What is Postpartum Depression 2026

It’s totally normal for things to get a little crazy after a new baby shows up. Your body changes, sleep goes out the window, and all sorts of other stuff can team up to make new parents feel down. We’re talking about conditions like postpartum depression, or PPD, which can pop up in the year after giving birth or adopting. Besides feeling awful, PPD can make it tough to handle everyday stress. Sometimes, it can even affect the baby’s health. That’s why doctors usually check for it during routine prenatal visits and after the baby arrives.

What’s postpartum depression all about?

Postpartum depression is a real mental health issue. But there’s a lot of wrong info out there, and people often feel ashamed about it. This can make them think they’re the only one going through it. PPD is a sickness, not a sign you’re a bad parent. To help clear up this misconception, it’s good to know how it happens, what signs to look for, and where to get help.

A blonde toddler in pink pajamas covers their face while their mom, with brown hair and a beige top, makes a gesture towards them.
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How many people get postpartum depression?

PPD is pretty common. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) says if you’re dealing with it, you should get help because it’s so widespread and serious. Studies suggest that up to 20% of new parents get PPD, and it might even be more common than that. Even parents who didn’t carry the baby can get PPD after a child arrives.

If you’ve had depression before, you’re more likely to get PPD. But anyone can get it, no matter their mental health background.

When does postpartum depression happen?

PPD can start anytime during the first year of a child’s life, or after an adoption. Sometimes, it shows up around four or five months into the new family routine. Some new parents struggle to find emotional support after nine months of pregnancy, birth, and bringing a new person into the world. Others might go through an adoption process that can also lead to feeling down.

What do PPD symptoms look like?

Having a baby is one of the most stressful things a person can go through. It’s normal for new moms to feel emotional, think differently, and even feel a bit sad and anxious in the first two weeks after birth. This is because of hormone changes, stress, and all the challenges of caring for a newborn. This short period of sadness is often called the baby blues. The main feelings during this time are sadness and low energy. But this early sadness doesn’t necessarily mean you have PPD.

PPD symptoms are usually much more intense and last longer than the baby blues. With PPD, you’ll feel sad, have trouble sleeping, lose interest in things you used to like, and other signs of depression that stick around for more than two weeks, making it harder to get things done.

What are the symptoms of postpartum depression and how do they affect mental health?

Some people with PPD might not feel sad as their main symptom, because everyone’s experience is a little different. Here are some common PPD symptoms:

Feeling angry, mad, or easily annoyed
Having trouble sleeping
Feeling restless
Finding it hard to focus
Not enjoying things you used to like
Changes in how you eat or your eating habits
Feeling numb or having a flat mood
Crying for no reason
Feeling hopeless or worthless
Worrying, feeling scared, or anxious
Scary thoughts about death or suicide
Thoughts about hurting or not wanting your new child
Not feeling a bond or love for your new child
Having trouble connecting with your new child
Thinking your new child isn’t what you expected
Believing your child would be better off without you

Sometimes, parents with PPD might struggle to take care of their kids, which could slow down a child’s language skills in their first year. Getting help can prevent this delay.

In more serious cases of PPD that aren’t treated, usually linked with postpartum psychosis, mental health issues can get worse, leading to:

Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there
Feeling paranoid
Thoughts of suicide or hurting the baby
Feeling mixed up and confused

Understanding postpartum depression symptoms

PPD symptoms can be similar to bipolar disorder, which causes quick mood changes. If you’re not sure what’s causing your symptoms, see your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

You might see stories in the news about parents with postpartum psychosis, which can make it seem like if you don’t have extreme symptoms, you don’t have PPD. But PPD symptoms can vary a lot. Someone might only have a few symptoms while someone else has many. If you’re not sure if you have PPD, talking to a professional is one of the best ways to find out.

Postpartum psychosis is rare compared to postpartum anxiety or PPD. Also, postpartum psychosis usually starts very soon after birth. If you think you might have psychosis, get help right away, because it can be serious and dangerous.

