What is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious mood disorder. Women who develop PPD have feelings of intense sadness, worry and exhaustion following childbirth. PPD is extremely common. Approximately one in seven women can expect to experience depression in the year following childbirth. Fortunately, this disorder is treatable.

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Do I have PPD?

There is not one universal way doctors diagnose postpartum depression. However, various signs, symptoms and assessments can confirm if you are suffering from PPD and reveal the severity of your condition.

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Is there a way out?

Postpartum depression is treatable. A combination of therapy and medications can be useful in helping you manage your PPD symptoms and overcome your condition. With treatment, you can end your battle with PPD.

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How can I get help?

Postpartum depression is a confusing and often debilitating disease. Treatment can help you manage symptoms, but support options can help you cope with the mental and emotional turmoil that comes with PPD.

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About Postpartum Depression (PPD)

Postpartum depression (PPD) creates feelings of anxiety and depression. PPD also hinders a mother’s ability to care for her child after birth. Learn about the basics of PPD.

What is PPD?

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious mood disorder that affects women after childbirth. Postpartum depression creates feelings of sadness, anxiety, depression and exhaustion. Learn the basics of postpartum depression.

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What causes PPD?

Postpartum depression has physical and emotional causes. The drastic hormonal changes a mother experiences following childbirth, birth complications and genetic predisposition are common causes of the disorder.

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PPD Signs & Symptoms

If you believe that you or a loved one is suffering from postpartum depression, it is helpful to learn about the signs and symptoms. Common signs of PPD include changes in personality, mood and behaviors.

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Types of PPD

Postpartum depression does not always equate to sadness. There are multiple types of PPD with varying degrees of severity. Each type has unique risk factors, signs, symptoms, treatments and progressions.

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Support for Loved Ones

It can be extremely difficult to watch someone struggle with postpartum depression. You may feel shocked, confused or helpless. These are natural reactions when the mental and emotional well-being of your loved one is at stake. Learn how you can help your loved one and get the support you need.

Husbands

It can be extremely painful for husbands or partners to watch their wife struggling with postpartum depression. Numerous support resources are available to husbands who are struggling to cope with their wife’s condition.

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Parents

Parents may feel overwhelmed as they work to determine the best way to help their daughter who is struggling with PPD. Parents can show support by offering to help, staying in touch and more.

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In-Laws

It is normal for in-laws to feel concern for their daughter-in-law upon a PPD diagnosis, as well as worry for their own child and their grandchildren. Staying connected can help in-laws understand and support their daughter-in-law, child and grandchildren.

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Siblings

Siblings may find it difficult to cope if their sister is experiencing postpartum depression. Understanding the disorder and knowing the resources available to mothers can help siblings offer support.

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Treatment and Recovery

Postpartum depression treatments generally include a combination of therapy with a psychiatrist or psychologist and prescription medications such as antidepressants. Learn about available treatment options and long-term recovery.

Therapy

Therapy is just one aspect of effective postpartum depression treatment. Therapy is essential to recovery because it helps mothers address and manage the symptoms and underlying causes of their condition.

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Medication

Medications significantly help reduce and manage postpartum depression symptoms. Antidepressants are often prescribed by a licensed health care provider to treat PPD.

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Long-Term Recovery

It is important to remember that recovering from postpartum depression takes time, but it is almost always possible. Long-term recovery may involve ongoing treatment, family support, coping skills and regular self-care.

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Psychologist vs Psychiatrist

Both psychologists and psychiatrists provide mental health support to mothers struggling with PPD. However, the approaches and limitations of these professionals are different. Learn about the pros and cons for both.

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Learn More About How PPD is Treated

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Read Our PPD Story

Why We Started PostpartumDepression.org

PostpartumDepression.org was founded and inspired by Chris and Jenna Carberg. In just two short days following the birth of their daughter Elsie, Chris began to see changes in his wife’s mood and behavior. Following a postpartum depression diagnosis, the couple has made it their mission to encourage women and educate families.

Read Our PPD Story

Postpartum Depression Quiz

There are ways to help predict whether or not you are at risk of developing postpartum depression. Postpartum depression and its many types are serious conditions. It is important to recognize signs, symptoms and risk factors as soon as possible.

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Quote from Gwyneth Paltrow, Actress
“When my son, Moses, came into the world in 2006, I expected to have another period of euphoria following his birth. Instead, I was confronted with one of the darkest and most painfully debilitating chapters of my life.”