How Long Does Postpartum Depression Last?

Bringing a child into the world can be a joyous time in a woman’s life. But life after pregnancy is challenging. Caring for a newborn and yourself after this major event takes a toll on both the body and mind. 

It’s normal to experience sadness and worry within the first 2 weeks after having a baby, and this is often called the “baby blues.” But when these feelings last longer, that may be a sign of postpartum depression (PPD). This is a common condition that affects as many as 1 out of every 8 women, and that rate has risen over the past several years. 

Let’s review the symptoms of PPD, who’s at risk, and how long PPD lasts. 

Quiz: Do I have postpartum depression?

How long does postpartum depression last?

The timing of when postpartum depression appears and how long it lasts is different from person to person. Most mothers experience symptoms within the first few weeks of giving birth (often within 6 weeks). But some people don’t develop PPD symptoms until after 6 months. 

Women with PPD can experience symptoms for months or longer. In fact, studies have found that PDD can even last up to 3 years after birth. 

Certain factors can increase the risk of persistent PPD symptoms:

• Younger age

• Giving birth more than once

• Early delivery

• Gestational diabetes 

Women who have severe symptoms for months without receiving treatment may also be at higher risk of experiencing PPD symptoms for a longer period. For this reason, don’t put off talking with a healthcare professional so that you can get the help and treatment you need as early as possible. Remember that not everyone will experience symptoms that are long-lasting , and there are things you can do to help yourself. 

Signs and symptoms of postpartum depression

Women experience a wide range of feelings during the first few weeks after birth, so it might be hard to tell if these feelings are due to life change, pure sleep exhaustion, or a sign of something more serious.

Symptoms of PPD include:

• Overwhelming sadness 

• Excessive crying

• Feeling distanced from loved ones

• Anger and mood changes

• Difficulty concentrating

• Problems with memory

• Feelings of guilt

• Thoughts of hurting yourself 

• Difficulty bonding with your baby or thoughts of hurting your baby 

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• How long does postpartum depression last? Three moms share their journey with postpartum depression and how they got better.

• Feeling anxious after childbirth? Learn more about postpartum anxiety and when you should get help.

• Can men get postpartum depression? Yes, here’s what symptoms can look like in fathers after childbirth.

PPD isn’t the same for everyone, and you may experience different symptoms than the ones listed above. If you think your symptoms might be PPD, know that you are not alone and there is help for you.

What causes postpartum depression?

There are many factors that contribute to the development of PPD. These factors tend to be a combination of dramatic hormonal changes that occur during and after pregnancy, the natural challenges of caring for a newborn baby, and some other factors that may make PPD more likely.

Hormonal causes

After giving birth, a woman experiences a significant decrease in the amount of estrogen and progesterone in their body. These hormonal changes are expected, but they can often result in:

• Significant fluctuations in mood

• Feelings of sadness or guilt

• Lack of interest

• Unexplained episodes of crying or anger

Read more like this

Explore these related articles, suggested for readers like you.

How to Help Someone Who Is Experiencing Postpartum Depression

What Does Postpartum Depression Feel Like?

How to Cope With Postpartum Depression

View more

Remember: It’s not you; it’s the way your brain is reacting to the lack of hormones.

Lifestyle changes

Parenting a newborn is naturally a challenging, relentless responsibility — and it can often result in sleep deprivation, anxiety, and financial stress, to name a few of those challenges. It also means you have less time to care for yourself and do the things that you normally enjoy.

All of these factors can really add up, especially for those that have other risk factors for PPD, such as:

• A past history of anxiety or depression

• Difficulties experienced during pregnancy or childbirth, such as an emergency cesarean section or longer stays in the hospital

• Lack of social support

African American and Latina women may also be at higher risk of PPD, but it’s unclear if this is because the condition is more common for these women, or if they are more likely to report their symptoms. 

Treatments for postpartum depression

Treatment for PPD can improve your symptoms and help you take better care of yourself and your baby. A healthcare professional can help you develop a treatment plan that’s right for you starting at your first postpartum checkup. 

Treatment can include supportive care and a combination of therapy and medications:

• Therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy can help you address your feelings, like sadness and worry. 

• Medications: Antidepressants can also help improve your symptoms and restore balance to your mood. If you’re breastfeeding, the prescriber can work with you to choose the safest medications or supplements for your baby. 

Keep in mind that these treatments are usually temporary and not needed long term. But they can help lighten the load and improve symptoms as your body gradually returns to normal and your hormone levels balance out.

In addition to therapy and medications, there are other things you can do at home that may shorten the duration of PPD:

• Join a support group for mothers and parents with PPD.

• Make time for physical activity and exercise.

• Reflect on your bigger journey as a parent, and remember that this is just one small chapter in that journey.

Most importantly of all, ask for support from your loved ones. Even though it’s hard as a new parent, prioritizing your own rest and sleep is very important as is taking care of yourself the best way you can.

When is PPD an emergency?

You or a loved one shouldn’t delay care if the symptoms are severe. If you’re worried that you or a loved one could hurt themselves or the baby, there’s immediate help available. You can go to the nearest emergency room, call 911, or contact:

• The National Suicide Prevention hotline: To reach the National Suicide Prevention hotline, call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255), which is available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.

• The Crisis Text Line: To contact the Crisis Text Line, text HELLO to 741741, which is available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.

There’s also a rare but related condition that some women experience called postpartum psychosis. Postpartum psychosis can be more serious than PPD, and people with these symptoms should be evaluated immediately so they don’t hurt themselves or those around them. Signs of this condition include:

• Hallucinations

• Abnormal behavior

• Racing thoughts

• Irritability

• Confusion

Frequently asked questions

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Loren DeVito, PhD

Loren DeVito, PhD, is a science journalist and neuroscientist who loves when these two sides come together to educate patients and consumers in an impactful way. She is a medical writer  with a decade of experience and has a freelance writing company, Sticky Ink, Inc.

Edited by:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts