Postpartum Depression: Why You Should Know The Symptoms And Statistics

Content Warning: This article mentions suicide and suicidal thoughts and may be triggering to certain individuals.

Understanding the particulars of this condition can help you recognize it if it ever affects you or your loved ones, and reading up on statistics about it can help decrease the stigma about seeking treatment.

What Is Postpartum Depression?

People with postpartum depression (PPD) usually present with intense anxiety (possibly postpartum anxiety), sadness, or even despair that make it difficult or impossible for them to function normally after bringing their new baby home. These feelings usually last longer than “the baby blues”, which tend to resolve within two weeks. 

Symptoms of postpartum depression vary, as can the duration and intensity. However, when any of the symptoms listed below persist for more than two weeks, when normal functioning is affected, or if there are suicidal thoughts, seeking help is vital. If you think you may hurt yourself, reach out to 911 or call a hotline. In the US, you can dial 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, or use the webchat at suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat.

Symptoms of postpartum depression can include:

• Feeling sad, hopeless, or overwhelmed

• Feeling guilty or worthless

• Becoming easily fatigued or irritable

• Crying easily and often

• Withdrawing from family and friends

• Eating too much or refusing to eat

• Sleeping too much or having trouble sleeping

• Losing interest in activities previously enjoyed

• Experiencing memory problems or difficulty making decisions

• Neglecting the baby

It’s also important to note that PPD can affect anyone who has recently welcomed a baby into their life, regardless of gender. This includes partners of the person who gave birth as well as adoptive parents. 

Key Statistics About Postpartum Depression

One factor to keep in mind before examining statistics about this condition is that many cases go unreported—so numbers are likely even higher in reality. There’s significant stigma around PPD, so parents or caregivers who experience it may be hesitant to tell their feelings with anyone—much less seek treatment. The reason for this is usually that people don’t want others to view them as bad parents. That’s why it’s important to remember and talk about how postpartum depression is a clinical disorder that has nothing to do with one’s ability to be a good caregiver, and that those experiencing it deserve support, care, and get treatment. Here are some key facts and statistics to know.

Postpartum Depression Is Common

According to an article on the Johns Hopkins Medicine website, as many as 85% of women will experience mood disturbances after delivery, one in seven may experience postpartum depression, and 10 to 15% may experience severe postpartum depression. 0.1 to 0.2% may experience postpartum psychosis, for which those who have a medical history of psychotic or bipolar disorders are more at risk. When it comes to adoptive parents, some research has shown that rates for PPD among this population may be similar to rates among biological parents.

Symptoms Can Start Early 

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), about half of women who end up receiving a postpartum depression diagnosis experience symptoms during their pregnancy. It’s another reason that breaking down the stigma around this condition is helpful, so that people can feel empowered to seek treatment as soon as they notice PPD symptoms. 

Treatment Is Effective, But Many Don’t Seek It

According to the CDC, over half of pregnant people with depression do not receive treatment. One obstacle may be that awareness about the realities and likelihood of PPD is low. This can lead those experiencing symptoms to chalk them up to sadness or nervousness about parenthood and not seek treatment. Another may be that the medical system may not treat PPD as seriously as it does other conditions, or as it should. Statistics from the CDC also show that about one in five pregnant people were not asked about depression during a prenatal visit. That’s why education about this disorder may help more people receive the treatment they need.

Treatment For PPD

Postpartum depression is a serious condition, and those affected by it should get appropriate help as soon as possible. Therapy is a common treatment option. Either cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy may be used by the treatment provider, since both have been shown to be effective for PPD.

For new parents, finding the time and the appropriate childcare to leave the house for an in-person therapy appointment can seem daunting or even impossible. That’s why some may choose to seek treatment virtually. With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, for example, you can get matched with a licensed therapist who you can meet with via phone, video call, and/or online chat. Since research suggests that online therapy for postpartum depression offers similar benefits to the in-person variety, it can be a viable treatment option for those experiencing symptoms of PPD or other mental health challenges. A therapist can identify symptoms and suggest ways to manage and improve them over time. Their job is to provide a safe, judgment-free space where you can sort out your feelings and take care of your own mental health.

Why Treatment For PPD Is Important

Postpartum depression can have negative consequences for the parent experiencing it as well as for their partner or other loved ones and their child. As a 2019 study puts it: “The results suggest that postpartum depression creates an environment that is not conducive to the personal development of [caregivers] or the optimal development of a child. It therefore seems important to detect and treat depression during the postnatal period as early as possible to avoid harmful consequences”. If you or a loved one is exhibiting signs of PPD, seeking or encouraging them to seek appropriate treatment is recommended.