Depression following childbirth, often called postpartum depression, involves prolonged negative mood shifts that continue for more than two weeks after a baby is born. It is a common issue, affecting about one in five mothers and one in ten fathers, and is seen more often after a first pregnancy.
How Does Postnatal Depression Differ from the Baby Blues?
You may have heard of the “baby blues.” Approximately 80% of mothers experience these mild symptoms three to five days after delivery, such as mood swings, sleep disturbances, tearfulness, feeling overwhelmed, or anxious. These fleeting feelings are thought to result from rapid hormonal changes and typically resolve on their own without treatment. Postpartum depression is more serious. It can emerge anytime within the first year after childbirth, most commonly in the initial weeks or months, and its symptoms last beyond two weeks. These more intense feelings often disrupt everyday life and caregiving and will not improve without professional treatment.
Which Symptoms Indicate Postnatal Depression?4,5,6
- Persistent sadness or low mood
- Emotional numbness
- Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or inadequacy
- Rapid mood fluctuations
- Heightened restlessness or anxiety
- Irritability or anger
- Recurrent negative thoughts
- Ongoing fatigue
- Frequent tearfulness
- Trouble focusing or remembering details
- Loss of interest in usual activities and relationships, including with your baby
- Social withdrawal
- Perceiving life as meaningless
- Altered sleep habits (either oversleeping or insomnia)
- Reduced sexual desire
- Changes in appetite
- Noticeable weight loss or gain
- Difficulty managing daily tasks
- Intrusive thoughts of harming oneself or the baby
What contributes to Postnatal Depression?
There is no single cause of postnatal depression. Multiple factors can raise your risk:
- A history of depression before or during pregnancy
- Family history of mood disorders
- Younger age
- A complicated pregnancy
- A traumatic childbirth
- Prior fertility problems
- Expecting twins
- Caring for a child with special needs
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
- Living through stressful life events
- A history of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
- Limited social support
- Relationship changes
Can men develop Postnatal Depression?
Yes, while it’s less common than in women, men can also be affected. About 10% of fathers experience paternal depression between three and twelve months after their baby is born. Risk factors for men include:
- Older age
- Being a first-time dad
- Having a small social circle
- Lower educational levels
- Facing stressful life events
- Relationship problems with a partner
- A history of mental health issues
- Poor physical health
How is Postnatal Depression Diagnosed?
If you notice any symptoms, you should see your doctor. They’ll discuss your mood, pregnancy and birth experiences, and likely have you fill out a questionnaire. Your conversation and answers will guide the diagnosis.
How is Postnatal Depression treated?
Treatment depends on how severe your symptoms are. Extra support from family and friends may be enough for some, while others need professional help. The main treatments are:
- Psychological therapies
- Antidepressant medication
Looking After Yourself
Caring for both your physical and mental health is essential when you’re experiencing postnatal depression. You can support your well-being by:
- Eating a balanced diet
- Staying active, even a short walk helps
- Prioritising quality sleep
- Using stress-management techniques
- Accepting practical help from friends or family
- Taking breaks away from your baby
- Engaging in hobbies and interests whenever possible
- Talking openly with close friends or family about how you feel
- Communicating honestly with your partner about your needs
- Connecting with other new parents
If you suspect postnatal depression, resist self-criticism. Every parent’s experience is unique. The important step is to share your feelings with someone you trust or consult your doctor, there’s no shame in asking for support, and doing so can make a huge difference.
Complications of Untreated Postnatal Depression
Without appropriate treatment, postnatal depression can interfere with your ability to bond with your baby, persist for months, and even develop into chronic depression. It also raises the risk of self-harm or harm to your child. In the rarest and most severe cases, postnatal depression may progress to postpartum psychosis, a life-threatening condition that demands immediate care. Warning signs include confusion, loss of touch with reality, obsessive thoughts about your baby, hallucinations or delusions, extreme agitation, disturbed sleep, paranoia, and thoughts of harming yourself or your child. Postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency and must be treated without delay.
When to Reach Out to Your Doctor
If you’re experiencing depressive symptoms, the sooner you seek help, the sooner you can start to recover. Make an appointment if your symptoms:
- Persist beyond two weeks
- Worsen over time
- Prevent you from carrying out everyday tasks
- Interfere with you caring for your baby
- Include thoughts of harming yourself or your child
Can You Prevent Postnatal Depression?
Although you can’t always avoid it, you can take proactive steps to lower your risk:
- Tell your doctor about any prior depression when you become pregnant
- Watch for signs of depression during pregnancy (antenatal depression)
- Set realistic expectations for yourself and your baby
- Accept that you’ll have both good days and bad days
- Limit the number of visitors in hospital and at home
- Arrange practical support ahead of time (home help, meal assistance, etc.)
- Learn to ask for help, whether it’s emotional support or hands-on help
- Join a parents’ group to connect with others in the same situation
- Remind yourself that the early challenges of parenthood are temporary
Additional Support Services
You might also contact:
- PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia), 1300 726 306, www.panda.org.au
- ForWhen (Mon, Fri, 9 am, 4:30 pm), 1300 24 23 22, forwhenhelpline.org.au
- Gidget Foundation (online & telehealth), 1300 22 4636, gidgetfoundation.org.au
- Beyond Blue, 1300 22 4636, beyondblue.org.au