When parents are first caring for their newborn, they may feel anxious, sad, frustrated, tired, and overwhelmed. These feelings, sometimes known as the "baby blues," usually improve in a few weeks. But if these feelings don't ease up or are very strong, it may mean someone has postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression can make it hard for someone to take care of their baby or themselves. Treatment with medicines and therapy with a mental health provider can help most people with postpartum depression feel like themselves again. Then, they can enjoy having a new baby at home.
Follow your healthcare provider's recommendations for:
- Taking any medicines
- Making an appointment with a mental health provider, such as a psychologist, a psychiatrist, or a counselor
- Going for any testing (for example, blood work) to make sure something else isn't causing any symptoms
Other recommendations:
- You can get online support from Postpartum Support International at postpartum.net. You can also call the organization at 800-944-4773 or text HELP to 800-944-4773 (English) or 971-203-7773 (Spanish).
- There are things you can do to lower your stress and support your overall well-being:
- Try to get enough sleep. Nap when the baby naps.
- Ask a friend or relative to watch your baby for a few hours so you can have some time for yourself to rest, sleep, or do something you enjoy.
- Try meditation or yoga.
- Get some physical activity every day.
- Eat a healthy diet with whole-grain breads and cereals, lean meats like chicken and other good sources of protein, such as fish, eggs, beans, and nuts, and a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Drink plenty of water.
You are thinking about hurting yourself or your baby, or if you hear or see things that aren't there. Get help right away.
You can:
- Go to the nearest emergency room.
- Call or text 988 or go to 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Someone is always available to help, 24/7.
- Contact the National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the U.S., anytime, about any type of crisis.
Never shake your baby — it can cause bleeding in the baby's brain and even death. If you are ever worried that you will hurt your baby, put your baby in the crib or bassinet for a few minutes so you can get help.
What are the symptoms of postpartum depression? Symptoms can include:
- Feeling sad, hopeless, or overwhelmed
- Feeling worried, scared, or panicked
- Blaming yourself unnecessarily
- Crying a lot
- Feeling moody
- Anger
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Eating too much or too little
- Trouble concentrating
- Not wanting to be with friends and family
- Not feeling attached to your baby
- Not wanting to do things that are usually enjoyable
Some people have very serious symptoms, such as:
- Thoughts of hurting the baby or themselves
- Hearing voices, seeing things that are not there, or feeling paranoid (very worried, suspicious, or mistrustful)
What causes postpartum depression? Postpartum depression is caused by a combination of:
- Hormonal changes that happen after a baby is born
- Changes such as the loss of sleep and increased stress that come with taking care of a newborn baby
It's not anyone's fault or a weakness if someone gets postpartum depression. It can affect anyone — but some may be more at risk for developing the condition. People who have had any kind of depression in the past (including postpartum depression) or who have a family history of the illness are more likely to get postpartum depression.
Other conditions that might increase the chance of postpartum depression include serious stress during the pregnancy, medical problems during the pregnancy or after birth, and lack of support at home.
