What Is Postpartum Depression? Signs, Symptoms & Help

November 26, 2025 General /Family

What Is Postpartum Depression?

Having a baby can bring big changes.
Moms and dads often feel joy, love, and excitement. But sometimes, they can feel sad, worried, or alone. If these feelings don’t go away, it may be something more serious – it may be postpartum depression, which is depression that happens after a baby is born.

Postpartum depression can happen for many reasons. If you’re struggling, it’s important to know you did not cause this, and it is not in any way your fault.

Lots of changes happen after a baby is born that may impact how you feel:

Both Moms and Dads Can Have Postpartum Depression.

It can look or feel different for moms than it does for dads.

For Moms

Postpartum depression often begins during pregnancy or in the first few weeks after baby is born. Moms with a history of depression or anxiety, or a lack of support are at greater risk of
postpartum depression.

For Dads

Postpartum depression may start later – often 3–6 months after baby is born, but it can happen anytime in the first year. Dads are at greater risk for postpartum depression if they have a partner with postpartum depression, have a personal history of past mental health struggles, or if they are under financial stress.

Signs of Postpartum Depression

Here are more signs of postpartum depression and what it might look like for moms compared to dads:

Changes You Might Notice	Moms	Dads


Mood	Sad Crying a lot Feeling hopeless or guilty	Angry Stressed Easily frustrated

Connection to Baby	Hard time bonding or feeling close to the baby	Feeling distant from baby or partner Avoiding baby care

Energy & Sleep	Feeling very tired Trouble sleeping even when baby sleeps	Tired from lack of sleep May spend more time at work or away

Eating & Physical Body Feelings	Eating too little or too much May have body aches and pains	Changes in eating Stomach problems Headaches

Ability to Focus	Trouble thinking clearly or making decisions	Hard to focus Less interest in work or home life

Social Life	Pulls away from family and friends Loses interest in hobbies	Pulls away socially May drink or use substances more Withdrawing from family

Anxiety	Feeling very anxious or like a "bad mom"	Worries about money or providing for family More irritable

Serious Thoughts of Harm	May think about harming self or baby	May feel trapped and think about running away May think about self-harm
Serious Thoughts of Harm	If you have serious thoughts of harming yourself, your baby, or others, get help right away.

If you or someone you love shows any of these signs, it’s important to reach out for help. Getting help right away will benefit you, your baby, and the rest of your family.

How to Feel Better

There are things you can try that may help, like:

Talking with someone you trust — a partner, friend, or family member.

Let them know how you feel. Others care about you and want to help, even if it’s just to listen.

Making rest a priority.

Sleep when you can. Ask for help with caring for your baby so you can rest – even if just for an hour or so.

Getting outside.

Go for a walk, breathe fresh air, and move your body a little. As little as 15 minutes outside can refresh your mood.

Eating well and staying hydrated.

Try to eat regular meals with a variety of foods you enjoy. Drink plenty of water every day to help fight fatigue and irritability – which are both signs of dehydration.

Finding time for things you enjoy.

Even simple things like listening to music, reading a book or favorite blog, or taking a relaxing bath. Schedule a bit of time each day to do something just for you.

Talking with a doctor, nurse, or mental health professional.

Sometimes feeling better requires therapy (“talking help”) or medicine. A mental health care provider can help you find ways to manage your feelings or may recommend medication to help you feel more like yourself again.

When to Get Help

If things don’t improve or start to feel worse instead of better, get help right away from a licensed medical provider. Especially if you feel:

Where to Find Help

The following are trusted resources that offer information and support to help.

Postpartum Support International (PSI)

PSI offers support to parents and families suffering from postpartum depression, anxiety, and distress.

NIH Action Plan for Depression & Anxiety During Pregnancy and After Birth

The National Institutes of Health has an Action Plan to help moms and dads see signs of depression or anxiety before or after baby arrives. It includes what to watch for, how to take care of yourself, and when to reach out for help.

You Are Not Alone

Postpartum depression can feel very scary. But you are not alone. Many moms and dads feel this way. It can get better with help. You deserve support, care, and kindness – for yourself and your family.

If you or your partner aren’t feeling like yourself after the baby arrives, reach out. Talk, call, or ask for help. The sooner you get help, the sooner you can begin to feel better.

REFERENCES:

Cleveland Clinic. Dehydration and mental health: what’s the connection? (2025, March 28).
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/dehydration-and-affect-on-mental-health

Cleveland Clinic. How the outdoors can improve your mood. (2024, April 9).
https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2024/04/09/how-the-outdoors-can-improve-your-mood

Mayo Clinic. Postpartum depression. (2022, November 24).
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376623

Office on Women’s Health. Postpartum Depression. (2023, October 17).
https://womenshealth.gov/mental-health/mental-health-conditions/postpartum-depression

National Institute of Mental Health. Perinatal Depression. (2023).
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/perinatal-depression

Postpartum Support International. Help For Dads. (2025).
https://postpartum.net/get-help/help-for-dads/

Postpartum Support International. Get Help. (2025).
https://postpartum.net/get-help/

Postpartum Support International. Contact the PSI HelpLine. (2025).
https://postpartum.net/get-help/psi-helpline/

Postpartum Support International. Online Provider Directory. (2025).
https://postpartum.net/get-help/provider-directory/

Postpartum Support International. Find an Online Support Group. (2025).
https://postpartum.net/get-help/psi-online-support-meetings/

National Institutes of Health. Action Plan for Depression and Anxiety During Pregnancy and After Birth. (2022, June 2).
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/ncmhep/initiatives/moms-mental-health-matters/moms/action-plan

Author: Amanda Hojnacki