Signs of Postpartum Depression

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Also known as postnatal depression, postpartum depression (PPD) is a type of depression that can occur with having a baby. PPD is much more severe than the mild “baby blues” that many new mothers experience for a few days or a couple of weeks after giving birth to their child. Postpartum depression is a serious medical condition that can interfere with a parent’s ability to care for themself and their baby, and often requires treatment by a doctor.¹²³⁴⁵

Depression after the birth of a child is relatively common and is thought to affect approximately one in every 10 women. However, it may be difficult to recognize. Signs and symptoms of postpartum depression may be subtle and go unnoticed, may be mistaken for other conditions, or maybe hidden out of a fear of being judged or stigmatized for not being a good, happy parent.⁶²³⁵

Postpartum depression can also affect partners of women who have recently given birth, as well as people who have recently adopted a child. It can affect any new parent, including fathers.¹³

Postpartum depression may occur together with many other conditions, e.g. anxiety or another depressive disorder, diabetes, or thyroiditis. The relationship between depression and other conditions is complex.⁷

Good to know: Though it is not classified as postpartum depression, many women may also experience intense emotional distress, depression, and/or anxiety after a miscarriage or abortion.⁸

What are the signs of postpartum depression (PPD)?

A parent with postnatal depression will often start to experience symptoms within the first month of having a child. However, symptoms can develop at any time in the first 12 months, e.g. after four or six months.⁹ Symptoms of depression may also develop during the pregnancy itself, before delivery. Signs of postpartum depression are generally present for more than two weeks.

While they may vary from person to person, as well as differ in form and severity, some of the more common signs and symptoms of postnatal depression, like other types of depression, include:^62341011

It is important to keep in mind that some of the symptoms listed above, e.g. tiredness, disrupted sleep patterns, and low sex drive, are normal after having a baby – and not necessarily indicators of PPD. If any symptoms are troubling you.

A parent with postpartum depression may also experience difficulty bonding with their baby,¹² recurrent thoughts of harming their baby, as well as recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. In severe cases, there may be suicide attempts. If a person shows signs of crisis – obvious indicators that they are strongly affected by depression or at risk of suicide – it is important to call a doctor, emergency services provider, or suicide prevention line without delay.

Good to know: PPD can occur up to a year after giving birth. If symptoms of depression persist or first develop more than 12 months after childbirth, it could be an indication that another type of depression or condition is present, and a licensed medical professional should be consulted to ensure effective treatment is received.¹³¹⁴ Read about different types of depression.

Postpartum depression signs in fathers

It is possible for any new parents, including dads, whether biological or adoptive, to experience postpartum depression. It is thought that as many as one in 10 new fathers may experience the condition.¹⁵¹⁶

Signs of PPD in men are largely the same as those listed above, though there may be a few differences between the sexes. For example, where women may experience sadness and seem withdrawn, their male counterparts may instead experience irritability and aggression. See this resource on signs of depression for more information.¹⁵¹⁶

Many men avoid seeking medical help as they may feel they are failing to fulfill parental responsibilities. However, seeing a doctor is important to manage PPD.¹⁵¹⁶

Risk factors for postpartum depression

The causes of PPD are not fully understood. Some articles in the media suggest that postpartum depression may be caused by hormonal changes after birth, but there is not sufficient evidence to support this idea. The strongest risk factors for developing postpartum depression are thought to include:⁶²³⁴

• A personal or family history of mental health conditions, e.g. depression or bipolar disorder
• Lack of social support, i.e. friends and family
• A poor relationship with one’s partner
• Significant stress or major life events, e.g. death of a loved one or a major move, during or after the pregnancy

Other risk factors may include:

• The pregnancy being unplanned
• Being unemployed
• Not breastfeeding
• A complicated birth
• The baby having health challenges or special needs
• Thyroid problems during pregnancy
• Experiencing other health challenges during or after the pregnancy
• One’s partner being depressed
• Substance abuse

Good to know: Parents who have twins or triplets are thought to be at a higher risk of developing postpartum depression, due to the increased challenges of caring for two or more babies at the same time.¹⁷

Postpartum depression diagnosis and treatment

Postpartum depression, like other types of depression, is considered a treatable condition. For detailed information on depression tests, diagnosis, and treatment options, including psychotherapy and antidepressant medication, see this resource on depressive episodes.

