It is a common problem that many women experience, and it does not mean that they are bad mothers. Researchers have also identified some risk factors for long term postpartum depression, noting that it is often a continuation of preexisting depression, rather than a new set of symptoms that starts at delivery. Some studies suggested that depression was more likely to affect women who are young, on a low income, or from a minority background, but the data were less consistent for these findings.
The researchers urged doctors to be ready to spot the signs that postpartum depression is becoming chronic and to take into account the wider factors that may contribute to depression.
They also called for further studies on the causes of postpartum depression and its likely duration. The symptoms of postpartum depression include :.
Anyone who has concerns about how they are feeling after giving birth should see a doctor, who will be able to offer effective treatment. The treatment options may include:. Medication : A doctor may prescribe an antidepressant , such as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor SSRI.
They will work with the individual to establish a suitable dosage. Once they achieve this, the woman may continue to use the medication for 6—12 months. The doctor will also discuss how the medication may affect breastfeeding. Transcranial magnetic stimulation : This treatment uses magnetic waves to stimulate and activate nerve cells.
It is noninvasive and will not interfere with breastfeeding. Doctors usually give this treatment five times a week for 4—6 weeks. Counseling : Attending cognitive behavioral therapy CBT sessions may also help, especially if a woman does this in combination with other treatments. These include :. It is also a good idea to avoid making significant life changes around this time, as they can add to the stress.
Click here to get some tips on how to cope with postpartum depression. If you're feeling depressed after your baby's birth, you may be reluctant or embarrassed to admit it. But if you experience any symptoms of postpartum baby blues or postpartum depression, call your doctor and schedule an appointment. If you have symptoms that suggest you may have postpartum psychosis, get help immediately. It's important to call your doctor as soon as possible if the signs and symptoms of depression have any of these features:.
If at any point you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, immediately seek help from your partner or loved ones in taking care of your baby and call or your local emergency assistance number to get help. People with depression may not recognize or acknowledge that they're depressed. They may not be aware of signs and symptoms of depression. If you suspect that a friend or loved one has postpartum depression or is developing postpartum psychosis, help them seek medical attention immediately.
Don't wait and hope for improvement. There's no single cause of postpartum depression, but physical and emotional issues may play a role. Any new mom can experience postpartum depression and it can develop after the birth of any child, not just the first. However, your risk increases if:. Left untreated, postpartum depression can interfere with mother-child bonding and cause family problems. If you have a history of depression — especially postpartum depression — tell your doctor if you're planning on becoming pregnant or as soon as you find out you're pregnant.
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This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview The birth of a baby can trigger a jumble of powerful emotions, from excitement and joy to fear and anxiety. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Depressive disorders.
Arlington, Va. Accessed June 7, Postpartum depression. Office of Women's Health. Accessed July 1, Depression among women. Anxiety and depression are common complications for mothers after childbirth, affecting as many as one in seven new moms, according to the American Psychological Association.
For half of those diagnosed , postpartum depression PPD is their first depressive episode. But while the majority of PPD cases improve quickly with time and proper treatment, for roughly 38 percent of women diagnosed, PPD becomes a lifelong condition, according to a report published in the Harvard Review of Psychiatry.
She was taking one antidepressant for about 10 months until it stopped working and she switched to another. Why one woman stayed on antidepressants while pregnant and nursing.
And, of course, some women may be genetically predisposed to depression or other mood disorders. But one thing is for sure: The longer the condition lasts after giving birth, the more likely it is that the woman will suffer from depression long-term.
A study published in March found that most women who experience severe depression at two months and eight months postpartum still report depressive symptoms 11 years later. Jessica asked to be identified by her first name only because of ongoing legal proceedings with her ex-husband. Then, after her first two children, twin girls, were born in , Jessica started feeling anxious and overwhelmed—feelings she thought were just part of new motherhood and compounded by the fact that her then-husband was deployed overseas.
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