Why Does it Feel Like Postpartum Depression Lasts Forever?
Baby Blues
Roughly half of women giving birth experience the baby blues. This condition is normal immediately following birth up to a couple of weeks post-delivery. Hormones are flowing at abnormal levels. Sudden mood swings and sadness are not uncommon. Your newborn requires a lot of attention, and most likely, you are exhausted. The good news is this resolves quickly.
Postpartum Depression or PPD
If you have any degree of baby blues, you are more likely to develop PPD. The window for symptoms with this condition can last up to a year after delivery. It’s often characterized by intense sadness, despair, and irritability. Having PPD can interfere with normal life, let alone trying to care for your newborn at the same time.
How It Develops
PPD is highest among first-time moms, young moms (under 25 years old), and moms of twins, especially those over 40. Since the baby blues is more immediate and acutely related to hormones, it resolves faster. Hormones post-birth become more regulated. You find yourself in a routine once you get home. The day-to-day becomes more normal. Before you know it, you’re posting all the adorable pictures of your baby, and life is great.
With PPD, there is a deeper underlying cause, which can be more mental health based. Within the first six months, most symptoms develop at this time. Hormones may still be out of whack. You may be experiencing depression and anxiety, which do not go away overnight. You may even be feeling shame over your negative emotions, impacting your ability to heal fully.
During the six months to a year, delayed symptoms could impact your ability to acknowledge and accept what you are experiencing. The PPD progression is different in everyone but often includes mood swings, anxiety, exhaustion, anger, and fear.
How Long It Lasts
Due to its unpredictable onset and progression, it is hard to pinpoint a black-and-white time frame. Generally, the average is between three to six months for symptoms to last after their onset.
There are additional risk factors that could impact not only your development of PPD but also your progression. These risk factors include:
Having depression or another mood disorder before being pregnant
Pregnancy complications
Delivery complications
Difficulties in breastfeeding
Major life changes during the postpartum period
Experiencing PPD after a previous birth
If you are experiencing symptoms and don’t seek treatment, it is likely that your PPD will last longer compared to someone who is actively addressing their symptoms. Many moms, especially first-time moms, want to be the superhero who can handle it all. How often have you said, “this too shall pass,” in relation to a difficult situation?
Your symptoms may stay stagnant and be a cloud raining on your daily parade. While somewhat rare, there is also the chance that it could develop into postpartum psychosis. Unfortunately, with PPD, it is less likely to pass without the proper guidance.
Moving Forward
Being a mom is hard. Being a mom with PPD is harder. Know this is not your fault, and it is common. You don’t have to struggle. Asking for help is not only going to be good for you but also your relationship with your baby. We are here to help.