Could I Have Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum Depression is a mental health disorder that has been around for as long as becoming a mother has. However, it wasn't something people talked about for quite some time. Now, it is a topic that has been spoken about more recently with the rise of new mothers speaking out about having mental health struggles after giving birth, along with the rise of unfortunate mental health crises in new mothers.
What is Postpartum Depression
Postpartum Depression, or PPD, is a mental health illness that affects mothers after giving birth. What is important to know about PPD is that it usually occurs two to eight weeks after giving birth, but it can also happen up to a year after the baby is born. This can sometimes be difficult for women and the people around them to understand because it is not a mental health struggle that is just black and white, as some other mental health issues might seem.
Some symptoms that you might experience are:
Having more feelings of sadness than usual
Sadness is also combined with having a difficult time bonding with your baby
Persistent crying or crying spells
Feeling overwhelmed.
You might be reading this and thinking: "I feel all of these things," which is valid and can be scary. All of these feelings can absolutely appear from childbirth and being a mom in and of itself. Still, when it comes to Postpartum Depression, it also affects your ability to function and enjoy moments of your life. You might be unable to sleep even when your baby is sleeping, have changes in appetite, low self-esteem, and poor concentration. Another big indication is that you might also have intense fears of something happening to your child, leading to more anxiety, or Postpartum Anxiety.
Could it be the "Baby Blues" instead?
You may have also had doctors, family members, or friends describe what you are feeling as the "Baby Blues." The "Baby Blues" can look a lot like PPD, but again, the timing is very important to pay attention to. According to the American Pregnancy Association, 70-80% of all new mothers experience some sort of negative feelings after the birth of their child, and the "Baby Blues" will usually be noticed within four to five days after the baby's birth, but should not last beyond fourteen days after delivery. Some symptoms of the "Baby Blues" are crying, irritability, anxiety, and mood changes, and it can last for a few minutes to a few hours each day. As you can see, it shares a lot of similarities with Postpartum Depression, which is why the timing of the onset of symptoms is so important.
How Do I Get Help?
Experiencing Postpartum Depression and/or the "Baby Blues" is very difficult, and it may feel like you don’t have time to care for yourself, but that is the first step. Having a baby is an experience that requires that you give yourself grace. Something that you can do is take a walk. You can even bundle your baby up and put them in their stroller so that they can join you. You can also journal or talk to someone close to you, or you can join a group for new mothers where you can connect with other women who might be having similar feelings.
While self-care is extremely important in this new phase of life, it's also important to acknowledge that it may not always feel feasible when dealing with a newborn or multiple children at once. Your doctor should also always be a resource for you. Don't feel like you have to wait for your six-week follow-up to voice how you are feeling. You can call your OBGYN's office to request a callback from your doctor, or schedule an earlier visit than six weeks. It is your right to get the care that you need and deserve. In addition, seeking help from a Psychotherapist and/or a Psychiatrist might be worth exploring. Many therapists have experience working with new mothers who are experiencing PPD or the "Baby Blues." If you don't have support from someone to watch your baby while you attend therapy, speak to your therapist about accommodations that may help. They may even tell you to come to therapy while your baby is there-they want you to have support so that you can be okay. Psychiatry may also be an option for you, because sometimes we need additional help such as with medication, and that's okay. The right medication can help with your anxiety and/or depressive symptoms so that your days feel more manageable.
Last but not least, lean on the people around you if you can. Another feeling that often comes up for mothers is "mom guilt". This is the type of guilt that convinces you that you cannot ask for help and you must do everything on your own; you don't. Being a new mother once, twice, or any other time is not easy. This is a transition period, and it's okay to not be okay. The unfortunate truth is that sometimes not only do mothers have feelings of hurting themselves, but they may also have feelings of hurting their baby. If you are struggling with this, it is important to go to your nearest emergency room or call 988 to get the help you need.
You can also call 1-833-852-6262 for 24/7 free confidential support for pregnant and new moms. You cannot be punished for seeking help, and resources are available to you.
From one mother to another- I see you, and I hear you.
References
American Pregnancy Association. (2026, January 28). Baby blues. https://americanpregnancy.org/postpartum/baby-blues/
Office on Women’s Health. (2026, March 20). Talking postpartum depression. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://womenshealth.gov/TalkingPPD
UNICEF. (2025, June 12). What is postpartum depression? https://www.unicef.org/parenting/mental-health/what-postpartum-depression
