How long postnatal depression

However, this may not be the case for everyone. Mental health treatment requires an individualized approach because everyone's needs are different. So while your friend may be feeling better two months after their diagnosis, it may take you longer to feel similarly. The best way to monitor your postpartum depression, Dr. Basch says, is by paying attention to the reduction in the intensity, severity, and duration of your symptoms. If postpartum depression goes undiagnosed , it can continue for months or years, long past the one-year postpartum period.

These results suggested that women may still need screenings for maternal depression after the postpartum period ends. In that case, even although they were out of the postpartum period, their diagnosis would be considered postpartum depression. The good news is that postpartum depression is highly treatable, and the length of a postpartum depressive episode is shortened with prompt treatment, Dr.

Basch explains. If a patient is at risk for developing postpartum depression, engaging in preventative care can shorten or even eliminate the development of postpartum depression symptoms. Life after childbirth, depending on your situation, can be emotionally difficult.

Even if you're feeling excited and overjoyed by the presence of your new child, you can still experience postpartum depression. In addition to getting treatment, you can work on improving your sleep , eating nutritious meals, scheduling time for activities you enjoy, and asking for help from loved ones or community members. There are also support groups for parents experiencing postpartum depression. Taking care of your health and mental health is critical, especially as a parent. The best thing you can do during this time is to give yourself grace.

If your doctor does not screen you, make sure you notify them of your symptoms right away. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. Everything feels more challenging when you're dealing with depression. Get our free guide when you sign up for our newsletter. Perinatal depression: A review. Is postpartum depression different from depression occurring outside of the perinatal period?

It may not be until after the typical baby blue time frame should have passed that you realize something more serious is going on. The postpartum period generally includes the first 4—6 weeks after birth, and many cases of PPD begin during that time. A review of studies suggests that PPD symptoms improve over time, with many cases of depression resolving 3 to 6 months after they begin.

That said, in that same review, it was clear that plenty of particpants were still dealing with PPD symptoms well beyond the 6-month mark.

The timeline for PPD is different for everyone. If you have certain risk factors, you might find your PPD lasting longer even with treatment. The severity of your symptoms and how long you had symptoms before beginning treatment can affect how long your PPD lasts. You already know that PPD is causing you some difficult symptoms, and unfortunately, it could also affect your relationships. Read that again, because we mean it. A study found that children of study participants who had PPD were more likely to have behavioral problems as young children and depression as adolescents.

In fact, doing so can make it take longer for your PPD to get better. When you do ask for help, be as honest as possible. However, the more open you are about your PPD, the better — and faster — your provider will be able to help you.

There are several options for PPD treatment, and you may need to utilize more than one strategy. There are also lifestyle changes that may make recovery go faster. Relief from PPD is possible with the right interventions. Most cases of PPD last for several months. Depression affects your whole body — not just your brain — and it takes time to feel like yourself again.

Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Depressive disorders. Arlington, Va. Accessed June 7, Postpartum depression. Office of Women's Health. Accessed July 1, Depression among women.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What is postpartum depression? American Psychiatric Association. Viguera A. Postpartum unipolar depression: Epidemiology, clinical features, assessment, and diagnosis. Mild to moderate postpartum unipolar major depression: Treatment.

Severe postpartum unipolar major depression: Treatment. Postpartum depression: Risk of abnormal child development. Frequently asked questions. Labor, delivery, and postpartum care FAQ American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Postpartum depression facts. National Institute of Mental Health. Merck Manual Professional Version. Depression during pregnancy and postpartum.

Rochester, Minn. American Academy of Pediatrics. Postpartum care of the mother. In: Guidelines for Perinatal Care. Elk Grove Village, Ill.