris
875 S Collegiate Dr , Paris, TX, 75462
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Plano
4716 Dexter Dr Ste 100, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Sherman Sycamore (Satellite)
203 E Sycamore St , Sherman, TX, 75090
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Sulphur Springs
601 Airport Rd Ste 110, Sulphur Springs, TX, 75482
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care – Sherman Highland (Satellite)
300 N Highland Ave , Sherman, TX, 75092
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Irving
2001 N MacArthur Blvd Bldg 1, Ste 360, Irving, TX, 75061
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Abilene
1219 E South 11th St Ste B2, Abilene, TX, 79602
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Amarillo
1901 Medi Park Dr Ste 2051, Amarillo, TX, 79106
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Dallas
3410 Worth St Ste 250, Dallas, TX, 75246
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Longview
906 Judson Rd , Longview, TX, 75601
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Lubbock
3711 22nd St Ste B, Lubbock, TX, 79410
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Midland/Odessa
420 E 6th St Ste 102, Odessa, TX, 79761
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Waxahachie
2360 N Interstate 35E MOB 2, Ste 310, Waxahachie, TX, 75165
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Specialists - Fort Worth
1250 8th Ave Ste 200, Fort Worth, TX, 76104
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Lung Disease Specialists - Dallas
3410 Worth St Ste 250, Dallas, TX, 75246
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center - Fort Worth
1400 8th Ave , Fort Worth, TX, 76104
Baylor Scott & White Ambulatory Endoscopy Center
4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 210, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm