Postpartum Depression Summary Many women have the baby blues after childbirth. If you have the baby blues, you may have mood swings, feel sad, anxious or overwhelmed, have crying spells, lose your appetite, or have trouble sleeping. The baby blues most often go away within a few days or a week. The symptoms are not severe and do not need treatment. The symptoms of postpartum depression last longer and are more severe. You may also feel hopeless and worthless, and lose interest in the baby. You may have thoughts of hurting yourself or the baby. Very rarely, new mothers develop something even more serious. They may have hallucinations or try to hurt themselves or the baby. They need to get treatment right away, often in the hospital. Postpartum depression can begin anytime within the first year after childbirth. The cause is not known. Hormonal and physical changes after birth and the stress of caring for a new baby may play a role. Women who have had depression are at higher risk. If you think you have postpartum depression, tell your health care provider. Medicines, including antidepressants and talk therapy can help you get well. Dept. of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health National Institute of Mental Health Specifics Anxiety During Pregnancy and Postpartum Postpartum Support International Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Postpartum Support International Postpartum Psychosis Postpartum Support International Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Depression, Postpartum National Institutes of Health Start Here Depression During and After Pregnancy Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health Postpartum Depression Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Postpartum Depression Nemours Foundation Postpartum Depression American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Postpartum Depression Facts National Institute of Mental Health Treatments and Therapies Depression Is Treatable, But You Need to Seek Help Centers for Disease Control and Prevention MedlinePlus: Antidepressants National Library of Medicine Psychotherapies National Institute of Mental Health Find an Expert Mental Health Treatment Program Locator Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Institute of Mental Health National Institute of Mental Health Postpartum Psychosis Help Postpartum Support International Videos and Tutorials Postpartum Blues March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation Array Postpartum depression Living With Postpartum Depression Action Plan American Academy of Family Physicians Journal Articles Postpartum Depression Related Issues Tips for Postpartum Dads and Partners Postpartum Support International Understanding Motherhood and Mood – Baby Blues and Beyond American Academy of Pediatrics Latest News Women Who’ve Battled Postpartum Depression Often Limit Family Size HealthDay ‘Love Hormone’ Levels in Pregnancy May Point to Risk for Postpartum Depression HealthDay
