Introduction
Just had a baby, and you feel like crying all the time? It might be the baby blues, but sometimes it’s something more serious – Postpartum Depression (PPD), and it’s important to know the difference.
Baby Blues only lasts for a few days and generally resolves on its own, but Postpartum Mood Disorders are much more severe and often require professional treatment.
It would be safe to assume that Baby Blues is the precursor to Postpartum Depression, but fathers may also develop PPD, and we explore this in more detail below.
In this article, we discuss the different postpartum mood disorders in more detail so that you know when it’s time to seek help.
What are Postpartum Mood Disorders or PMADs?
Definition
Most people only know about Baby Blues (some don’t even know about Postpartum Depression), but there are actually 7 types of Postpartum Mood Disorders.
Doctors believe that PMADs are caused by the combined effects of sleep deprivation, stress, anxiety, hormones and genetic predisposition to mood disorders.
What causes Postpartum Mood Disorders?
In most cases, PMADs are caused by:
- High-level stress
- Past traumas or traumatic birth experiences
- OCD or obsessive thinking patterns
- Social isolation
- Lack of support from family and friends
- Financial stress
- Genetic factors
- Preexisting depression or anxiety
- Sleep deprivation
- Slow recovery from childbirth
- Babies with special needs
- Struggling with breastfeeding
And more…
What are the Main Symptoms of Postpartum Mood Disorders?
Up to 1 in every 5 women will be affected by at least one of these disorders, experiencing mild to severe symptoms, including:
- Extreme mood swings
- Hallucinations
- Chaotic thought patterns
- High-level anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Intrusive thoughts
- Manic episodes
What are the 7 Types of Postpartum Mood Disorders?
Postpartum Depression and Baby Blues are two of the most common Postpartum Mood Disorders, but there are others, such as:
- Postpartum Psychosis (PPP): Hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, confusion. Rare, but severe.
- Postpartum Rage: Sudden, intense outbursts of anger, extreme irritability. Often triggered by depression or exhaustion.
- Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PPTSD): when a traumatic childbirth experience causes flashbacks, nightmares and avoidant behaviours.
- Postpartum Bipolar Disorder: when preexisting bipolar disorder becomes more severe and causes extreme mood swings, mania and depressive episodes.
- Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (POCD): when you have intrusive thoughts (e.g. harming your baby) with obsessive behaviours to prevent those thoughts.
- Postpartum Anxiety (PPA): uncontrollable fears and excessive concern about your baby, restlessness, irrational thinking.
- Postpartum Depression (PPD): intense sadness, fatigue, anxiety, emotional numbness, hopelessness and lack of self-care. Severe cases may cause suicidal thoughts.
While Baby Blues is not a mood disorder, it can progress into something more severe if symptoms do not improve within 2 weeks.
In this article, we will be focusing only on Postpartum Depression and Baby Blues, but if you suspect you may be suffering from any of the above, please call your doctor immediately.
What is Baby Blues?
Definition
The “Baby Blues” refers to how mothers become moody, irritable, sad and anxious shortly after having a baby, usually for up to 2 weeks.
Studies suggest that 80% of mothers get Baby Blues as it is a common, temporary period of emotional sensitivity and instability caused by a sudden drop in estrogen and progesterone.
Why Do Baby Blues Happen?
The combination of sleep deprivation, hormones, intense emotions and physical discomfort after having a baby causes Baby Blues.
The first trigger is sudden hormonal changes, followed by accumulative sleep deprivation, which triggers a stress response inside the body.
Taking care of a newborn is physically and emotionally demanding, and recovery takes time. On top of that, some mothers struggle with breastfeeding and still need to juggle house chores with financial pressure.
When do Baby Blues Start?
For most moms, Baby Blues starts around 2-3 days postpartum and last for a few days, up to 2 weeks at most.
Common Symptoms of Baby Blues
If you notice any of the following shortly after having a baby, it may be a sign that you have Baby Blues:
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Mood swings
- Crying spells
- Getting overwhelmed easily
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory loss
- Decision fatigue
As long as you get plenty of rest and take time to recover, Baby Blues symptoms generally resolve within a few days as your hormones begin to stabilise.
What Is Postpartum Depression?
Definition
Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a serious mental health condition that develops during pregnancy or within the first year of having a baby, which causes intense anxiety, sadness and fatigue.
It is important to know that PPD is treatable, but if left untreated, your symptoms may worsen and the condition will progress into something more severe (and potentially dangerous).
Most people think that PPD only affects women, but you should know that many fathers also develop PPD, but it shows up differently in men.