How do doctors diagnose postpartum depression?

When a parent or caregiver asks for help with PPD, their doctor might ask questions or have them fill out a depression questionnaire. Doctors might want to know if parents have had depression or other mental health issues before. They might also ask if you have symptoms like extreme sadness, trouble caring for the baby, or scary thoughts.

Be honest with your doctor’s questions so you can get the best help and an accurate diagnosis. Having PPD isn’t a weakness, and there are lots of ways to get support.

What causes postpartum depression?

There isn’t just one reason or sign that someone will get PPD. It’s often caused by a mix of tricky factors, including:

Hormones and postpartum depression

People go through huge physical changes during pregnancy, which affect how they feel. During and after pregnancy, hormone levels can swing wildly, causing big chemical shifts in the body. These changes can really mess with someone’s life and their ability to control their thoughts.

Specifically, the hormones estrogen and progesterone are very high during pregnancy. Within a day of giving birth, those hormone levels drop, leading to a quick shift in mood. These hormones might play a big role in sadness after birth. But if this sadness lasts longer than two weeks, it could be a sign of PPD.

Besides hormone shifts, some people might have thyroid gland issues after pregnancy. Postpartum thyroiditis is when the thyroid gets inflamed after birth, which can mess with your mood.

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Everyday life stuff that can affect postpartum depression

All the challenges of having a new baby can make the hormone effects of PPD even worse. These challenges can include:

Lack of sleep
The extra stress of caring for a newborn
More problems in the parental relationship
Violence from a partner
Not getting proper prenatal care
Losing flexibility and free time
Not having a support system
Not having time to exercise
Poor eating habits
Feeling confused about being a new parent
Losing your sense of who you are
Wanting or feeling pressured to be the perfect parent
Unexpected problems after birth

Social stuff that can play a part in postpartum depression

Teen parents and people living in poverty have higher rates of PPD. The extra stress these groups face when they become parents can make other factors worse, raising their risk of PPD. To make things even harder, some teen parents with unwanted pregnancies might not have support from their own parents, close friends, or other family. Not having support can really bump up the risk of depression.

Medical background and genes in depression symptoms

Just like with other types of depression, PPD can run in families. If you or your family has a history of depression, PPD, depression during pregnancy, or other mood issues, you’re at a higher risk for this condition. People who get severe PMS before and during their periods might also be at a higher risk. Other mental health issues, like anxiety or PTSD, can also be risk factors. The stress of dealing with gestational diabetes can also raise the risk of PPD.

Fertility issues, trauma, and postpartum depression

Struggling to get pregnant or having trouble conceiving makes someone more likely to experience PPD. Also, a difficult birth can contribute to getting this condition.

The point of postpartum checkups and ongoing support

Getting help for PPD early, including therapy, can be super important for good results. It’s a good idea to go to your regular postpartum checkups and tell your doctor about any symptoms you’re having, like mood changes or upsetting thoughts. Other ways to get support include asking friends or family for practical help. Having someone help with the baby or chores can help you with stress and get used to being a parent. You can also find support from local groups or online, like Postpartum Support International.

How postpartum depression can affect mom and baby

Mental health problems like PPD can affect not just the mom, but the baby too. When a mom has trouble connecting with her newborn, it could mess with the baby’s health and development. Moms with PPD might also have trouble breastfeeding, which can sometimes make the lack of emotional connection between mom and baby worse. For example, breast milk might come in late or there might not be enough.

Paternal Postpartum Depression: When dads struggle too

People might think only moms get PPD, but dads can totally get it too. When dads experience it, it’s called paternal postpartum depression. It might be more common in men with a history of mental health problems in their family or themselves. Still, having a baby is known as one of the most stressful things a person can go through, and any new parent can get PPD or have other issues adjusting to family life. To keep your mental health in check, it’s smart to seek emotional support, whether from a trusted friend, family member, or a mental health professional.

