How Long Does Postpartum Depression Last (And Can You Shorten It)?
Medically reviewed by Aleesha Grier, PsyD
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a type of major depressive disorder (MDD) (clinical depression) that occurs after childbirth. Giving birth causes your body to go through major hormonal adjustments. The sharp drop in estrogen after childbirth can impact mood regulation. In addition, the lifestyle changes and upheaval that come after delivery can lead to anger, stress, fatigue, and anxiety.
PPD can cause intense sadness, worthlessness, guilt, or inadequacy. Some feelings of sadness or “baby blues” are normal and common and resolve within a week or two after childbirth without treatment. PPD symptoms are more severe than baby blues and last longer than two weeks.
This article reviews how long postpartum depression lasts, what might cause it to last longer for you, PPD risk factors, how it affects daily life, when to call a healthcare provider, and relief from PPD.
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How Long Does Postpartum Depression Last?
For some, PPD can be a short episode that lasts a few weeks. It can last months or years for others, especially when left untreated. This is known as persistent or chronic PPD. In one study, about 5% of females with postpartum depression still had symptoms three years after giving birth.
PPD Symptoms
PPD symptoms may include:
Feelings of sadness, guilt, worthlessness, emptiness, or inadequacy
Intense anger, irritability, or frustration
Crying for extended periods
Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
Withdrawing from friends and family
Loss of interest or pleasure in doing things you once enjoyed
Sleep disturbances and extreme fatigue (outside of what’s typical for new parents)
Appetite or weight changes
Difficulty bonding with the baby
Breastfeeding problems
Why Might PPD Last Longer For You?
The duration and severity of PPD varies from person to person. Several factors can make it last longer, including medical history, life stressors, the severity of the symptoms, getting the correct treatment, and more.
Some of the most common reasons people have persistent PPD symptoms include:
A history of a mental health condition (specifically affective or mood disorders)
Having gestational diabetes (diabetes that occurs during pregnancy)
Having a baby at a younger age
Other factors that could cause PPD to linger include:
Lack or delay of medical treatment
The wrong type of treatment
Lack of social support
Unresolved trauma
Chronic stressors
Coexisting health conditions
Personality traits
Lack of coping mechanisms
When Does Postpartum Depression Start?
PPD typically occurs in the first four weeks after childbirth. For some, it begins as early as 24-48 hours after delivery, but it can start anytime in the first year after having a baby.
What Can Increase the Risk of Postpartum Depression?
While anyone can get PPD, regardless of their risk profile, having a history of a mental health condition, abuse, trauma, sleep deprivation, or high stress increases the risk. While this is not an exhaustive list, the following are examples of factors that increase the risk of PPD:
Mental health history: A personal or family history of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or bipolar disorder.
Abuse: Including adverse childhood events or current abuse, neglect, or trauma.
Stressful life events: This might involve relationship or financial problems, caring for multiple children or an infant with special needs, or losing a loved one.
Pregnancy complications: Examples include gestational diabetes, cesarean section (c-section), preterm birth, birth trauma, or pre-eclampsia.
Personality traits: Those who already cope with excessive worry, perfectionism, or a negative self-image may be more susceptible.
Cultural or societal factors: Cultural or social expectations can impact how someone copes with the challenges of new parenthood and the level of support they receive.
Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding can be physically uncomfortable and can lead to hormone changes, sleep deprivation, isolation, or exhaustion. Not breastfeeding or breastfeeding difficulties can also lead to frustration or guilt.
Unwanted or unplanned pregnancies: This can cause stress and emotions such as shock, fear, or uncertainty.
Being a teenager: Having a baby alters personal plans, educational goals, and career aspirations. This can lead to emotional distress and low self-esteem.
Too much screen time: This includes television, computers, tablets, and phones.
Substance abuse: Drug and alcohol abuse can increase the risk of PPD.
Related: Postpartum Care: A Guide to Taking Care of a Body That Just Delivered
How PPD Affects Your Life
Postpartum depression can impact physical, emotional, mental, relational, and occupational health.
Physical problems might include sleep disturbances, headaches, changes in appetite, or discomfort throughout your body. It can also cause an overwhelming feeling of fatigue (tiredness not relieved by sleep) and constant malaise (not feeling well).
