What is Postpartum Depression?
signs, symptoms, and when to seek help
You anxiously awaited the arrival of your baby for nine months. You decorated the nursery, organized the baby's clothes, and took the birthing class. You knew that having a baby would be life-changing and monumental, and anticipated the inevitable hardships. (If you heard, “Sleep while you can” one more time, you were going to lose it.) However, you were unprepared for the emotional crash that came along with your new baby.
Bringing a baby into the world is one of the most transformative and life-changing experiences a person can go through. Many new mothers anticipate the joy and excitement of motherhood, yet it’s common to experience other emotions, ranging from pure bliss to feelings of exhaustion, frustration, or hopelessness. Sometimes, these feelings develop into something deeper and more persistent—making it harder to care for yourself or your baby. That’s where postpartum depression (PPD) comes in.
If you’re struggling with postpartum depression, you’re not alone. In fact, it's estimated that about 1 in 7 women experience postpartum depression, though some studies suggest it may be even more common. Despite how many people it affects, postpartum depression is often misunderstood, dismissed, or even misdiagnosed, making it even harder for mothers to understand what they are going through and seek the help they need.
In this post, we’ll dive into what postpartum depression is, how it’s different from the "baby blues," and most importantly, how to recognize the signs and when it’s time to seek help. Whether you're going through it yourself or know someone who is, understanding postpartum depression can help normalize the experience and reduce the shame that so often surrounds it.
what is postpartum depression?
Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a type of mood disorder that affects women anytime within the first year after childbirth. It is characterized by feelings of extreme sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of energy, often coupled with irritability and difficulty bonding with your baby. Unlike the fleeting emotional ups and downs that come with the transition to parenthood, PPD can last for weeks, months, or even longer if not properly addressed.
While many new mothers feel overwhelmed by the changes that come with having a baby, postpartum depression takes this to a more severe level. It doesn’t just affect your emotional well-being—it can also affect your ability to care for yourself, your baby, and your relationship with your partner. Thankfully, with the right treatment and support, it is entirely possible to recover from postpartum depression and feel like yourself again.
baby blues vs. postpartum depression
It’s important to note that not all new mothers who feel sad or overwhelmed are experiencing postpartum depression. In fact, a majority of new moms experience something called the “baby blues.” But how do you know if what you're feeling is just the baby blues or something more serious like postpartum depression?
the baby blues
The baby blues are common and affect up to 80% of new mothers. These feelings typically show up within the first few days after childbirth and may last for a week or two. The baby blues often involve mood swings, irritability, fatigue, and feelings of being overwhelmed, but they’re usually mild and go away on their own as your body and hormones begin to adjust to life postpartum.
The key difference is that the baby blues don't significantly interfere with your ability to care for yourself or your baby, and they tend to improve after a few days or weeks. While it’s completely normal to feel exhausted and emotional after giving birth, the baby blues are temporary and typically resolve within 1-2 weeks.
postpartum depression
On the other hand, postpartum depression is more intense and pervasive. The symptoms of PPD can interfere with daily life, including your ability to care for your baby, maintain relationships, or even take care of your basic needs. If you’re feeling depressed, hopeless, or disconnected from your baby for longer than two weeks, you may be dealing with postpartum depression rather than the baby blues. It’s important to recognize that PPD is a legitimate mental health condition and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
The signs and symptoms of PPD can vary, but some symptoms of PPD include:
Depressed mood - feeling overwhelmingly sad or hopeless, even if you’re not sure why, or crying for long periods without an obvious reason.
Loss of interest in things that typically bring you joy - a constant sense of emptiness or complete lack of motivation.
Significant weight change or appetite disturbance - losing interest in eating or overeating as a way to cope with emotions, losing too much or gaining weight.
Sleep disturbances - sleeping too much or having trouble sleeping (even when the baby is sleeping).
Fatigue or loss of energy - feeling extremely tired or drained, even after getting some sleep, or difficulty getting out of bed or engaging in daily activities.
Feelings of worthlessness - constantly feeling like you’re not good enough as a mother, having overwhelming guilt about not being able to care for your baby the “right” way, or a sense of failure or being a bad parent, even when you’re doing your best.
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide - thoughts of harming yourself or your baby (even if you don’t act on them). If you experience these thoughts, seek immediate professional help or go to the emergency room.
To distinguish between postpartum depression and baby blues, it is important to understand the severity, timing, and duration of each condition. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to experience every symptom to have postpartum depression. You might have a few symptoms that are particularly intense or persistent.
when to seek help: postpartum anxiety & depression therapy
If you are experiencing feelings of hopelessness or sadness during postpartum that last longer than two weeks and impact your daily functioning, it is imperative to seek help. Support from family, friends, and healthcare professionals will make a significant difference in your postpartum experience. Postpartum depression is treatable, and the sooner you seek support, the quicker you can start to feel better.
