Postpartum Depression
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mood disorder that causes feelings of sadness or hopelessness that do not go away. PPD occurs after your baby is born. Your symptoms may last up to 12 months after delivery. Your symptoms may become severe and affect your daily activities and relationships.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- You think about hurting yourself or your baby.
Call your doctor if:
- Your symptoms get worse or do not get better with treatment.
- Your depression keeps you from doing your regular daily activities.
- You have new symptoms since your last visit.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
- Antidepressants help decrease or manage symptoms. You may need to take this medicine for several weeks before they start working.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Talk therapy
is used to help you cope with your feelings. Talk therapy can be with a therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist. Sessions may be done alone or with family.
Self-care:
It may take a few weeks to feel better. Be patient with yourself. The following can help you manage your symptoms:
- Rest as needed. Take a nap or rest while your baby sleeps. Ask someone to watch your baby while you nap.
- Get emotional support. Share your feelings with your partner, a friend, or another mother. Ask your partner, friends, or family to help with cooking or cleaning. Do only what is needed and let other things wait until later.
- Exercise when you can. Even 5 or 10 minutes of exercise can help improve your mood. Walk around the block or do some stretching exercises.
- Eat a variety of healthy foods. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish. Do not skip meals. Tell your healthcare provider if you have no appetite or cannot eat. Your provider can help you create a healthy meal plan.
- Care for yourself. Shower and dress yourself each day. Do things you enjoy. Celebrate small achievements, even if it is only 1 thing a day. Try to get out of the house for a short time each day. Meet a friend for coffee.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Your healthcare provider will monitor your progress at follow-up visits. Your provider will also monitor your medicine if you take antidepressants and ask if the medicine is helping. Tell your provider about any side effects or problems you have with your medicine. The type or amount of medicine may need to be changed. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Learn more about Postpartum Depression
Treatment options
Care guides
Symptoms and treatments
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
