Postpartum depression is an experience of sadness, loneliness, hopelessness, loss of interest, anger, difficulty bonding with your baby, that goes beyond the “baby blues” in both intensity and duration.

While the “baby blues” usually occur within the first two weeks postpartum, postpartum depression can begin in the last months of pregnancy and last much longer. The “baby blues” tend to involve moments of sadness, surprising mood changes, and loneliness that you can distract yourself from or pass on their own. Whereas postpartum depression takes up much more space and can last years*.

*Not everyone experiences PPD for this long. Treatments have shown to reduce the time a person experiences PPD.

About 1 in 7 every gestational parents will experience postpartum depression. It is believed that this number is likely much higher, as this is only based on what gets reported.

About 10% of non-gestational parents will experience a postpartum mood disorder, including postpartum depression.

Any person who is in the role of caregiver to a new child can develop postpartum depression.

While we don’t know the exact cause of any postpartum mood disorder here are some of the things we do know:

-It is not your fault, and it is not a reflection on your parenting ability

-There are factors that increase the likelihood of developing a postpartum mood disorder: family and or personal history of depression, anxiety, or OCD; Economic disparities, relationships challenges, and birth trauma.

-Postpartum mood disorders are treatable, and parent child bonding can succeed.

Postpartum depression can be treated through medication, talk therapy, and …. or a combination thereof.

There are lifestyle changes that can also help support a return to the person you want to be.

Forth Trimester Therapy provides talk therapy. As well as referrals, when needed.