When new parents welcome their baby home, they often feel immense joy and excitement. Everything is prepared—the car seat is secured, fresh clothes and diapers are bought, and the nursery is beautifully arranged. Many of these parents cherish their time with their little one, despite the inevitable fatigue that comes with the new role.

However, for some, the early days after childbirth aren’t solely filled with happiness. While joy certainly exists, those battling postpartum depression also experience overwhelming sadness, isolation, and possibly even resentment, according to Dr. Fatima Naqvi, an OB-GYN and the interim medical director of women’s health at Atlantic Health System in New Jersey.

Let’s explore what postpartum depression is, what causes it, and how to seek help if you find yourself affected by it.

Understanding Postpartum Depression

Commonly known as the “baby blues,” postpartum depression often begins with mood fluctuations, sadness, and fatigue that many mothers experience after childbirth. While these feelings are typical, they usually diminish within a week or two after returning home from the hospital.

However, these emotions can escalate into severe feelings of despair, anxiety, or hopelessness that persist longer than a few weeks. If these feelings last more than two to three weeks following childbirth, the mother may be diagnosed with postpartum depression.

According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly one in eight women will experience this condition within their first year of being a new parent. Interestingly, it can also affect partners or spouses, with about one in ten men experiencing similar symptoms, explains Dr. Asima Ahmad, a fertility expert and reproductive endocrinologist based in Chicago.

Mothers dealing with postpartum depression might feel angry or irritable, experience a profound sense of sadness or hopelessness, struggle with guilt or worthlessness, notice changes in appetite or sleep patterns, cry unexpectedly, lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, isolate from friends and family, or even have thoughts of harming themselves or their baby, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Office of Women’s Health.

Conversely, men experiencing postpartum depression may manifest symptoms like excessive self-criticism, restlessness, irritability, and aggression, says Naqvi.

Causes of Postpartum Depression

The exact reasons behind postpartum depression are not fully understood, but various factors likely contribute. Dr. Jameca Woody Cooper, a psychologist and adjunct professor at Webster University in Missouri, notes that the emotional challenges often stem from hormonal changes that occur during and after pregnancy. The steep drop in estrogen and progesterone levels post-delivery can trigger feelings of sadness for many women, but for some, these hormonal changes significantly increase the risk of developing postpartum depression.

Ahmad adds that the lack of sleep and fatigue from caring for a newborn, along with stress from lost social life and financial burdens, can worsen the situation.

Naqvi also highlights that factors such as whether the mother planned for the baby, had a difficult childbirth experience, or has a history of substance abuse or mood disorders can increase the likelihood of experiencing postpartum depression.

Treatment Options for Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is diagnosed by healthcare providers through a specific set of screening questions that gauge severity and assess risks, including any thoughts of self-harm or harm to the baby, explains Naqvi.

Common treatments include medications like antidepressants, either oral or injectable. “Therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy or acceptance and commitment therapy have proven effective in alleviating postpartum depression symptoms,” says Cooper.

In addition to medical treatments, Ahmad emphasizes the importance of self-care. This includes seeking support from family and friends, ensuring adequate rest, dedicating time to oneself each day, focusing on nutritious food, engaging in regular physical activity, and being open with yourself, your partner, and your doctor about the need for help.

“The earlier postpartum depression is recognized and treated, the better the outcomes,” Cooper states. “Remember, seeking help shows bravery and resilience—those diagnosed with postpartum depression can recover and thrive as parents with the right support.”

If you or someone you know is having a tough time or is in crisis, support is available. You can call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for assistance.