Postpartum Depression: How Long Does it Last?
Takeaway: Many new parents experience postpartum depression. At times, it can feel like things will never get better. However, recovery is possible. While everyone’s experience is different, there are some commonalities to explore in the recovery process.
In this post, we’ll share everything you need to know about how long postpartum depression lasts and give you suggestions for how you can cope.
When you're in the thick of postpartum depression, it can feel like it may never end. On the other hand, you might assume that all moms feel this way, so you might not even realize that you're experiencing postpartum mental health issues.
While there's been more awareness around postpartum depression in recent years, many moms still struggle to get the help they need-and deserve. Learning more about maternal mental health (and resources for support) can help you in your recovery.
The most important thing to remember is that you're not alone. Many women develop postpartum depression and make a full recovery. You can, too.
WHAT IS POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION?
Perinatal depression is more common than many people realize. In fact, research shows that approximately one in seven moms develop it. Understanding what postpartum depression is can help you recognize the signs and get treatment quicker, which might speed up your recovery time.
symptoms of postpartum depression
Postpartum depression can look different from person to person. However, there are many common symptoms. Here are the main ones to look out for.
1/ depressed mood or severe mood swings
As the name suggests, one of the hallmark postpartum depression symptoms is feeling down and depressed. While many moms feel sad or emotional right after giving birth, these feelings often go away in a few days or weeks. This is often known as the "baby blues."
However, symptoms of postpartum depression last longer than the baby blues. They can last weeks or months after giving birth, and they're typically much more intense. Moms may experience mood swings that have them feeling happy or irritable one minute, and totally depressed the next.
2/ excessive crying
Again, shedding a few tears is expected-after all, having a baby is a huge life change! But if you notice yourself crying for days or weeks on end, it might be time to contact your healthcare professional. This could be a sign of postpartum depression.
3/ trouble sleeping
It's not completely out of the ordinary to have changes in sleep right after having your baby. Most new parents don't get a ton of sleep. However, significant changes to your sleep habits (even when baby is sleeping) could be a sign that something deeper is going on.
Difficulty sleeping, or even sleeping too much, can be a symptom of postpartum depression. Understandably, this can come with fatigue and low energy as well.
4/ irritability
Sometimes depression can show up as irritability, anger, or even rage. Sleep problems can also go hand in hand with irritability. Anger can be a protector emotion when we are feeling powerless, trapped, overwhelmed, unsupported, or vulnerable. This is a symptom that isn’t always assessed but is more common than you might think.
5/ changes in appetite
Increased appetite or reduced appetite are other important depressive symptoms to be mindful of.
Of course, your body is going through changes during the postpartum period. Small fluctuations in appetite might not be serious. However, eating significantly more or less than usual can be an indicator of postpartum depression.
6/ withdrawing from loved ones
As a new mom, it's hard to dedicate time to connecting with family and friends. However, withdrawing completely from family and friends might be a sign that you're dealing with postpartum depression.
The thoughts, feelings, and other symptoms of postpartum depression can be highly distressing. You might feel worried that you're a bad mom for having this experience. This can make it difficult to want to be around loved ones.
7/ difficulty bonding with baby
Postpartum depression can make it difficult to connect with your new baby. For many moms, this is confusing, heartbreaking, and totally shame-inducing. You were so excited to meet your little one-why does it feel so hard to connect with them?
For some people, these feelings can get so intense that you might even have distressing thoughts about hurting your baby-or yourself. If you're having these thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling or texting 988. You can also call 911 or use your local emergency number.
what causes postpartum depression?
Experts aren't exactly sure what causes postpartum depression. Most likely, there are many different factors that can play a role. Here are just a few factors that may increase your risk of postpartum depression.
1/ history of serious mental illness
Women who have a history of clinical depression or other mood disorders may be at a higher risk for developing postpartum depression.
In fact, studies suggest that women with a history of depression may be 20 times more likely to develop perinatal depression than women without. This may be especially true if you had postpartum depression after a previous pregnancy.
Family history of mental health conditions also plays a role. If someone in your family has experienced postpartum depression or other mental health problems, you might be at a higher risk.
2/ postpartum & pregnancy complications
When your child's birth doesn't go as planned, you might experience extreme sadness and distress. Depending on the situation, you might even have trauma from giving birth.
