Navigating Postpartum Depression

Available with English captions and subtitles in Spanish.

It’s not unusual for new mothers to feel sad, anxious, or overwhelmed after giving birth, but these so-called baby blues typically last no more than a week or two. For some women, however, the psychological impacts of childbirth can be both more severe and longer lasting, resulting in a condition known as postpartum depression, or PPD.

So what causes PPD and how is it diagnosed? Why are many women reluctant to seek treatment for it? And what can loved ones and professionals do to support someone who is struggling?

Audience Questions

Jennifer L. Payne, MD, breaks down the distinctions between common baby blues and postpartum depression, offers tips around proper diagnosis and how to find the right support, and explores how new research could help identify women at risk of developing PPD.

  • What is the difference between “baby blues” and postpartum depression (PPD)?
  • Can you give us a working definition of PPD?
  • How long does PPD usually last, and when does it typically start?
  • What do we know about what causes PPD?
  • How do hormonal factors affect the development of PPD?
  • Can you explain what a biomarker is, and how it might help identify who’s at risk for PPD?
  • Could biomarkers also help identify risk factors for other mental health conditions?
  • What factors might suggest a woman is at higher risk for PPD?
  • Do you need a previous diagnosis of major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder to be diagnosed with PPD?
  • What early warning signs should someone look out for when it comes to PPD?
  • How can a new mom know when it’s time to reach out for professional help—and what might make that step so challenging?
  • Is there a common assessment tool that clinicians use to check for PPD?
  • What should someone do in a moment of crisis related to PPD?
  • Once PPD is diagnosed, what are the next steps in getting treatment?
  • How often does postpartum anxiety co-occur with PPD?
  • How does stigma impact someone’s willingness to seek treatment for PPD? Is shame or fear of judgment a common barrier?
  • Is the stigma around PPD improving as people talk about it more?
  • What does cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) typically look like for someone with PPD?
  • Can couples therapy be part of the treatment plan for PPD?
  • What should a partner or loved one do if they notice troubling changes in a new mom? How can they encourage her to get help?
  • Is there research on PPD and homicidal thoughts? What warning signs should people be aware of?
  • Does caring for both a newborn and older children raise the risk of developing PPD?
  • How treatable is PPD?
  • How long does PPD treatment typically take?
  • What are the risks of leaving PPD untreated—for both the mother and the baby?
  • Does having OCD before childbirth increase the risk of developing PPD?
  • What are your thoughts on using dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to treat PPD?
  • What would you say to a woman who’s afraid to seek help because she worries about losing her child?
  • What proactive steps can someone take to prevent PPD—especially if they know they’re at higher risk of developing it?
  • How can biomarkers help guide proactive strategies for PPD?
  • Can partners also experience PPD?
  • If a woman has a history of depression and experiences PPD once, how likely is it that she’ll experience it again in a future pregnancy?
  • How can family, friends, and the community support a mother going through PPD?
  • When should a clinician consider referring a patient with PPD to a specialist?
  • What kinds of questions can a new mom ask to make sure their clinician is the right fit?
  • How common is it for postpartum psychosis to occur alongside PPD?
  • What can someone do if they feel their provider isn’t taking their PPD concerns seriously? How can they advocate for themselves?
  • What role does sleep play in the well-being of someone with PPD, and what else can support recovery alongside professional care?
  • If someone experiences a stillbirth and develops depression, how is that typically diagnosed—as PPD or major depressive disorder?
  • How much does birth trauma increase the risk of PPD?
  • Is substance misuse more common in moms struggling with PPD?
  • How does breastfeeding fit into the conversation around postpartum mental health?
  • Can you talk about the positive results you’ve seen in people with PPD who have received proper treatment?

The information discussed is intended to be educational and should not be used as a substitute for guidance provided by your health care provider. Please consult with your treatment team before making any changes to your care plan.

Resources

You may also find this information useful:

About Dr. Payne

Jennifer L. Payne, MD, is the vice chair of research and a professor at the University of Virginia in the Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, as well as the director of UVA’s Reproductive Psychiatry Research Program.

She has been conducting clinical research for the past 20 years, with a particular emphasis in perinatal psychiatry. Her interests also include defining best practices for management of psychiatric disorders in pregnancy and postpartum.

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