How long can postpartum depression last?

If you’re a parent (or about to be) you’ve probably heard of postpartum depression and the baby blues. While both of these terms refer to the changes in mood and motivation that can happen after having a baby, they’re not completely interchangeable. Unlike the “baby blues,” which tend to subside in a few weeks, postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious clinical mental health condition. PPD can make it difficult for new parents to care for themselves and their babies. 

Left untreated, PPD can pose safety risks for parents and children. It can also impact your well-being in a variety of ways. So if you or a loved one is experiencing postpartum depression, you may wonder how long you can expect it to last. While this depends on many factors, research shows that early detection and intervention can lead to quicker relief. 

By learning more about some common symptoms and underlying causes of PPD, you’ll be able to spot the signs as soon as they occur and help yourself or a loved one access treatment without delay.

How long postpartum depression lasts

As is the case with other types of mental health challenges, the typical duration of PPD depends on many factors. And each person who develops it will have their own unique experience of the condition. That said, one recent study found that there are four main ways new parents might experience PPD:

• Most new parents (about 75%) who have PPD experience low-level symptoms for the first four months after giving birth.
• Other new parents (about 8%) experience low-level symptoms at four months after giving birth that increase over time. 
• Another group of new parents (about 13%) experience moderate symptoms that decrease over time. 
• Lastly, the smallest group of new parents (about 5%) experience severe depressive symptoms that persist even years after giving birth.

The study also found that parents who had been previously diagnosed with a mood disorder or gestational diabetes were at the highest risk for experiencing the most severe symptoms after giving birth. But no matter how long your symptoms last or how severe they are, one of the most effective ways to find relief from PPD is to seek treatment as soon as you notice that something isn’t right. 

Left untreated, PPD can negatively impact your physical and mental health and your ability to be the parent you want to be. It can also increase your baby’s risk of experiencing behavioral problems or developmental delays later in life. Remember that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, and it doesn’t mean you aren’t a good parent. Getting support for PPD can help you manage your symptoms and help keep you and your baby safe.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression

The postpartum period can be a time of both joy and stress as you adjust to life with a new baby. Between 50% and 75% of new parents experience the “baby blues” during this time. They may cry frequently without reason and feel overly sad or anxious. Most of the time, these symptoms will resolve within two weeks of delivery as the new parent’s hormone levels readjust.

If your mood shifts don’t go away and you’re experiencing other common symptoms, it could be a sign that you have PPD. If so, you should consider reaching out to your doctor or therapist for support. These symptoms include:

• Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and low mood that don’t get better over time
• A loss of interest in the activities you used to enjoy
• Isolating yourself and preferring to spend time alone
• Fatigue 
• Sleep difficulties 
• Loss of appetite or eating too much
• Having trouble taking care of yourself or your baby
• Trouble with focus, concentration, and making decisions
• Experiencing scary, unwanted thoughts of harming yourself or your baby*

*If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts or thoughts about harming themself or others, please call 911, contact a local crisis line, or head to the emergency room immediately. This will ensure that the person in crisis receives support right away.

Causes of postpartum depression

While there isn’t a single universal cause of PPD, researchers have identified some underlying factors that may contribute to the onset of the condition, including:

• Shifting hormone levels during and after pregnancy and delivery
• Having an existing mood disorder or other mental health condition
• Not getting enough sleep
• Experiencing a difficult delivery or health complications due to pregnancy or delivery
• Feeling intense worry about parenting
• Navigating changes to your relationship with your co-parent(s) or partner(s)
• Not having enough emotional or practical support during the postpartum period 

What to do if you’re experiencing postpartum depression

If you’re living with postpartum depression, know that you’re not alone. This condition affects approximately one in seven parents after giving birth, so try to be patient with yourself as you navigate this challenging experience. There is effective treatment for PPD, and many people find relief through a combination of therapy and medication, in addition to the lifestyle recommendations listed below.

• Stay connected. While PPD can make you feel like isolating, reach out and ask for help from people you trust. 
• Talk about your experience. Open up, and talk about what you’re going through with someone who understands. This could be a friend, family member, another new parent, or a therapist.
• Take care of your body. While the postpartum period can feel like a whirlwind, do your best to keep yourself physically healthy. Rest when you can, eat nutritious food, and gently move your body in a way that feels good.
• Go easy on yourself. If you’re tempted to compare yourself to others, remember that there’s no such thing as a perfect parent. Unlike the highlight reel you might see on social media, every new parent has their struggles.
• Practice self-care. You might not have as much time for yourself right now, but see if you can carve out some time for self-care. If possible, set up time to have someone else watch the baby so you can do something that you enjoy. 

Find a therapist with Rula

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health, especially when you’re caring for a new baby. But if you’re living with postpartum depression, know that you are not alone and help is available.  

At Rula, we can connect you with a therapist who accepts your insurance so you can get the support you need. Remember, asking for help is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby. With Rula’s easy-to-use therapist-matching program, you can find the right provider for your needs in less than 30 seconds and begin treatment as soon as tomorrow. And, our teletherapy platform means you can be seen from the comfort of your own home. 

Find a therapist with Rula

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