Having a traumatic birth experience can be a risk factor for developing postpartum depression. You may also be at a higher risk if you or your baby had complications before, during, or after birth.
3/ lack of social support
Pregnancy and the postpartum period are hard enough. This time can be made even more difficult if you don't have the support of family members and friends to get you through.
This idea is backed by research. Experts have found that women might be at increased risk for postpartum depression when they feel like they lack a support network.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION RECOVERY
Postpartum depression recovery is a journey, and it's different for everyone. However, getting help is essential. Untreated postpartum depression can have serious consequences for you, your baby, and your loved ones. It's best to get the support you deserve as soon as possible.
how long does it take to recover from postpartum depression?
Unfortunately, there's no formula to determine how long postpartum depression will last. However, there are some risk factors that may make it last longer for some women. Empowering yourself with this knowledge can help you take charge of your mental health.
1/ history of mental health issues
Prior history of mental illness can increase a woman's risk of developing postpartum depression. It can also make postpartum depression last longer for some people.
2/ physical health issues
Certain health issues may also impact how long postpartum depression lasts. Some research suggests that on average, women with gestational diabetes report more intense symptoms that last longer than women without.
3/ life stressors during or after pregnancy
Going through significant life changes around your baby's birth might also make postpartum depression last longer. For example, if you move or have job changes during or after pregnancy, the stress from those major life transitions can make symptoms worse.
4/ delaying treatment
Mental health problems don't often resolve on their own. When left untreated, postpartum depression can last beyond the first year, so it's important to get postpartum depression treated as soon as possible. The sooner you get support, the sooner you may be able to recover.
5/ postpartum depression recovery strategies
Again, there is no "one size fits all" approach to treat depression. It's important to find what works for you. However, if you're not sure where to start, consider some of these tips to help you heal.
6/ consult your health care professional
First and foremost, it's best to let your doctor know if you're struggling. Even if you're not sure whether you have baby blues or postpartum depression, it's best to tell your women's health provider about your symptoms.
Your doctor may use the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale to assess your symptoms. From there, they can recommend appropriate treatment to help you manage symptoms.
7/ consider talk therapy
Working with a mental health professional can also help. Postpartum therapy can help you process your experience and find coping skills to relieve symptoms. So many moms feel like they don't have an outlet-therapy can provide that for you.
Postpartum depression comes with so many difficult thoughts and feelings. Without a space to express them, it can be difficult to move forward. Therapists can act as a sounding board to help you understand how you feel and give you a new perspective.
8/ support groups
Many moms enjoy the camaraderie that comes along with support groups. Hearing from other new moms struggling with postpartum depression can be a powerful reminder that you're not alone.
There are tons of different options for finding a group near you. Your local hospital or healthcare provider may offer groups, or at least be able to give you a referral. If not, you can also join an online group through Postpartum Support International (PSI).
9/ courses and podasts
Looking for something a bit more informal? Podcasts can be super helpful. My podcast features expert interviews on all kinds of issues new moms face.
10/ self care strategies
It can be hard to find the time or energy for yourself, even if you don't experience symptoms of postpartum depression. However, caring for your mental health is essential.
Your postpartum journey is unique, and your approach to self care will be, too. Maybe warm, candlelit baths are your thing. Maybe you prefer taking walks in nature, journaling about your feelings, or using a meditation app. Do whatever feels good to you.
It's important to note that self care techniques aren't a replacement for medical care or therapy. Yet, they're still a helpful tool in your recovery toolbox.
GET SUPPORT TO HELP YOU IN YOUR POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION RECOVERY JOURNEY
As a therapist and mom, I know the postpartum struggle all too well. My practice is dedicated to supporting moms like you-like us-as you navigate through this season of life.
Working with a postpartum depression therapist can give you the space you need to make sense of your experience as a new mom. Chances are, you didn't envision spending your first weeks postpartum this way. Together, we can process the grief (and all the other tough feelings) that are coming up.
While we're advocates of getting prompt treatment, we welcome you to reach out no matter where you're at in your postpartum journey. It can be so hard to ask for help, so we're here to offer compassionate, non-judgmental support.
If it sounds like we might be a good fit for each other, I encourage you to reach out. You can schedule a free consultation with me or one of the amazing postpartum therapists in my practice.