How Long Does Postpartum Depression Last?

Pregnancy and childbirth put your body through massive changes over a short period of time. It’s natural for you to feel emotional, fatigued, worried, excited, and every other emotion out there. 

Your hormone levels have gone up and down like a yo-yo, you’re functioning on very little sleep, and your body has just grown and delivered another human being. It's natural to feel emotional. But, if you feel deeply depressed, and those around you have noticed, you could be suffering from postpartum depression.

Dr. Hina Sidhu at Revîv Functional Psychiatry & TMS Wellness Center understands the subtle differences between the typical and temporary mood swings of new mothers and clinical postpartum depression. She'll help you navigate this confusing condition with care and compassion.

The truth about postpartum depression

Because every woman is different, and the severity and duration of postpartum depression depends on so many variables, there's no standard answer to how long it will last. One thing is for sure: You will overcome it quicker if you seek help from a medical professional like Dr. Sidhu.

Clinical postpartum depression does not generally go away on its own, so it’s important to get help. Of the women who experience postpartum depression and try to self-treat or wait out the symptoms, 30% are still depressed after three years. Of those who get medical help, half overcome their symptoms within a year.

The baby blues and postpartum depression compared

It’s normal to go through a gamut of feelings after birthing a baby. Because of that, it can be difficult to tell whether you're experiencing baby blues or something more serious. What makes it more challenging is that both conditions share some of the same symptoms.

Here are the symptoms common to both baby blues and postpartum depression:

• Crying without reason
• Easily annoyed
• Anxiousness
• Fatigue

Symptoms exclusive to postpartum depression, include:

• Sadness
• Helplessness and hopelessness
• Thoughts of inadequacy
• Thoughts about harming the baby
• No interest in the baby
• Decreased appetite

If you’re experiencing any of these postpartum depression symptoms, particularly if they last more than a couple of weeks after delivery, come see Dr. Sidhu right away.

The impact of postpartum depression on your baby

The first moments, days, weeks, and months between a mother and her baby are critical to healthy bonding. The longer you wait to seek professional help for your postpartum depression, the higher the risk to you and your child.

Studies show that children of women who go through postpartum depression don’t perform as well as others in school. They're twice as likely to score lower on math tests, act out with bad behavior, and are more susceptible to depression by the time they reach 18.

The good news is that your postpartum depression is treatable.  

Speed up your recovery from postpartum depression

Treating and recovering from depression takes time, patience, and diligence, but you can and will get there. Here are a few things you can do to make sure you get better faster.

Get early treatment

The sooner you start addressing your symptoms, the sooner you’ll recover from them.

Choose the right doctor

Do your research and select an expert like Dr. Sidhu.

Be your own advocate

Speak up if your treatment doesn’t feel right or if it’s not working.

Get your affairs in order

Your home and work life play huge roles in your recovery. If the people or environments in your life are not supportive and healthy, make changes.

Take your medicine

The medications Dr. Sidhu may prescribe are critical to your recovery, but they won’t work if you don’t take them.

Keep your appointments

Psychotherapy or counseling sessions are proven treatment methods in postpartum depression cases. Don’t skip your appointments!

If you’re suffering from extended baby blues and think you might have postpartum depression, contact us today to make an appointment with Dr. Sidhu.