Getting Postpartum Mental Health Support For Postpartum Depression And Other Symptoms
- For those experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988
- For those experiencing abuse, please contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- For those experiencing substance use, please contact SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
After a person brings home a new baby—whether they are the birthing parent, a partner, or an adoptive parent— they may experience a mix of emotions. While joy and excitement can be at the forefront, it's also possible for a person to experience sadness, stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. Here, we'll talk about common postpartum mental health challenges and the importance of seeking support.
Stigma around receiving postpartum mental health support
Many new parents worry about being judged by others due to pervasive stigma around many topics related to parenthood. When it comes to mental health, caregivers may be reluctant to reach out for support due to a fear of being labeled as an incapable parent. Shame and fear of judgment may also make a person feel alone in their experiences, which could exacerbate mental health challenges and further delay help-seeking behaviors.
How to combat stigma around reaching out for postpartum mental health support
Combating stigma around postpartum mental health can include fostering more open dialogues and increasing awareness and availability of mental health resources for new parents. As one study points out, improving mental health literacy among parents may be a crucial and especially impactful component of this effort. Over time, approaches like these may result in improved outcomes for parents, children, and communities.
About postpartum depression
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a type of depression that some individuals experience after giving birth. Note that it can also affect partners of birthing parents as well as adoptive parents. This mental illness can significantly impact an individual’s ability to care for themselves and their baby, affecting bonding, feeding, and the overall well-being of both parent and child. It’s more than just feeling sad or having the temporary “baby blues”; instead, it’s a diagnosable mental illness. Without professional intervention, symptoms of PPD are likely to worsen.
A 2023 study from the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology reports that the prevalence of postpartum depression is 13.9% of the population. While PPD is more common in women, studies have shown that it also affects an estimated 7.82–9.23% of new fathers. PPD can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.
PPD symptoms and diagnosis
In the most recent version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), PPD is not classified as its own diagnosis but rather as a specifier for major depressive disorder, bipolar I disorder, or other mood disorders. In those with this condition, the first major depressive episode typically begins during pregnancy or within four weeks after delivery, though some criteria extend this to one year postpartum.
For a PPD diagnosis to be considered, individuals must experience depressed mood or loss of pleasure in most activities, plus four or more of the following symptoms for at least two weeks:
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Low energy
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Restlessness, agitation, or slowed movements and speech
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Persistent feelings of fear
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Intense despair
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Intrusive thoughts about hurting oneself or the child
PPD risk factors
Several factors can put an individual at a higher risk for PPD. Some examples include:
- Having a personal history of depression, especially during pregnancy
- Having a family history of depression or other mood disorders
- Having co-occurring conditions like anxiety disorders or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Facing financial difficulties, relationship problems, or other stressful situations
- Feeling isolated and unsupported by family, friends, or partners
- Having low self-esteem
A note on timing: prenatal, perinatal, and postpartum depression
Postnatal, prenatal, and perinatal mental health challenges are all related to pregnancy and childbirth, but they differ in their timing for pregnant and new moms and parents of other genders. Prenatal depression occurs during pregnancy, while perinatal mood disorders like depression refer to depression that begins any time during pregnancy to up to a year after childbirth. Postnatal depression specifically refers to depression experienced after birth. Mental health challenges can arise during any of these periods, and seeking mental health care can be important at any point when an individual feels they may need support.
About postpartum psychosis
Postpartum psychosis is a severe mental illness characterized by a sudden onset of psychotic symptoms, including hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thoughts, typically occurring within the first few weeks after childbirth. Postpartum psychosis is considered a psychiatric emergency requiring immediate medical attention.
While postpartum psychosis is less common than PPD, it can be life-threatening and requires rapid intervention and, typically, hospitalization. Postpartum psychosis is often brief and typically responds quickly to therapeutic intervention.
Risk factors and prevalence of postpartum psychosis
Individuals with a history of bipolar disorder or schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, or previous experiences of postpartum psychosis may be at higher risk of experiencing postpartum psychosis. People with a family history of psychosis or bipolar disorder may also be more vulnerable. Postpartum psychosis is relatively rare, with an estimated global prevalence of 0.089 to 2.6 per 1,000 births.
Navigating emotional changes after childbirth
Welcoming a child into your home can bring on a complex mix of emotions. While engaging in self-care may be difficult during this busy time, doing so can be important for the mental well-being of the parent(s) and, by extension, the well-being of the child. Below are a few self-care strategies that may be helpful during this time.
Also keep in mind that, while navigating this period, it can be advisable to stay in close touch with your physician and communicate openly and honestly about the challenges you may be experiencing. They can often offer support and resources for sustainable self-care practices and help monitor your mental health.
