How to Treat Postpartum Depression

If you think you may be suffering from postpartum depression (PPD), you’re not alone -- it's incredibly common and nothing to feel bad about. This guide will help you recognize, understand, and treat PPD so you can start feeling better ASAP.

Method 1
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Background

  1. In fact, it’s much more common than you may realize—nearly 1 in 7 women experience postpartum depression. [1] Sometimes, PPD is simply just a complication of giving birth. It can be a completely natural part of the process. The good news is that prompt treatment can help you manage your symptoms. [2]
  2. It’s super common for new moms to have some mood swings, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping for the first 2 weeks after giving birth. This temporary emotional time is commonly called the “baby blues” and usually clears up on its own. [3] However, some moms can experience a more severe form of depression called postpartum depression, which doesn’t simply just go away and needs to be treated by a doctor. In really rare cases, a more severe mood disorder called postpartum psychosis can develop after childbirth. [4]
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  3. The symptoms of PPD aren’t just limited to mom. Dads can experience symptoms like fatigue and changes in eating or sleeping that are commonly associated with PPD. In fact, an estimated 4% of fathers experience depression during the first year after their child’s birth. Younger dads or guys with a history of depression are at an increased risk of experiencing depression. It’s normal, but if you’re feeling depressed, you should talk to your doctor about it. [5]
  4. Research seems to show that adoptive parents can feel depression symptoms similar to PPD when they place high expectations on themselves and fail to meet them. It’s also common for adoptive parents to feel like they aren’t getting the same support from friends and family as birth parents would, which can cause feelings of depression. [6]
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Causes

  1. After you give birth, there’s a major shift in the levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone, both of which play a big part in balancing your mood and emotions. While it’s not all hormones that cause or contribute to PPD, they play a big role. [7]
  2. It’s no secret that a new baby is going to make sleeping difficult, which can greatly impact how you feel and how you function mentally. If you’re not getting proper and consistent sleep, you can start to show signs of postpartum depression. [8]
  3. If you’ve got a family member who suffered from PPD, you may be more at risk of developing it as well. Mood disorders like depression or anxiety as well as mental illnesses like bipolar disorder can also make you more likely to develop PPD. There may even be a genetic factor that can make you more susceptible to PPD. The point is, some people are more likely than others, and it may not even be anything that you can control. [9]
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Symptoms

  1. It’s common for women to experience the symptoms of “baby blues” during the second and third weeks after giving birth. Usually, the symptoms include anxiety and irritability that can be accompanied by bouts of crying. [10] You can also feel tired but also restless. While the symptoms can be challenging and difficult, they should start to fade with 3-4 weeks after you give birth. [11]
  2. Postpartum depression can actually include symptoms that are similar to other types of depression such as feelings of sadness or hopelessness, feeling numb, extreme mood swings, anxiety, and rage. [12] However, PPD can also include specific feelings about your baby, such as guilt, shame, or fear. You may also experience uncontrollable crying spells. [13]
  3. PPD can also affect the way you think. You may struggle to concentrate or remember details. You can also have trouble making decisions or feel overwhelmed with everything. These feelings can cause you to doubt your ability to take care of your baby, which can make you feel more worried or stressed out as well. [14]
  4. Your PPD can cause changes in your appetite, such as eating too much or too little. You can have trouble sleeping, or problems with oversleeping. You may also feel super tired all of the time and have headaches and stomach pains. [15]
  5. Debilitating anxiety, recurring panic attacks, and intrusive thoughts about maybe hurting your baby are signs of a much more severe version of PPD called postpartum psychosis. While it’s not uncommon to think negative things about your baby, if you’re worried about your ability to care for them, you should reach out to your doctor or a loved one for help. Just because you have negative thoughts doesn’t mean you’re a failure as a parent. Sometimes, PPD can be difficult to handle on your own. [16]
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Treatment

  1. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, also known as CBT, is a form of therapy that focuses on giving you skills and strategies you can use to help deal with the symptoms of PPD. It can be helpful to talk through your concerns with a mental health professional. [17] Family therapy or counseling works in the same way: you’ll work with a counselor to find better ways of coping with your struggles, which can help you better manage your PPD. [18]
  2. Antidepressants can really help you deal with the symptoms of PPD, so your doctor may recommend one for you if they think you’ll benefit from it. While it is true that any medication you take will enter your breast milk, most antidepressants can be used during breast-feeding without major risks. Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of taking specific antidepressants to find one that works for you. [19]
  3. Postpartum psychosis needs to be treated as soon as possible by your doctor. They may prescribe a combination of medications, such as antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and benzodiazepines, all of which are meant to help you cope with your symptoms. In more serious cases, you may need to be treated with electroconvulsive therapy, which has been shown to help treat the symptoms of psychosis. Work with your doctor to find the best treatment options for you and your baby. [20]
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Prognosis

