Postpartum Depression: When and How to Get Help

What Is Postpartum Depression?

In the first few weeks of caring for a newborn, most new parents feel anxious, sad, frustrated, tired, and overwhelmed. These feelings, sometimes known as the "baby blues," are temporary. But for some people, they are very strong or don't get better. Postpartum depression is when these feelings don't go away after about 2 weeks or when they make it hard for someone to take care of their baby.

It's not anyone's fault or a weakness if someone gets postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is treatable. Treatment helps most people feel like themselves again. Then they can enjoy having a new baby at home.

How Do I Know If I Have Postpartum Depression?

Symptoms of postpartum depression can vary. But common signs include:

• feeling sad, hopeless, or overwhelmed

• feeling worried, scared, or panicked

• blaming yourself unnecessarily

• crying a lot

• feeling moody

• anger

• sleeping too much or too little

• eating too much or too little

• trouble concentrating

• not wanting to be with friends and family

• not feeling attached to the baby

• not wanting to do things that usually are enjoyable

Although it is very rare, some people have very serious symptoms such as:

• thoughts of hurting the baby or themselves

• hearing voices, seeing things that are not there, or feeling paranoid (very worried, suspicious, or mistrustful)

Where Can I Get Help?

If you have symptoms of postpartum depression, get help right away. The sooner you get help, the sooner you will feel better. Start by talking to your health care provider (or your baby's). They can: 

• prescribe medicines to help you

• recommend that you see a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other mental health worker for treatment

• do blood tests to make sure something else isn't causing your symptoms

If you don't have a health care provider, you can get help online at:

• Postpartum Support International: www.postpartum.net

If you are thinking about hurting yourself or your baby, or if you hear or see things that aren't there, get help right away. You can:

• Go to the nearest emergency room.

• Call, text, or chat 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For help online, go to www.998lifeline.org.

• Contact the National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the U.S., anytime, about any type of crisis.

How Is Postpartum Depression Treated?

Treatment for postpartum depression can vary, but it may include:

• counseling

• improving self-care by getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, and taking time to relax

• getting more support by joining a group or talking (by phone or online) with others going through postpartum depression

• taking medicine. There are medicines that are safe to take while breastfeeding.