If pregnancy brings emotional changes, then the postpartum period is a true tornado of emotions, often filled with frequent mood swings, crying, and irritability.
Not only does childbirth put your body through hormonal changes, but you now have a completely new person living in your home.
All of this turmoil can initially lead to feelings of sadness, stress, and anxiety rather than the joy and happiness you expected. Many people experience these feelings as a normal part of postpartum recovery, and they usually go away one to two weeks after giving birth.
However, new mothers who are still struggling beyond that two-week period may have postpartum depression, which is characterized by more severe symptoms that last much longer.
Postpartum depression can last for months or even years if left untreated — but you don't have to deal with it in silence until it passes.
What is postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression is a form of clinical depression that develops after the birth of a child. Common symptoms include:
- Loss of appetite
- Excessive crying or fatigue
- Difficulty bonding with your baby
- Anxiety and insomnia
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Feeling excessively angry, hopeless, or ashamed
No one knows for certain what causes postpartum depression, but like any form of depression, the causes are varied.
For example, after giving birth you may find that you:
- Are not getting enough sleep
- Your body is dealing with hormonal fluctuations
- Are recovering from the physical experience of childbirth, which may have involved medical interventions or surgery
- Have new and challenging responsibilities
- May feel disappointed by the way the birth went
- May feel isolated, lonely, and confused
Postpartum depression: Not only for women with babies
It is worth noting that "postpartum" essentially means returning to a "non-pregnant" state. Therefore, those who have experienced a miscarriage or termination of pregnancy may also experience many of the mental and physical effects of postpartum depression.
When does postpartum depression usually begin?
It can begin immediately after giving birth, but you will likely not recognize it right away — since it is considered normal to feel sad, exhausted, and generally "not yourself" in the first days after having a baby.
The postpartum period typically covers the first 4 to 6 weeks after birth, and in many cases depression begins during that time. However, depression can also develop during pregnancy or up to one year after giving birth.
Is there research on how long postpartum depression usually lasts?
Because postpartum depression can appear anywhere from a few weeks to 12 months after giving birth, there is no average duration. A 2014 review of studies suggests that symptoms improve over time, with many cases of depression resolving within 3 to 6 months of onset.