Here’s when you should consider seeking therapy for postpartum anxiety and depression:
Symptoms persist for two weeks or more. If you’ve been struggling with sadness, fatigue, or anxiety for more than a couple of weeks, it’s time to talk to a healthcare professional.
Symptoms are affecting your ability to care for yourself or your baby. If you're finding it difficult to do basic things like eat, sleep, or care for your baby because of how you feel, it’s time to seek help.
You’re having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. If you have thoughts of suicide or harming your baby, please seek immediate help. Call your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room.
You don’t feel like yourself anymore. If you feel emotionally disconnected from your baby or like you can’t experience joy anymore, it might be time to talk to a therapist or doctor.
how to seek help
If you think you might be experiencing postpartum depression, here are some first steps to take:
Talk to Your Doctor. If you feel comfortable, reach out to your OB-GYN, midwife, or primary care doctor. They are well-equipped to screen for postpartum depression and can refer you to a mental health professional if needed.
See a mental health professional. A therapist who specializes in postpartum mental health can help you work through your feelings and develop coping strategies. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) are both evidence-based therapies that can be especially helpful for postpartum depression.
Consider Medication. In some cases, your doctor might recommend antidepressant medications. These can be very effective for managing symptoms of postpartum depression, and many are safe for breastfeeding mothers. If you’re unsure, talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks.
Join a Support Group. Connecting with other moms with similar experiences can be incredibly validating and healing. Postpartum support groups—whether online or in person—can help you feel less isolated.
Reach Out to Friends and Family. Let your support network know what you’re going through. Sometimes just talking about how you feel can be a huge relief. Don’t be afraid to ask for help—whether it’s for a night off or just someone to listen.
how to care for yourself during PPD
Taking care of yourself when you're experiencing postpartum depression can feel incredibly difficult, but it’s essential for both your well-being and your ability to care for your baby. Here are some key self-care strategies to consider when you’re navigating postpartum depression:
Acknowledge your feelings. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, sad, or disconnected during this time, but it’s also important to recognize that postpartum depression is an illness, not a reflection of your abilities as a mother. Give yourself permission to feel what you’re feeling, and try not to be too hard on yourself. Reaching out for help—whether to a therapist, partner, or trusted friend—can make a big difference.
Prioritize rest. Sleep deprivation is a common trigger for worsening depression. Try to rest when you can—take naps during the day when the baby sleeps, or ask a partner, friend, or family member to help with nighttime feedings or baby care so you can catch up on sleep. Even a small amount of rest can help improve mood and energy levels.
Get light movement. If you’re feeling physically able, light exercises like a walk with your baby in a stroller or gentle stretching can help lift your mood. Physical activity releases endorphins, which can help improve feelings of well-being. But don’t push yourself too hard—just moving your body a little can help you feel more energized and connected to yourself.
Eat well and stay hydrated. Your body needs good nutrition to recover physically and emotionally. Eating regular, balanced meals and staying hydrated can help stabilize your mood and energy levels. If you’re struggling to make time for meals, consider prepping easy, nutritious snacks or asking someone to help with meal prep.
Create moments of calm. Taking short breaks to calm your mind can be incredibly helpful. Practice deep breathing, mindfulness, or meditation to help reduce stress and anxiety. Even taking 5-10 minutes for yourself can provide relief and help you feel more grounded. You might also consider using soothing techniques like listening to calming music or taking a warm bath.
Practice self-compassion. It’s easy to feel like you should be "perfect" or have it all together, but being kind to yourself is vital. Recognize that motherhood is challenging, and you don’t have to do it all. Celebrate small victories, like getting out of bed, taking a shower, or eating a meal. Remember that taking care of yourself is part of taking care of your baby.
Postpartum depression is a serious condition, but it’s also treatable. If you’re struggling, know that there’s no shame in seeking help. You’re not a bad mom—you’re a mom who deserves to feel good, mentally and emotionally If you or someone you love is experiencing distressing postpartum symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out. Support is available and you deserve to feel safe and supported.
take the first step toward healing today: postpartum anxiety and depression therapy
If you're feeling overwhelmed by postpartum anxiety or depression, you're not alone, and there’s no need to go through this struggle on your own. Sarah Duran Psychotherapy offers a safe, understanding space where you can explore your feelings, gain valuable tools, and find balance again. Whether you're dealing with depression, intrusive thoughts, or feelings of isolation, therapy can guide you through recovery. Follow the steps below to get started:
Explore more about postpartum depression by reading my blogs.
Let’s work together to bring you the support you deserve.
Other Counseling Services at Sarah Duran Psychotherapy
Postpartum Anxiety and Depression counseling is not the only service we offer at our Houston counseling clinic. We understand that families like yours are multifaceted and may have other concerns you would like to address. Other therapy services Sarah Duran Psychotherapy provides include treatment of reproductive trauma (including infertility, pregnancy loss, and birth trauma) and play therapy.
