Pregnancy and the postpartum period involve profound emotional, physical and hormonal shifts. While these changes naturally influence how you feel and act, for many, they can lead to more serious mental health conditions such as postpartum depression (PPD) and postpartum anxiety. Identifying these feelings early is important for your emotional wellbeing and the health of your baby.
What is Postpartum Depression?
The "baby blues" are a common and normal experience, affecting about 80% of new mothers. Because symptoms of the baby blues are mild and temporary, they’re not classified as a clinical mood disorder. You may experience crying spells, mood swings, and feeling sad, anxious or overwhelmed.
Postpartum depression and anxiety are different. It’s a clinical condition that lasts longer and is more intense. Symptoms interfere with daily life and may require a combination of medical treatment and emotional support.
How Long Does Postpartum Depression Last?
While the baby blues are common shortly after giving birth, postpartum depression follows a broader timeline. Symptoms typically develop within the first few weeks of delivery. However, they can also begin earlier during pregnancy or surface much later — even up to a year after your baby is born.
Signs & Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is not a reflection of your character or your abilities as a parent, and it’s not your fault. Recognizing the symptoms allows you to get the support you deserve. Signs of postpartum depression commonly include:
- Appetite changes
- Behavioral changes (extreme or sudden)
- Concentration difficulty
- Crying or sadness (persistent)
- Inability to sleep, even when exhausted
- Inability to take care of yourself or your baby
- Irritability
- Loss of pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
- Suicidal thoughts
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
- Worry and anxiety (excessive)
People at Risk for Postpartum Depression
Anyone can experience a postpartum mood disorder, but certain factors increase your vulnerability, including:
- Experiencing domestic violence
- Having previously experienced postpartum mood disorders or another psychiatric illness, such as anxiety
- Having recently experienced high levels of stress
- Lack of support from a partner, family members or friends
- Not getting at least five uninterrupted hours of sleep a night
What is Postpartum Anxiety?
Anxiety is a common issue for pregnant and postpartum patients. It overlaps with depression so often that many mothers experience both at the same time.
In fact, about 20% of individuals diagnosed with postpartum depression also have high levels of anxiety. For some, anxiety is the main mental health symptom.
You may not feel a low mood or sadness but instead experience postpartum anxiety symptoms, like persistent worry, racing thoughts or constantly feeling on edge.
Postpartum anxiety can also be a recurrence of a previous diagnosis, such as generalized anxiety or panic disorder. It may resurface during pregnancy or the weeks following delivery.
Certain risk factors, particularly the lack of sleep that comes with a new baby, can cause symptoms of anxiety to return. Many women experience a sudden shift in their mood and increased feelings of anxiousness that lead to a difficult cycle of sleeplessness and feeling overwhelmed.
Additional risk factors for postpartum anxiety include:
- Employment transition: Being away from work where social support is often found
- Financial concerns
- Interpersonal violence
- Lack of social support
- Partnership status: Being single
- Previous difficult personal experiences
- Unplanned status: Particularly during pregnancy
How Long Can Postpartum Anxiety Last?
Symptoms of postpartum anxiety usually start close to, or after, birth and last up to a year. Without professional treatment, symptoms can last longer.
What is the Difference Between Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Anxiety?
Rather than viewing postpartum depression and anxiety as separate conditions, it’s helpful to see them as part of the same spectrum. They share similar symptoms, and the approach to recovery for both is similar.
Do Postpartum Mood and/or Anxiety Disorders Affect My Baby?
Yes, postpartum mood and anxiety disorders are serious illnesses that require treatment to prevent possible long-term impacts for both you and your baby.
When a mother struggles with depression and/or anxiety, she may find it difficult to engage with her baby beyond providing basic needs like food and shelter. Infants are highly sensitive to their mother’s emotional state, and untreated mood and anxiety disorders can disrupt the bonding process.
This disconnect can put babies at a higher risk for:
- Developmental delays
- Future mental health disorders
- Missed milestones, as mothers may only respond to distress (crying) rather than positive cues (smiling)
- Relationship challenges later in life
- Trouble expressing emotions in the future
Postpartum Depression and/or Anxiety Disorder Treatment
Postpartum depression and anxiety respond to similar therapeutic approaches, including:
- Community: Finding support through other mothers or dedicated support groups is one of the most effective ways to feel less alone. Talk to your doctor about ways to connect with groups either live or virtually.
- Medication: Most medications used for PPD are effective for postpartum anxiety as well apart from bupropion (brand name Wellbutrin).
- Physical connection: Cuddling your baby releases oxytocin, a natural hormone that helps lower stress and strengthen your bond.
- Quality sleep: Sleep is hard to come by as a new part but necessary for your wellbeing. If possible, have a partner or support person take overnight duties occasionally. This can significantly improve your mental health.
- Talk to your provider: Your doctor can quickly assess your symptoms and create a supportive treatment plan for you.
Partners Can Experience Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders Too
A report in the Journal of the American Medical Association found 10% of men or non-birthing parents show signs of postpartum depression, too. This can happen from the first trimester of their partner's pregnancy through six months after the baby is born. Men or non-birthing parents may feel detached from caregiving, helpless, irritable or overwhelmed by the new family dynamic. Feelings of grief and anxiety over the loss of the old relationship with their partner may be present as well. Treating a new father/non-birthing parent for postpartum depression or anxiety is important for the overall health of a family.
When to Get Help for Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders
If you’re struggling with postpartum depression and/or anxiety, make an appointment with your provider. Talking about it with a healthcare professional helps. Your doctor can create a treatment plan for you to move forward and start feeling more like yourself again.
Please note the onset of some postpartum mental health conditions are a medical emergency. Thoughts of self-harm or harming your baby need attention immediately. If you’re having hallucinations, are confused, paranoid or feel like you’re losing touch with reality, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 right away. These are signs of a serious condition called postpartum psychosis.
Remember, the symptoms of postpartum mood and anxiety disorders aren’t a reflection of your character. Knowing what to look for helps keep you and your baby safe.