Postpartum psychosis

Also known as postnatal or puerperal psychosis, this is a relatively rare mental health condition that affects approximately 1 in 1000 women after childbirth. Postpartum psychosis is not the same as postpartum depression.

Postpartum psychosis can be extremely serious and is considered to be a psychiatric emergency that typically requires urgent hospital treatment. With appropriate treatment, most women make a full recovery.²¹⁸

Postnatal psychosis typically develops in the first weeks after childbirth. Symptoms include:²¹⁸

• Unusually low mood (depression) or high mood (mania); moods may swing between the two
• Agitation
• Confusion
• Sleep disturbances
• Loss of inhibition
• Paranoia
• Delusions
• Hallucinations, e.g. hearing voices
• Loss of contact with reality

If signs of postnatal psychosis are present, emergency medical care should be sought.

Risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing postpartum psychosis include:²¹⁸

• A personal or family history of postpartum psychosis
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Less commonly, severe depression

Signs of postpartum depression FAQs

Q: Are there any signs of postpartum depression during pregnancy, before birth?
A: Postnatal depression often develops within the first four weeks after giving birth, but symptoms of depression can also develop during the pregnancy itself and continue after birth, or appear any time in the first 12 months after the child is born.⁴¹⁰

Q: Can anger be a sign of postpartum depression?
A: Yes, persistent anger can sometimes be a sign of postnatal depression. See the section on signs of postpartum depression above for more information

Q: What are the signs of postpartum depression in males?
A: As explained above, postpartum depression can also affect partners of women who have recently given birth, and a father may develop similar symptoms and signs of depression in the first few weeks or months after his child is born. The condition can affect any parents, including those who adopt.¹³

Q: How common is postpartum depression?
A: PPD is relatively common, estimated to occur in as many as one in ten new mothers and fathers.^15161920

Q: What are the early warning signs of postpartum depression?
A: While the first signs of PPD differ from person to person, these may include:

• Persistent low mood
• Tiredness
• Loss of interest in activities that used to be enjoyable

Q: Postpartum depression vs. depression – what is the difference?
A: Postpartum depression is a type of depression that can occur in new parents, within 12 months of having a child.²¹

Q: Why does postpartum depression occur?
A: It is not fully understood why some parents develop postpartum depression. However, certain risk factors, including the following, may increase the risk of the condition occurring:⁶²³⁴

• History of depression or other mental health conditions
• Inadequate social support
• High levels of stress

For more information, see the section on risk factors for PPD above.

Q: Can you get postpartum depression after a miscarriage or abortion?
A: Though not classified as having the same condition, many women may experience distress, anxiety, and/or depression after a miscarriage or abortion.⁸

Q: What if my partner, relative, or friend has signs of postpartum depression?
A: It is important to broach the subject very carefully and tactfully, and encourage the person to talk about how they are feeling. Listening without judgment may be helpful, and, if it seems appropriate, the person could be encouraged to speak to their GP or another medical practitioner. In addition, they could be encouraged to take small steps to help themselves, such as taking breaks and eating a balanced diet. It is important to be reassuring and patient with the person at all times.²²

If a person shows signs of crisis – obvious indicators that they are strongly affected by depression or at risk of suicide – it is important to call a doctor, emergency services provider, or suicide prevention line without delay.