Caring for your physical health
Caring for your body often lays the foundation for overall wellness. First, prioritizing sleep can be critical for mood stabilization. While it can be difficult with a newborn, getting as much quality sleep as possible can be important. For example, you might practice good sleep hygiene to help you fall asleep quickly when you do have the opportunity to rest, and you might also take brief naps when possible to help support your energy levels.
Eating regular meals that involve nutrient-dense foods as much as possible can also help regulate your mood. Consult with your doctor or a nutritionist about the best nutrition for supporting your physical and mental health during the postpartum period, especially if chestfeeding.
Finally, speak to your doctor about easing into physical activity; they'll let you know the appropriate level throughout the healing process. Studies repeatedly suggest that even light exercise can significantly improve mood and may help reduce symptoms of depression.
Caring for your mental health
Taking specific actions to care for your mental health can be critical during the postpartum period as well. You might aim to regularly engage in activities that promote relaxation and stress relief, such as reading, a beloved hobby, or leisure time in nature.
Many people also find connecting with other new parents through an online or community support group to be beneficial. Support groups offer the opportunity to bond with others in the same situation who also speak English or another language you speak so you can share experiences, tips, and resources.
Additionally, you might try to keep up with regular social interaction in general to combat feelings of isolation and help you feel more connected to your support system. You could also consider asking for help with daily tasks from family and friends, if possible. If you have an involved partner, it can help to communicate with them openly about your feelings and needs.
Acting with self-compassion
One common symptom of depression is feelings of guilt without a clear cause. This, combined with common societal expectations around how a new parent "should" feel, can cause shame and self-esteem issues, which may contribute to or exacerbate postpartum mental health challenges.
If you feel guilt or shame associated with PPD or any other mental health challenges, remember that you aren't alone. Mental health challenges are not a matter of "fault,” and nonjudgmental, compassionate support is available.
It can help to be kind to yourself during this time and treat yourself with the same compassion as you would a friend. Consider keeping a journal to record your thoughts and feelings, looking out for instances of negative self-talk and discouragement that you can gently correct.
Mindfulness exercises may also help you stay present and aware of your inner narrative. Once you’ve become more mindful of any negative self-talk, you might begin to see a pattern, allowing you to reframe those thoughts into more positive, realistic ones. A trained therapist can help with this process.
When is it time to seek help from a healthcare professional?
When symptoms of depression, feeling anxious, or experiencing other mood changes persist for more than two weeks after giving birth, or if the symptoms interfere with your ability to care for yourself or your baby, it’s typically time to reach out to a healthcare professional.
Look out for changes in appetite, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy, especially. While it can be normal to feel fatigued and unmotivated after giving birth, consider discussing those challenges with a mental health professional if they persist. Remember that depression often leads to self-isolation, potentially worsening other symptoms.
Again, keep in mind that experiencing mental health symptoms has nothing to do with morality or one's capacity to be a good parent. If you are experiencing emotional challenges, you deserve compassionate support.
When to seek emergency care
There are several situations that could indicate a need to seek immediate, emergency care. Some of these include experiencing:
- Thoughts about harming yourself or your infant
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide or other signs of a suicidal crisis
- Symptoms of postpartum psychosis (such as delusions, hallucinations, mania, paranoia, confusion)
- Extreme agitation, hyperactivity, or confusion
- Difficulty making decisions, caring for yourself, or caring for your baby
The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7, though visiting the emergency room may be required in some cases.
The importance of early intervention for postpartum depression and other challenges
Early intervention for PPD and other mental health challenges may lead to faster symptom reduction, potentially preventing the condition from becoming chronic and minimizing its impact on overall well-being. Early intervention can also help individuals learn to effectively manage their symptoms and potentially prevent future episodes of PPD, including those that could occur with future pregnancies.
Early treatment can also help improve bonding, assisting new parents in developing a secure and nurturing attachment to their child. By extension, early intervention can help mitigate potential risks to the child's cognitive, emotional, and social development resulting from a lack of bonding, too.
Finally, keep in mind that you don't need to be experiencing severe symptoms of a mental health condition in order to seek mental health support. In general, anyone can benefit from working with a therapist, whether you're experiencing signs of depression or are simply looking for support in adjusting to life as a parent. Either way, you are not alone and help is available.
Common treatments for postpartum mental health challenges
The recommended treatment approach for postpartum mental health challenges depends on the individual, their symptoms, and their unique needs. Here are a few common talk therapy modalities a therapist may recommend:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a treatment approach in which the therapist teaches the client how to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that may contribute to depression, low self-esteem, or other challenges
- Interpersonal therapy (IPT), which focuses on improving social relationships and communication to address conflict or depressive symptoms
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which involves interventions targeted at improving mindfulness and distress tolerance
If you're diagnosed with an illness like postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis, your doctor or psychiatrist may also recommend medication in some cases, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or mood stabilizers. Remember to never start, stop, or change any medication without consulting with your doctor.
