More Than Just the Baby Blues: Postpartum Depression 

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When a baby is born, many assume that the birthing parent will be nothing less than overjoyed. However, it is more typical for birthing parents to experience a range of complex emotions after bringing a baby into the world. When these emotions become predominantly negative and longstanding, leaving parents feeling like they don’t know what to do, where to turn, or whom to ask for help, they may be experiencing Postpartum Depression (PPD).

There has been a steady increase in attention on PPD over the past two decades. There are two reasons for this. First, it was officially recognized as a distinct mental illness in the late 1990s which led to an increase in the science and literature on the subject. Second, celebrities have begun to speak out about their experiences with PPD, which may have eliminated some of the shame around the subject and helped others understand their own experience.  But what actually is Postpartum Depression? 

What Does PPD Look Like?

Many are familiar with the “baby blues”, or a two-week period after delivery where a birthing parent’s mood may be lower than normal due to a drop in hormones. This may look like intense crying, an increase in anger or anxiety, and feelings of sadness. The key is that whatever the symptoms are, they only last for a short time. Postpartum depression on the other hand tends to be more severe and long-lasting. Some of the symptoms of postpartum depression include: 

  • Feelings of anger or irritability

  • Lack of interest in the baby

  • Crying and sadness

  • Feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness

  • Loss of interest, joy, or pleasure in things that you used to find enjoyable

  • Possible thoughts of harming the baby or yourself

If you identify with any of these symptoms, the first thing to realize is that you are not alone….1 in 7 women and 1 in 10 men experience postpartum depression. These numbers may even be an underestimation, as experts agree that PPD is often under diagnosed because those who endure it may be too ashamed to seek help.  There is help though! 

Ways to get Help 

  1. Build A Support Network

    1. New parenthood can be a very isolating time, so reach out! If you do not have close friends or family nearby, consider trying baby and toddler classes, join a local parent Facebook group, or download apps like Peanut that can connect you with other parents.

  1. Take Care of Yourself

    1. So much of new parenthood is an identity shift, so finding ways to connect back to the “you before parenthood'' is critical in helping to cope with the postpartum period. This may look like, getting out in the sunshine, pampering yourself, exercising (when medically appropriate), or watching a favorite TV show. Whatever “it” is, finding space to have “you” time is incredibly important.

  1. Psychotherapy and Medication

    1. Therapists can help an individual better understand their depression and also provide tools and skills that can help a person better cope with the postpartum period. Here at Therapists of New York there are clinicians specifically trained to work with individuals who are experiencing postpartum depression.

    2. If the depression is very severe a doctor may suggest antidepressants in addition to therapy to help combat the symptoms.

Resources and Ways to Learn More & Find Help

  1. Postpartum Support International - https://www.postpartum.net/

  2. Postpartum Progress - https://postpartumprogress.com/


If you’d like to seek out help for postpartum depression at Therapist of New York, contact us here. You can also read more on how we work here.