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1. Canadian Mental Health Association. “Postpartum Depression.” Accessed June 21, 2018. ↩ ↩ ↩
2. Patient. “Postnatal Depression.” February 23, 2015. Accessed June 20, 2018. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩
3. Patient. “Postnatal Depression.” August 10, 2017. Accessed June 20, 2018. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩
4. National Institute of Mental Health. “Postpartum Depression Facts.” Accessed June 20, 2018. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩
5. American Family Physician. “Depression in Women: Diagnostic and Treatment Considerations.” July, 1999. Accessed June 21, 2018. ↩ ↩
6. Office on Women’s Health. “Postpartum depression.” May 30, 2018. Accessed June 20, 2018. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩
7. UptoDate. “Patient education: Depression in adults (Beyond the Basics).” June 13, 2017. Accessed June 20, 2018. ↩
8. The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders. “Depression and Anxiety Following Early Pregnancy Loss: Recommendations for Primary Care Providers.” January, 2015. Accessed June 20, 2018. ↩ ↩
9. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. “Postpartum Depression.” Accessed October 23, 2018. ↩
10. Royal College of Psychiatrists. “Postnatal Depression.” July, 2015. Accessed June 20, 2018. ↩ ↩
11. Amboss. “Postpartum period.” December 20, 2017. Accessed June 20, 2018. ↩
12. Mayo Clinic. “Postpartum depression.” September 1, 2018. Accessed October 28, 2018. ↩
13. HuffPost. “When Postpartum Depression Doesn’t Go Away.” January 25, 2014. Accessed October 23, 2018. ↩
14. Medical News Today. “How long does postpartum depression last?” July 13, 2015. Accessed October 23, 2018. ↩
15. WebMD. “Men Also Get Postpartum Depression.” May, 2008. Accessed October 23, 2018. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩
16. Journal of the American Medical Association. “Prenatal and Postpartum Depression in Fathers and Its Association With Maternal Depression: A Meta-analysis.” May 19, 2010. Accessed October 23, 2018. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩
17. National Public Radio. “Pssst: Parenting Twins Can Be Depressing.” August 29, 2018. Accessed October 28, 2018. ↩
18. Patient. “Postpartum Psychosis.” August 10, 2017. Accessed June 23, 2018. ↩ ↩ ↩
19. Illinois Department of Public Health. “Facts About Postpartum Depression.” Accessed October 28, 2018. ↩
20. Annals of General Psychiatry. “Prevalence of postpartum depression and interventions utilized for its management.” May 9, 2018. Accessed October 28, 2018. ↩
21. BabyCenter. “Postpartum depression.” November, 2016. Accessed June 20, 2018. ↩
22. Postpartum Support International. “Tips for Postpartum Dads and Partners.” Accessed June 20, 2018. ↩

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**Question & Answer on Signs of ⁣Postpartum Depression**



**What‍ is postpartum depression ⁢(PPD)?**



Postpartum depression is a type of ‌depression ⁢that occurs during or after pregnancy. ​It ​is a serious condition that can⁢ affect⁤ women’s overall health ⁤and interfere⁤ with their ability to care for ⁢themselves and their baby.



**What are the signs and symptoms of PPD?**



The signs and symptoms of PPD can vary from person ⁤to‍ person, and they ⁣can range from mild to severe. Some common symptoms include:



* Persistent sadness or hopelessness

* Difficulty‍ bonding with the baby

* ⁣Loss of interest in activities that⁤ used to be enjoyable

* Excessive crying

* Changes⁢ in appetite or sleep ​patterns

* Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

* Thoughts of self-harm ⁢or harming the baby

* Feeling⁣ overwhelmed or⁤ unable to cope



**When should I seek help for PPD?**



If ⁤you are experiencing any of the signs or symptoms⁤ of PPD,⁤ it is important to seek help as soon as possible. PPD is a treatable condition, but it can become worse ⁤if it‍ is not treated.



**What are‍ the ​treatment options for PPD?**



Treatment for PPD⁢ can include:



* ⁢Psychotherapy

* Medication

* ​Lifestyle changes, such as getting regular exercise and eating ‌a healthy diet

* Support​ from family and friends



**How can I prevent​ PPD?**



There is no sure way to prevent PPD, but there are some things that ⁢may help to reduce your risk, such as:



* Getting regular prenatal care

* Learning‍ about the signs ⁣and symptoms of PPD

* Talking to your healthcare provider about your concerns

* Having a supportive ‌network of family and friends



**If you are pregnant or have​ recently ‍given birth, it is ⁤important to be aware​ of the signs⁤ and symptoms of PPD‌ and to seek⁢ help if you are⁤ experiencing any of them.**