Exploring the option of online mental health care for postpartum challenges
Receiving mental health support can be a crucial component of self-care for a new parent. However, juggling the demands of caring for an infant with other responsibilities can make it difficult to find time to commute to and from in-person therapy appointments. In such cases, online therapy might be a more convenient alternative.
With a platform like BetterHelp, you can get matched with a licensed therapist according to your needs and preferences as outlined in a brief onboarding questionnaire. You can then meet with them virtually, via phone, video, or in-app messaging, depending on your preferences. You can also switch therapists at any time for no additional cost until you find the right fit. Plus, online therapy sessions are often more affordable than in-person sessions without insurance.
The effectiveness of online mental health care for postpartum mental health challenges
A growing body of research suggests that online mental health care in general can be as effective as in-person care in many cases. Several studies also indicate that online therapy can be an effective treatment option for postpartum depression in particular.
Takeaway
How to help postpartum mental health?
There are many different ways to support your or a loved one’s mental health during the months and weeks postpartum. Engaging in or supporting them in engaging in self-care can be critical, such as eating regular, nutrient-dense meals, getting enough sleep, and having frequent, supportive social interactions. In addition, encouraging someone to seek mental health or medical treatment as needed can be crucial, especially if they're at increased risk of certain conditions.
How long can postpartum depression last?
Untreated postpartum depression symptoms are unlikely to resolve on their own. That’s why seeking the appropriate treatment to address depression as soon as possible can be important.
What are the psychiatric disorders of postpartum?
Many women and birthing parents of other genders experience mental health conditions after giving birth. Examples of postpartum psychiatric disorders include:
- Postpartum anxiety disorders
- Postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder
- Postpartum depression
- Postpartum psychosis
Note that a severe case of postpartum depression or any case of postpartum psychosis requires immediate, emergency treatment. Also note that having certain risk factors for postpartum mental health conditions—such as having a pre-existing mental health condition, a family history of postpartum depression, or life stressors like an unplanned pregnancy or financial instability—mean that it can be especially important to look out for potential symptoms.
How to help wife with postpartum depression?
If your wife is experiencing severe mood swings, trouble sleeping, persistent sadness or hopelessness, or other potential signs of postpartum depression or another mental health condition, encouraging her to seek professional support can be crucial. A mental health provider can evaluate her symptoms and do a depression screening to make a diagnosis, if applicable, and then provide treatment through talk therapy (sometimes In combination with antidepressant medication).
In addition, it can help to support your wife in engaging in regular self-care, such as making her nutrient-rich meals and encouraging her to go for walks and connect with friends.
What happens if postnatal depression is left untreated?
If depression of any kind is left untreated, symptoms are unlikely to resolve and often get worse. This could lead to chronic depression, the development of other, co-occuring mental health conditions, and/or potentially life-threatening symptoms like thoughts of suicide or self-harm.
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, the Crisis Lifeline is available. If you’re experiencing non-life-threatening symptoms of depression, meeting with a healthcare provider as soon as possible can still be important. A licensed mental health professional or doctor can use the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale to diagnose this condition and then provide care and advice for treating postpartum depression, including ways to manage symptoms over the long term.
How to pull yourself out of postpartum depression?
Bringing yourself out of postpartum depression and back to pre-pregnancy levels of mental health is not a matter of will. Postpartum depression is a diagnosable mental illness that typically will not resolve without professional treatment, so reaching out for this type of support is typically the most effective way forward. Remember that you are not alone and that there’s no shame in seeking support.
What type of therapy is best for postpartum?
There are many different approaches to talk therapy that may be useful for a person experiencing postpartum mental health challenges. For example, in many cases, postpartum depression is treated through cognitive behavioral therapy, sometimes in combination with medication. Other common talk therapy approaches include dialectical behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy.
How long does it take to recover mentally after postpartum?
The postpartum period is generally defined as six to eight weeks after giving birth. However, it can often take more time for a given individual to recover mentally after having a baby. Reaching out for professional mental health support if you're struggling to adjust can be a positive step toward healing.
When does postpartum psychosis start?
A person with postpartum psychosis will usually start showing signs at some point within six weeks of giving birth. In some cases, symptoms can begin in as little as a few days after birth.
How do you treat postpartum mental disorders?
The most effective treatment method for a postpartum mental disorder depends on the type of disorder and the individual. In many cases, some form of talk therapy can be an effective way to treat depression and other conditions. For some, a doctor or psychiatrist may also recommend medication. In rare cases, immediate hospitalization may be required, such as when a person is experiencing postpartum psychosis.
- Previous Article
- Next Article