Postpartum depression is a serious form of depression. While it can develop any time during the first year after your baby’s birth, most new moms (and dads) will feel symptoms during the first 3 weeks after their baby is born.

And it doesn’t just affect first-time parents. Maybe you felt fine after the birth of your first or second child, but not your third or fourth. If you don’t feel right, seek treatment.

Unlike baby blues, symptoms of postpartum depression are more intense and last longer than 2 weeks. They may even interfere with your ability to complete daily tasks or care for your baby.

Signs and symptoms may include:

• Anxiety and/or panic attacks
• Depressed mood
• Difficulty concentrating
• Excessive crying
• Fatigue 
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Hopelessness
• Intense irritability 
• Lack of interest in or difficulty bonding with your baby
• Lack of sleep or too much sleep
• Sadness
• Scary thoughts
• Severe mood swings
• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
• Weight loss or gain
• Withdrawing from friends and family

Postpartum depression has several possible root causes, including:

• Hormones. Your hormone levels rise when you’re pregnant and drop suddenly after you give birth. This change can trigger baby blues and depression.
• Family history of depression.
• History of mental health concerns.
• Stress. Feeling overwhelmed or overly tired, having issues with your family or partner or having other major sources of stress may contribute to postpartum depression.

Any mom or dad with a newborn can have postpartum depression, but symptoms may be more likely to develop if you:

• Have a history of depression or postpartum depression
• Have a baby with health problems or other special needs
• Have trouble with your relationship or finances
• Lack support from family or friends

See your doctor as soon as possible if you feel depressed after the birth of your baby or are worried about developing postpartum depression. With prompt treatment, you can start feeling better.

During postnatal care (care after childbirth), your doctor or healthcare provider will screen you regularly for signs and symptoms to make sure you get the treatment you need. If you have a history of depression, your doctor may suggest starting medication or psychotherapy after you give birth.

Treatment options include:

• Medication. Your provider may prescribe an antidepressant. Most antidepressants are safe to take while nursing, but tell your doctor if you’re breastfeeding.
• Psychotherapy. A psychologist or therapist can help you work through stress, anxiety, low motivation, personal issues or negative thoughts and help you deal with them in a better way.

Other things that may help you feel better:

• Letting family and friends help you
• Setting small goals that feel achievable
• Getting regular exercise
• Eating a healthy diet
• Getting at least 3-4 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night

And keep in mind that postpartum depression isn’t a character flaw. It’s a medical condition — and one that can be treated. Speak up so you can get help.

Help is always available for postpartum depression. Find resources below: 

• Contact your OB-GYN
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
• Geisinger Neighborly
• Postpartum Support International (PSI) — call or text HelpLine:
  Call 800-944-4773 (4PPD) (#1 en español or #2 in English)
  Text in English: 800-944-4773
  Text en español: 971-203-7773
• Online support meetings
• March of Dimes: March of Dimes is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating equitable health outcomes for all parents and infants.