Two weeks is the line between the baby blues and depression

Having a baby is exciting and also stressful, and brings strong emotions. In
the postpartum period — the time after giving birth — mood swings, crying
spells and anxiety are common, and often called the "baby blues".

The baby blues usually go away within a few days to a week.

**If symptoms are more severe and last longer than two weeks, that is
postpartum depression** — a common but serious mood disorder that can begin any
time within the first year after childbirth. Untreated, it can make it hard to
care for your baby or manage daily tasks.

Two weeks is the line, and it is worth knowing in advance, because in the
middle of it nobody is counting.

Get help right away if

You have thoughts about suicide, or about hurting yourself or your baby:

• Call 911 or go to your local emergency room
• National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988, any time, or use
  Lifeline Chat online. TTY users: your preferred relay service, or dial 711
  then 988
• Veterans Crisis Line: call 988 then press 1, text 838255, or chat online
• Call your mental health provider or other health care provider
• Reach out to a loved one or close friend

Very rarely, a new mother develops **postpartum psychosis — a medical
emergency**. Symptoms include confusion, hallucinations, or dangerous
behaviour. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Symptoms

More intense and longer-lasting than the baby blues:

Feeling sad or empty most of the time · eating too much or too little ·
sleeping too much or too little · crying more than usual or for no clear
reason · feeling unusually angry · pulling away from family and friends ·
feeling worried or anxious often · **feeling little or no interest in your
baby** · constant doubts about your ability to care for your baby · thinking
of harming yourself or your baby.

If symptoms begin during pregnancy and continue after childbirth, that is
perinatal depression. Untreated it can affect bonding and contribute to
feeding or sleeping problems.

Cause and risk

The exact cause is unknown; it likely results from a combination of **sudden
hormone changes after pregnancy**, **physical changes such as dropping thyroid
hormone levels**, and lifestyle factors — fatigue, lack of sleep, limited
support, recent stressful events.

Anyone can develop it. Higher risk if you have a history of depression or
bipolar disorder, or a family history of either; had a multiple birth;
gave birth as a teenager; had health problems during pregnancy; had preterm
labour or other complications; have a baby with special needs; have
experienced domestic violence; are dealing with financial stress; or had an
unplanned pregnancy.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis uses screening questionnaires about mood, sleep and thoughts, a
clinical evaluation, and blood tests if needed to check for physical
conditions such as thyroid disorders that can cause or worsen depression.

Treatment is medicines, including antidepressants, and talk therapy.
Tell your provider if you are breastfeeding, so they can choose the safest
options.

Alongside treatment: ask for help with the baby and the housework, take time
for yourself, get physical activity such as walking, and rest when the baby
rests.

Lowering the risk

Talk to your provider during pregnancy about any history of depression,
complete the recommended screening questionnaires during pregnancy and after
birth, get support from family, friends or support groups, and attend the
early postpartum checks so symptoms can be found and treated as soon as
possible.

*Source: Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health, via
MedlinePlus.*