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression in Women
In women, the most common PPD symptoms are:
- Social isolation
- Struggling to bond with your baby
- Withdrawing from your partner
- Loss of interest in life and hobbies
- Lack of self-care
- Eating too much or too little
- Insomnia or sleeping too much
- Extreme fatigue and exhaustion
- Excessive mood swings
- Feeling hopeless, numb and empty
- Irritability, anger and sometimes rage
- Anxiety, panic attacks and fear
- Guilt, shame and feeling worthless
- Intrusive thoughts about harming yourself or your baby
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression in Men
When men get PPD, they may experience the following symptoms:
- Intense irritability, anger and frustration
- Becoming cynical and avoidant
- Hopelessness
- Withdrawing from partner, family and friends
- Overworking (often to avoid being home)
- Loss of interest in work and hobbies
- Feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Extreme fatigue
- Insomnia or oversleeping
- Headaches and muscle aches
- Agitation
- Impulsive behaviour (drug use, excessive drinking, partying etc.)
- Struggling to bond with your baby
What Causes Postpartum Depression?
In most cases, PPD is caused by:
- Intense, sudden hormonal changes
- Physical and mental exhaustion
- Sleep deprivation
- Financial strain
- Lack of support from friends and family
- Preexisting relationship issues with your partner
- Preexisting mental health disorders
- History of substance abuse
- Having a partner that abuses substances
- Unhealthy lifestyle, low self-esteem
- Traumatic birth experience
- Issues with breastfeeding
- Having a sick baby
If your family has a history of depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder, or you have PTSD, you must monitor your mental health closely.
Please mention any of the abovementioned symptoms to your doctor or mental health professional if any new symptoms appear or existing symptoms get worse.
How long does Postpartum Depression Last?
While Baby Blues usually resolves within 2 weeks, PPD starts within 1 year of having a baby and can last for months, sometimes years.
If left untreated, your symptoms will worsen, and they typically do not go away without medical support from doctors and therapists.
Key Differences Between Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression
The table below shows how Baby Blues differs from Postpartum Depression:
| Feature | Baby Blues | Postpartum Depression (PPD) |
| Onset | Usually 2–3 days after birth | Can start anytime within the first year, often 2–6 weeks postpartum |
| Duration | Short-lived, typically 1–2 weeks | Lasts longer than 2 weeks, can persist for months if untreated |
| Emotional Symptoms | Mood swings, tearfulness, irritability | Persistent sadness, hopelessness, guilt, anxiety, irritability |
| Severity | Mild | Moderate to severe, can interfere with daily life |
| Physical Symptoms | Fatigue, trouble sleeping (normal postpartum tiredness) | Fatigue, sleep/appetite changes beyond typical postpartum recovery |
| Functioning | Usually able to care for self and baby | May struggle to care for self or baby, daily functioning impaired |
| Triggers | Hormonal changes, exhaustion, adjustment to newborn | Hormonal changes + psychological, social, or personal history factors |
| Treatment | Support, rest, reassurance | Professional help: therapy, support groups, sometimes medication |
| Help Needed | Usually self-resolves with support | Requires active intervention and monitoring |
| Risk of Escalation | Low | Higher if untreated; can lead to severe depression or anxiety |
When to Ask for Help
If you notice any of the following, please seek help immediately:
- Thoughts about harming yourself
- Thoughts about harming your baby
- Suicidal thoughts
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
Treatment and Support Options for Postpartum Mood Disorders
If you have been diagnosed with one of the Postpartum Mood Disorders or you know someone who is suffering, please know that it is treatable, and there is hope.
Support and treatment options for Postpartum Mood Disorders include:
- Psychotherapy
- Medication (usually SSRIs because they are safe while breastfeeding)
- Support groups (in person or online)
- Specialised care from midwives, psychiatrists or psychologists
How can your partner and family support you?
- Offer help with taking care of your baby
- Allow you to have opportunities to rest throughout the day
- Offer support without judgement
- Support your decision to seek professional help
- Encourage you to spend time in nature
Lifestyle changes that may improve the symptoms of Postpartum Mood Disorders:
- Prioritise sleep and get as much rest as possible
- Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated
- Do light, regular exercise (Yoga is a great option)
- Spend time in nature and get enough sun every day
- Reading is a great way to relax
- Practice deep, mindful breathing all day
- Learn healthy ways to cope with stress
- Meditation
Conclusion
While Baby Blues can cause a lot of tension at home and make it difficult to bond with your baby (and partner), it is not a mood disorder and will resolve within a few days after birth.
However, other postpartum mood disorders are far more severe and usually require medical intervention, as they may eventually cause hallucinations, paranoia and crippling anxiety.