Ways to treat postpartum depression

Luckily, there are many ways to handle PPD; you don’t have to deal with it alone. If you think you’re struggling with depression symptoms, talk to your doctor. Your regular doctor can ask more detailed questions to see if a PPD diagnosis makes sense for your situation. They might also send you to a specialist who can offer specific mental health care, like talk therapy.

Some people can manage their PPD by making changes to their lifestyle, while others need more helpers like medicine and therapy to treat depression. Either way, PPD is often a chemical problem. It’s not a personal failing if you struggle to feel better without medical help. PPD is temporary, so some parents take medication while they’re coping with the symptoms. But always talk to your doctor before you start, change, or stop any medicine.

You can also learn more about what causes, signs, and treatment for PPD from the Office of Women’s Health. The Mental Health Information section of the National Institute of Mental Health’s website and Postpartum Support International also have lots of info on this medical condition. Below are other ways to get help for PPD.

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Help from family, local groups, and mental health pros for postpartum depression

Be open about your struggles with PPD with other parents you know. Your family and friends probably want to help, but it might be hard for them to understand if they haven’t had PPD themselves. If you don’t have parent friends, call your birth hospital or the doctor who took care of you during pregnancy and ask about local parent and baby groups in your area. These groups can help you meet people and talk about what you’re going through with others who get it.

Even if you’re not sure how to talk about PPD with your family, try to make time for them. You might not be able to do all the things you enjoyed before your new child. But hanging out with others can boost your mental and physical health, so find ways to connect that don’t take too much energy or time.

Online support groups or educational videos can also help those with stress and depression after adding a child to the family. You might find an online support group that fits you. Online groups can be easy and save time for you and your partner, and they can be a good starting point if you don’t have groups nearby.

If there are local groups, think about joining one just for people with PPD. These groups can help you learn more about PPD and what it’s like every day. Plus, you can connect with other parents who have PPD and know how it feels, even if their symptoms are different. Ask your local hospital, doctor, or obstetrician for help finding one in your area to help with your long-term healing.

Handling stress and feeling good emotionally

Besides having people who support you, there are some things you can do for yourself to handle stress and feel better emotionally. If PPD symptoms or other mental health problems don’t go away, it’s important to get professional help.

Lifestyle changes that can help with postpartum depression

The physical and emotional parts of being a new parent can really wear you out. But there are a few things you can do at home to fight symptoms:

Ask your partner to take an overnight feeding so you can get some real sleep
Plan regular exercise
Go for walks in the sun
Pay attention to what you eat
Avoid using drugs or alcohol
Eat a piece of dark chocolate
Do a puzzle
Write in a journal
Spend time outside
Make a scrapbook about your new baby or child

Getting mental health help for postnatal depression

Sometimes, simply changing your habits isn’t enough, and your support system doesn’t quite cut it. When this happens, talking to a licensed therapist about your symptoms can be helpful. Therapy and counseling, including cognitive behavioral therapy, can be a good way to handle PPD, and a therapist can be there for you through the whole thing. Professional care has been proven to really help with PPD. It can also help you manage stress and get better at handling your emotions, as well as other mental health issues.

If you’re having trouble finding a professional nearby, you might also like working with someone on an online therapy platform like Shroom Homies. A trained online counselor can help you figure out why you’re feeling how you are, offer advice on how to deal with those feelings, and coach you on ways to improve specific parts of your life affected by PPD. It can be hard to make time for yourself when you have a newborn, so online therapy gets rid of that problem. You can make appointments when your baby might be sleeping, and you can attend from the comfort of your home.

The key takeaway

You don’t have to cope with postpartum depression (PPD) alone. There are lots of resources available, like the National Institute of Mental Health and Postpartum Support International. PPD is a common mental illness often caused by things you can’t control. If you’re struggling after having a baby or adopting a child, think about getting support for how you feel and your mental health. You can start feeling better by reaching out to an online or in-person therapist for more guidance.

What is Postpartum Depression, and How to Cope With Symptoms