Frequently Asked Questions about Postpartum Depression

What is postpartum depression?
Many women don’t know that postpartum depression is only one in a wider spectrum of perinatal disorders.  Not everyone experiences the deep sadness and disconnection of postpartum depression.

What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?

• Appetite and sleep problems.
• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions.
• Lack of interest in the baby.
• Withdrawal from interacting with others.
• Sadness and crying.
• The constant feeling of being overwhelmed.
• Possible thoughts of harming oneself or running away and escaping.

How do I know if I have one of the symptoms?
There are many different symptoms and you may have only some of them.  These are not one-size-fits-all illnesses – every mom is an individual.  If you have some of the symptoms listed, and have had them for two weeks or more, call your doctor.  What you are going through is temporary and treatable with professional help. This can be fixed.

What is the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression?
Baby blues is a normal adjustment period that happens during the first two weeks after the birth of your baby.  It is not an illness, and lots of women go through it.  It goes away on its own, and doesn’t require help from a doctor.  If you are past the first two weeks postpartum and you have symptoms of postpartum depression and they are preventing you from functioning as you would like each day, you should reach out to your doctor. 

Can you get postpartum depression or anxiety much later after the birth of your child?
Postpartum depression can occur any time in the first 12 months after birth. Also, you can get postpartum depression with any child, regardless of whether it is your first or fifth or somewhere in between.

How long does it take to recover from postpartum depression?
There is no specific timetable for getting better and you’ll only frustrate yourself if you create one or compare yourself to others.  As long as you are working closely with your doctor and therapist you can get better.