Postpartum Depression Symptoms And When To Seek Help

Postpartum depression isn't just feeling depressed after giving birth—it is part of a broader issue: emotional complications during the perinatal period, which begins during pregnancy and continues up to one year postpartum.

Postpartum depression is a subset of perinatal depression, which can occur during or after pregnancy. It is characterized by persistent low moods, lack of motivation, and other symptoms similar to non-pregnancy-related depression. These symptoms significantly impact daily functioning, making caring for yourself and your baby difficult.

Postpartum Depression vs. Baby Blues

Postpartum depression is different from the baby blues. Baby blues occur in up to 90 percent of new mothers and are characterized by emotional ups and downs, whereas postpartum depression primarily involves consistent low moods.

Baby blues are common and almost expected after childbirth. They begin shortly after delivery and resolve on their own within two weeks. Anything lasting beyond two weeks is likely postpartum depression, which is more severe, with intense low moods and a profound lack of motivation that can persist for up to a year.

Postpartum depression can begin as early as within the first 72 hours after delivery. For some women, their first episode of postpartum depression may mark the beginning of recurring depression that will come back in the future, lasting months to years at a time.

Postpartum Depression Isn't Always Immediate

Another key point is that postpartum depression doesn't always start immediately after childbirth. You may feel happy and emotionally stable for months right after giving birth, and postpartum depression could hit you several months after.

Any depression that develops within a year of giving birth is considered postpartum depression, regardless of when it begins.

Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression

Several factors can increase the risk of postpartum depression, including:

• A prior history of depression: Increases the likelihood of perinatal depression, which may begin during pregnancy. Giving birth will also heighten the risk of future depressive or manic episodes for the rest of your life.
• A history of bipolar disorder: Not only raises the risk of postpartum depression but also increases the chance of triggering bipolar episodes for life after childbirth by 25% to 40%.
• Postpartum psychosis risk: Women with a history of bipolar disorder are also at greater risk for postpartum psychosis. In this severe condition, irrational thinking may lead to self-harm or harm to others.
• Family history of perinatal emotional complications
• A history of Asthma: Recent studies have found that women with any form of asthma are 58% more likely to develop postpartum depression, and childbirth may worsen existing asthma.
• A prior history of mood swings during menstruation: If you frequently experience mood swings during your menstrual cycle (or if you used to in the past), you are more likely to develop perinatal depression.
• Multiple pregnancies The risk of postpartum and perinatal depression increases with each pregnancy.
• Thyroid disease
• Stress during pregnancy
• Alcohol and drug use
• Other medical complications

There is no single cause of postpartum depression. No one knows what causes it, and more research is needed. What we know for now is that genetics and a combination of different physical and emotional factors increases your risk of suffering from postpartum depression.

However, these risk factors are not absolute. Women–especially moms– are generally more prone to depressive episodes than other individuals, even if they have no identifiable risk factors.

Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Postpartum depression symptoms generally have the same symptoms as depression that is not perinatal or related to pregnancy and usually include:

• Persistent fatigue
• Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and being overwhelmed
• Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
• Crying more than usual
• Irritability
• Trouble sleeping even when the baby is asleep
• Poor or no appetite
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Little or no interest in the baby
• Feeling anger when looking at the baby
• Thoughts of self-harm or harming others
• Suicidal thoughts

These symptoms can range from mild to severe. If your postpartum depression symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, you need to consult with your primary healthcare provider immediately for a diagnosis.

What to Do Next if You Have Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

If you suspect you have postpartum depression, you can take the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, a short screening test used in research by some doctors to assess postpartum depression.

The test is short and can be taken at home. If your score is high, send the results to your doctor.

Treatment for Postpartum Depression

The treatment for postpartum depression is typically a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and psychosocial support from your partner, family, and peers.

Every case of postpartum depression is unique. The specific treatment plan—including the most suitable medication—should be determined through a discussion with your doctor.

Final Thoughts

Postpartum depression, along with perinatal depression and its emotional complications, is widespread, affecting at least 15% of women. Keep in mind that these statistics only reflect diagnosed cases—many more mothers go undiagnosed.

Yet, discussions about postpartum depression are not quite as common as they should be due to the limited research surrounding it. Additionally, many mothers experience shame and guilt because it contradicts society's expectation that having a baby should bring nothing but joy.

In Philippine society, where mental health issues are still stigmatized, and motherhood is highly glorified, Filipina mothers suffering from postpartum depression often dismiss their struggles as mere "baby blues" or remain silent for fear of being judged.

As a result, many women do not receive the care and treatment they need, prolonging their suffering in silence. If you are suffering from any of the postpartum depression symptoms we listed, seek help from your primary healthcare provider immediately and communicate with your partner and family about how they can best support you and your baby.