It is sad to think how many moms (and dads) suffer in silence with undiagnosed conditions, but there is truly no shame in talking to someone you trust or seeking help from a medical professional.
Whether you are suffering from any of the symptoms mentioned above or know someone who is, it is important to know that these mood disorders are treatable.
Do not give up on yourself, your family or your life – you are so loved, and you deserve to be happy.
Want to know more about Postpartum Depression? Check out this article from Cleveland Clinic.
Word from the Author
I fell into a deep depression after having a baby. It would come and go, making it difficult to get through the day without multiple breakdowns, tears and crippling anxiety.
I felt so much guilt and shame, knowing I had been blessed with this beautiful child and not being able to be the mother I thought I would be (at the time).
There is a history of depression in my family. I was also dealing with chronic stress and still trying to cope with PTSD. My son was in the NICU briefly, and breastfeeding became very difficult for me after the first 2 months.
I was extremely vulnerable to postpartum mood disorders and was never officially diagnosed until a year and a half later, but let me tell you – it was one of the hardest things I have had to deal with, and I wish I had goten the help I needed much sooner.
I didn’t know how to ask for help, I didn’t even realise I needed help. I carried so much guilt and shame because of the person I became, not knowing what was wrong with me.
Most of all, the sleep deprivation hurt me so much and made it impossible for me to deal with my emotions. I was reactive, explosive and unstable.
Finally, things got better. I have been going to counselling for over a year and recently discovered I have Graves’ disease (which often happens to women in their 30’s after childbirth), which really put matters into perspective.
Just know that there is hope for the future. The person you become when you are sleep-deprived and emotionally drained (with a potential autoimmune disease) is not the real you. Don’t give up!
FAQs
What are postpartum mood disorders?
Postpartum Mood Disorders are disruptive mental conditions that develop after childbirth, with mild to severe symptoms, often requiring medical treatment.
What is the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression?
Baby Blues usually only last up to 2 weeks shortly after childbirth, while postpartum depression starts within the first year of childbirth and can last for years after that.
How common are postpartum mood disorders?
Studies suggest that 1 in every 5 women will experience at least one of the postpartum mood disorders – typically PPD or Baby Blues.
When do postpartum mood disorders start?
Postpartum mood disorders usually start within the first year after having a baby, either days after birth or months later.
What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?
The symptoms of PPD include:
-Intense irritability
-Anger and agitation
-Fatigue and exhaustion
-Hopelessness
-Anxiety and fear
-Sadness and crying spells
-Guilt and Shame
-Low self-esteem
-Inability to bond with baby
-Isolation and withdrawalWhat causes postpartum mood disorders?
In most cases, postpartum mood disorders are caused by:
-Sudden shift in hormones (for women)
-Sleep deprivation
-Financial and emotional strain
-Preexisting mood disorders
-Lack of support from family and friendsIs it normal to feel sad or overwhelmed after having a baby?
Yes, up to 80% of new mothers get Baby Blues, but it should only last a few days. However, Baby Blues should not cause extreme rage, paranoia or intrusive thoughts about harming your baby.
How long do postpartum mood disorders last?
Baby Blues last up to 2 weeks at most, but other postpartum mood disorders can last for months to years if left untreated.
Can postpartum mood disorders go away on their own?
While Baby Blues resolves on its own, other more severe postpartum mood disorders will not go away without help from medical professionals and treatment.
When should I seek help for postpartum depression?
You should seek help if your symptoms last for more than 2 weeks or worsen. If you are unable to take care of yourself or your baby and have intrusive thoughts, seek help immediately.
What treatments are available for postpartum mood disorders?
Treatment for postpartum mood disorders typically includes therapy, medication, lifestyle changes and support from family and friends.
Can men experience postpartum mood disorders?
Yes, 1 in every 10 fathers will most likely experience anxiety or depression after having a baby, often due to financial strain, sudden routine changes and stress.
What is postpartum anxiety?
Postpartum anxiety is when either parent experiences extreme, persistent fears, irrational thoughts, panic attacks, restlessness, insomnia and excessive worry for their baby’s safety.
What is postpartum psychosis?
Postpartum psychosis is a rare but very serious mental condition that causes hallucinations, paranoia and confusion, making them a danger to themselves or the baby. It requires immediate medical attention.
What is postpartum rage?
Postpartum rage is when either parent becomes extremely irritable, angry and emotionally reactive or has violent outbursts, often due to sleep deprivation and exhaustion.
How can I support someone with a postpartum mood disorder?
Offer support by listening or helping with childcare, freeing up time for the parent or encouraging them to seek professional help if symptoms are more severe and persistent.
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