  1. Good news! With professional help, you can cope with and overcome your symptoms. If you think you’re suffering from PPD, reach out to your doctor or mental health professional for help. You don’t have to deal with it alone and you can beat it. [21]
  2. It’s really important that you reach out for help as soon as you think you may be developing PPD. The sooner you can treat it, the better. [22] Untreated symptoms or symptoms that persist can potentially turn into chronic depression. But even if you develop chronic depression, with proper treatment, you can deal with that, too, and still be an amazing parent to your little ones.
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Method 6
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Additional Info

  1. Women with a history of mood disorders, postpartum depression, or mental illness are more at risk of developing PPD. Additionally, if you’ve got a family history of PPD, you may be at an increased risk. Tell your doctor about it before you even give birth so they can take measures that can prevent or help treat PPD. [23]
  2. Welcoming a new child into the world is always challenging, and it’s totally normal to have difficulties as a couple during your baby’s first year. However, symptoms of PPD can definitely add an additional strain on your relationship. Talk about your feelings with your partner and show support and concern for each other. Remember, PPD is temporary! But, if you’re really struggling, there’s no shame in seeking outside help from a therapist or counselor who can give you tools to keep your relationship healthy. [24]
  3. Learn to recognize the classic symptoms of PPD, and listen to someone whenever they tell you that they think they may be struggling with depression. Encourage anyone who may be suffering from PPD to talk to their doctor about it, even if they feel uncomfortable. The sooner PPD can be treated, the better. You could even offer to make an appointment for them to talk to a health care professional. [25]
  4. Depression can be really tough to handle by yourself, especially if you’re taking care of a new baby. Reach out for help from a medical professional. Take care of yourself, too. Try to get as much sleep as you can (I know, right?) and don’t stress about unimportant tasks. Focus on doing what’s best for you and your baby. [26]
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      Tips

      • Try not to sweat the small stuff. The reality is that your house may be a bit of a mess and your clothes may be a little stained while you’re adapting to your new role as a parent.
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      Warnings

      • If you’re worried that you may be suffering from PPD, reach out for help. Talk to your doctor, therapist, counselor, or a loved one about getting treatment.
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      • Don’t take any medications while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding without first talking to your doctor to make sure they’re safe for you and your baby.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/postpartum-depression/what-is-postpartum-depression
      2. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20376617
      3. ↑ Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP. Clinical Therapist & Adjunct Professor. Expert Interview. 19 August 2020.
      4. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20376617
      5. ↑ https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/postpartum-depression/what-is-postpartum-depression
      6. ↑ https://www.postpartumdepression.org/postpartum-depression/
      7. ↑ https://womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics/postpartum-psychiatric-disorders/#content
      8. ↑ https://www.postpartumdepression.org/postpartum-depression/causes/
      9. ↑ https://www.postpartumdepression.org/postpartum-depression/causes/
      1. ↑ Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP. Clinical Therapist & Adjunct Professor. Expert Interview. 19 August 2020.
      2. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20376617
      3. ↑ Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP. Clinical Therapist & Adjunct Professor. Expert Interview. 19 August 2020.
      4. ↑ https://www.postpartumdepression.org/postpartum-depression/symptoms/
      5. ↑ https://www.postpartumdepression.org/postpartum-depression/symptoms/
      6. ↑ https://www.postpartumdepression.org/postpartum-depression/symptoms/
      7. ↑ https://www.postpartumdepression.org/postpartum-depression/symptoms/
      8. ↑ Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP. Clinical Therapist & Adjunct Professor. Expert Interview. 19 August 2020.
      9. ↑ https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/postpartum-depression
      10. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376623
      11. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376623
      12. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9312-depression-after-the-birth-of-a-child-or-pregnancy-loss/outlook--prognosis
      13. ↑ https://cmha.ca/documents/postpartum-depression
      14. ↑ https://womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics/postpartum-psychiatric-disorders/#content
      15. ↑ https://www.postpartumdepression.org/postpartum-depression/marriage/
      16. ↑ https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/postpartum-depression/what-is-postpartum-depression
      17. ↑ https://www.apa.org/pi/women/resources/reports/postpartum-depression

      About this article

      Article Summary X

      To treat postpartum depression, which might leave you feeling down, withdrawn, guilty, and emotionally exhausted, visit your doctor right away so they can treat you. Take any medication as directed and follow up with a therapist if your doctor refers you to one. Postpartum depression affects lots of new mothers so keep in mind that you’re not alone. You can also join a support group or confide in a trusted friend or family member to help you process your feelings. The first few months after birth can be exhausting, but try to schedule a little time into your lifestyle to do the things you enjoy, such as seeing friends, doing something creative, or going for a quiet walk, since this will help you and your baby in the long term. For more tips, including how to reduce your postpartum depression through sleep and exercise, read on!

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