Welcoming a new baby is a big change for many parents that can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. While new moms may focus on physically recovering from childbirth (while also caring for their newborn), taking care of your mental and emotional well-being is just as important.
Did you know that at least 1 in 7 new mothers and as many as 1 in 10 new dads suffer from postpartum depression (PPD)? According to the American Psychological Association, PPD is a serious mood disorder that can affect anyone after childbirth, whether it’s a first pregnancy or not. It doesn’t matter your age or the type of pregnancy; postpartum depression can happen to anyone including non-birthing parents.
This article highlights several lesser-known facts about mental health after childbirth, how you can recognize postpartum depression symptoms and the growing movement to expand support services to birthing parents and their partners.
9 Lesser-Known Facts About Postpartum Depression
1. Postpartum Depression is More Common Than You Think
PPD is among the most common childbirth complications, yet many women remain silent about their experiences due to stigma, shame, or lack of awareness. This emphasizes the need for more open discussion and education to empower those affected to seek help and treatment.
2. It Doesn’t Always Happen Right Away
Many believe postpartum depression strikes immediately following birth, but PPD can develop weeks, months or even a year after childbirth. It’s important to remember that delayed symptoms are just as valid and treatable as those that emerge right away.
3. It’s Not Just Hormonal
Although hormone changes after childbirth can play a significant role in mood disturbances, they are not the only factors responsible for PPD.
Additional contributors include:
- Ongoing sleep deprivation
- A history of mental health challenges
- Difficult birth experiences
- Lack of support from partners or family
- Domestic violence/abuse
Addressing these practical needs—such as getting rest and nutritious food or leaning on supportive friends—can help prevent or alleviate symptoms.
4. Physical Symptoms Are Often Overlooked
Depression is often associated with emotional pain, but PPD can just as easily appear as physical symptoms, including:
- Persistent headaches
- Chronic fatigue
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Changes in appetite
- Joint, limb, back pain
- Digestive issues
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
It’s important to note that some of these physical symptoms, like persistent headaches or changes in blood pressure, may also signal postpartum eclampsia, a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Whether these symptoms are tied to PPD or another health concern, discussing them with a healthcare professional is a vital step toward recovery.
5. Depression Can Start During Pregnancy
While most people associate PPD with the period after childbirth, depressive symptoms can surface during pregnancy as well. Perinatal depression affects 1 in 10 pregnant people, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
It’s important to recognize that a personal history of mental health challenges, including depression, can increase the risk of developing perinatal depression. Women considering fertility treatment or conception should seek support if they have a personal mental health history, as early intervention is key.
Recognizing sadness, persistent anxiety or hopelessness while pregnant should signal that it’s time to seek professional help. Early intervention greatly improves outcomes for the entire family and helps prepare parents for life after the baby is born.
6. Postpartum Anxiety Is Just as Important
Postpartum anxiety is a distinct and equally troubling condition that can easily be overshadowed by depression. Anxiety may also lead to difficulties caring for your baby or yourself. Moreover, untreated anxiety can also contribute to depression symptoms.
Telltale signs of postpartum anxiety include:
- Ongoing concerns particularly about caring for new baby
- Panic attacks
- Intrusive and unwanted thoughts that can interrupt daily life
It’s important to note that some new parents may experience distressing intrusive thoughts, such as fears about something happening to their baby or even thoughts about harming their baby. While these thoughts are often driven by anxiety, rather than more serious conditions like postpartum psychosis, they can be extremely distressing. Such intrusive thoughts are often characteristic of postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In fact, postpartum OCD can affect anywhere from 7 to 17 percent of new parents to some degree.
If you experience these types of thoughts, it’s crucial to talk to your doctor or a mental health professional for support. Like PPD, this anxiety is legitimate and treatable with the right support.
7. Postpartum Depression Can Affect Partners Too
Conversations about postpartum mental health primarily focus on birthing parents, however non-birthing parents are at risk, too. Contributing factors often mirror those affecting mothers or birthing parents, such as disrupted sleep, social isolation, parenting stress and financial stress.
It’s important for your partner to acknowledge if these issues arise and speak to a doctor if they persist.
8. Help Is Available and Expanding
As greater awareness and understanding is made around the topic of postpartum depression, treatment options continue to evolve.
- Primary treatments for PPD include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT). These time-limited treatments can often be effective in as few as 12 sessions.
- Peer support groups and hotlines, such as those provided by Postpartum Support International may also be helpful. In addition, advocacy groups, such as The Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, are pushing for universal screening for mental health concerns among all postpartum individuals.
- There are also medications that can be safe and helpful for postpartum depression, including in women who are breastfeeding. For many people with moderate to severe symptoms, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often the first line of treatment. These medications are generally well-studied, widely prescribed and come with relatively manageable side effects.
- In 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first oral medication designed specifically for postpartum depression. While this represents a promising step forward, it’s important to note that this new medication is typically reserved for more severe depression. The advantage of these new medications is that they work quickly but they can have side effects like sedation, that may make caring for a baby more challenging and may require hospital monitoring in some cases.
Importantly, there is no shame in asking for help as resources are more accessible than ever. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the treatments you’re interested in, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
9. You Can Still Bond with Your Baby
A common and painful fear for parents struggling with PPD is that their connection with their baby may never form or is permanently damaged. The reality is many parents with PPD form close, loving attachments to their children.
Bonding does not have to look a certain way or happen instantly; it can develop gradually through simple moments like holding your baby, soothing them or just being present. As you heal and receive support, your ability to connect with your baby will grow stronger.
Recovery from postpartum depression is possible, and seeking care is a sign of strength, not weakness.
If you’re struggling with postpartum depression or other perinatal mental health concerns, you don’t have to go through it alone. The Stony Brook Women’s Mental Health Program offers compassionate, specialized care for people during pregnancy, postpartum and beyond. Our team works closely with your healthcare providers to create a treatment plan that supports both your mental and physical well-being. Talk to your Stony Brook healthcare provider about a referral or call (631) 444-2990 for more information.
