How long does postpartum depression last?

Birthgivers may experience mood changes, anxiety, and tearfulness following childbirth. However, for some, these symptoms may become more persistent and severe, which could indicate postpartum, or postnatal, depression.
Postpartum depression usually begins within the first 3 months after giving birth, according to a 2014 review of clinical studies. According to the authors, it can remain a long term problem for some women, especially if they do not receive treatment.
Postpartum depression
review
According to the National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH), almost 15% of women experience postpartum depression after giving birth, which equates to about 1 in 7 women.
15%
1 in 7
Postpartum depression is a serious mental illness. It is different than the “baby blues,” which is a feeling of sadness, fatigue, and anxiety that affects up to 80% of women after having a baby. The baby blues usually go away within 3–5 days.
fatigue
anxiety
up to 80%
3–5 days
Being aware of the signs of depression can help people get appropriate treatment.
depression
How long does it last?
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Without treatment, postpartum depression can last for months or even years. However, effective treatment is available that can help women manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
The Office on Women’s Health advise women who have recently had a baby to seek help for postpartum depression if they experience persistent feelings of emptiness, sadness, or flatness for more than 2 weeks.
2 weeks
The researchers behind a review of studies looking at risk factors that make some women more prone than others to persistent postpartum depression found that the symptoms of postpartum depression often decreased over time. However, the results also suggested that 38% of women with postpartum depression experienced chronic symptoms and ongoing depression.
38%
About 50% of the women who were receiving medical care for depression continued to experience symptoms more than 1 year after childbirth.
Of those with postpartum depression who were not receiving clinical treatment, 30% still had symptoms of depression up to 3 years after giving birth.
Risk factors
It is important to understand that neither the baby blues nor postpartum depression is due to anything that the woman has done. It is a common problem that many women experience, and it does not mean that they are bad mothers.
Some factors do appear to increase the risk of postpartum depression.
They include having:
depression before or during pregnancy
a history of bipolar disorder or depression
bipolar disorder
a family member with a diagnosis of depression or mental illness
experienced a stressful life event around the time of pregnancy, such as domestic violence, a bereavement, a job loss, or illness
a lack of support from a partner or other loved ones
medical complications during the delivery
a preterm birth or a child with a health condition
mixed feelings about the pregnancy
an alcohol or drug use disorder
Researchers have also identified some risk factors for long term postpartum depression, noting that it is often a continuation of preexisting depression, rather than a new set of symptoms that starts at delivery.
identified
Other factors that appeared to play a role include:
a poor relationship with a partner
stress
stress
a history of sexual abuse
Some studies suggested that depression was more likely to affect women who are young, on a low income, or from a minority background, but the data were less consistent for these findings.
Ill health in the child did not seem to increase the risk of long term postpartum depression.
The researchers urged doctors to be ready to spot the signs that postpartum depression is becoming chronic and to take into account the wider factors that may contribute to depression.
They also called for further studies on the causes of postpartum depression and its likely duration.
Symptoms
The symptoms of postpartum depression include:
include
feeling sad, worried, anxious, and overwhelmed
having fears of not being able to love or look after the baby
crying more than usual
feeling moody, restless, or angry
difficulty sleeping
eating too much or too little
experiencing aches and pains, including headaches, without a clear reason
headaches
social isolation and avoiding activities that used to be enjoyable
thoughts of self-harming or harming the baby
difficulty taking care of herself, the baby, and the family
feelings of worthlessness or guilt
difficulty focusing and making decisions
difficulty focusing
If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:
Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
Listen to the person without judgment.
Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects if it’s safe to do so.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Find more links and local resources.
Find more links and local resources.
Treatment
Anyone who has concerns about how they are feeling after giving birth should see a doctor, who will be able to offer effective treatment. The treatment options may include:
Medication: A doctor may prescribe an antidepressant, such as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). They will work with the individual to establish a suitable dosage. Once they achieve this, the woman may continue to use the medication for 6–12 months. The doctor will also discuss how the medication may affect breastfeeding.
antidepressant
serotonin
6–12 months
Transcranial magnetic stimulation: This treatment uses magnetic waves to stimulate and activate nerve cells. It is noninvasive and will not interfere with breastfeeding. Doctors usually give this treatment five times a week for 4–6 weeks.
4–6 weeks
Counseling: Attending cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) sessions may also help, especially if a woman does this in combination with other treatments.
cognitive behavioral therapy
An individual can also take some steps at home that may help bring relief.
These include:
include
getting as much rest as possible
asking others to help with tasks, if possible
resisting the urge to try to do everything perfectly
spending time with friends and other family members
sharing their feelings with others
joining a local support group
getting some exercise, for example, walking outside with the baby in a stroller
some exercise,
It is also a good idea to avoid making significant life changes around this time, as they can add to the stress.
Click here to get some tips on how to cope with postpartum depression.
Click here
Effect on the child
Postpartum depression can affect the early relationship between a mother and her child.
According to the Office on Women’s Health, a child may experience the following if their mother has untreated depression:
Office on Women’s Health
problems with learning and language development
behavioral issues
more frequent crying
agitation and stress
growth problems
a higher risk of obesity
obesity
difficulty adjusting to social situations and school life
Seeking help for depression can help protect the well-being of both the mother and the child.
Outlook
Postpartum depression affects many women after delivery. Without treatment, it can persist for months or even years. However, treatment can help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
Anyone who has concerns about their feelings should speak to a healthcare professional or doctor. A trusted friend or family member can often assist in getting help if the woman does not feel that she can do this alone.
Seeking treatment for postpartum depression can bring benefits for the woman, baby, and wider family in the long term.