PPD can affect emotional well-being by making it difficult to experience joy, engage in meaningful activities, and maintain a sense of fulfillment.
When PPD affects cognitive processes such as memory, concentration, and decision-making, it makes daily tasks, decisions, and responsibilities more challenging. This may cause work performance and productivity to suffer.
PPD can also:
Make it difficult to care for yourself or your baby
Challenge your self-worth and self-esteem
Decrease bonding with your baby (negatively impacting the baby’s development)
Make it challenging to parent other children
Interfere with breastfeeding
Cause mood swings
Create tension within friend and family relationships
Cause severe fatigue, which affects the ability to work and socialize
Lead to social withdrawal
Cause problems in work, business, or school
Suicide Prevention
In severe cases, PPD can increase the risk of self-harm or suicidal thoughts. If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, immediately ask your partner or a loved one to care for the baby. Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.
Related: Postpartum Depression Awareness: Signs to Recognize
How to Get Relief from PPD
For PPD to resolve, it typically requires treatment from a healthcare professional, including medical and mental health providers.
A mental health professional might suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, or family therapy. They can help you develop coping strategies, address negative thought patterns, and manage your emotions.
Finding a Mental Health Provider
FindTreatment.gov provides a confidential and anonymous resource for finding treatment in your area. You can also search for therapy you can receive online. In addition, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP (4357)) provides 24/7 information and referrals if you or a loved one are facing mental health or substance use issues.
Your healthcare providers may also suggest one or a combination of the following:
Zurzuvae (zuranolone): This medication is the first Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved oral medication for treating PPD. You take it once daily, in the evening, for 14 days.
Zulresso (brexanolone): This intravenous (IV) medication is given over 60 hours under medical supervision. Before Zurrzavae (zuranolone), Zulresso was the only FDA-approved medication for treating postpartum depression (PPD).
Antidepressants: Typically, serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants such as Zoloft (sertraline), Prozac (fluoxetine), or Lexapro (escitalopram) are the most effective for PPD.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): ECT is typically reserved for severe cases that do not respond to other treatments. It is a technique where healthcare providers pass electrical currents through the brain and change the way the brain transmits messages. This occurs under general anesthesia (sedation), similar to when you're having surgery.
PPD Self-Care
It also helps to maintain self-care, engage in bonding activities with the baby, and stay connected socially. Social connections can be in person, through phone calls, virtual chats, or online support groups.
Self-care involves:
Taking time for yourself
Engaging in activities you enjoy (hobbies, art, reading or listening to music, singing, or dancing)
Participating in physical activity such as walking or yoga
Eating a nutrient-dense diet (fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, healthy fats, low in sugar and processed foods)
Drinking plenty of water
Prioritizing sleep
It can be challenging to make time for yourself, especially as a new parent. Ask your partner, friends, or family to help with the baby or household chores when possible so that you can have a few minutes for self-care. Or, consider professional support like a housecleaning or food delivery service to help free up some time.
Doulas can also be helpful as they are trained professionals who provide support during pregnancy, childbirth, and after birth. Research shows doulas help decrease the risk of PPD.
It’s also important to purposefully engage in activities that promote bonding with the baby. This includes:
Cuddling
Skin-to-skin contact
Looking into their eyes
Gentle play
Talking or reading to them
Finding Support
The following are reputable organizations that can help you find postpartum support:
DONA International is a great place to start your search for doulas in your area.
Postpartum Progress can help you make online connections.
Postpartum Support International (PSI) provides a directory for local support groups.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
Having the baby blues within the first couple weeks after childbirth is normal and does not require medical attention.
However, more severe or persistent PPD symptoms require professional consultation and treatment with a healthcare provider. This is especially true for symptoms that interfere with caring for yourself or your baby or last longer than two weeks.
Related: What Is Self-Stigma?
Summary
PPD is a form of clinical depression that occurs anytime in the year following childbirth. It is a complex and challenging emotional experience that can impact people differently. Some people experience postpartum depression for a few weeks but it can last months or years. This is especially true for those with prior mental health conditions or when PPD is left untreated.
While PPD can be extremely difficult, it's important to note that help is available. Seeking help for PPD is challenging for some. Remember that prioritizing your well-being is a courageous step towards healing that is essential for you, your family, and your newborn baby.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
