Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health Division

Preconception Health Postpartum Depression

What is Postpartum Depression?

Any person who has had a pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth, or ended a pregnancy naturally or for medical reasons can experience postpartum depression for up to a year from the end of pregnancy. In California, 1 in 7 new mothers experience postpartum depression.¹

Hormonal changes, life changes, past history of mental health conditions and lack of social support can affect your mood, making you feel:

Overwhelmed or confused.
Sad or depressed.
Panicky or anxious.
Unable to sleep, even when the baby is sleeping.
Not feeling connected to your baby.

Postpartum depression is not your fault, and you are not alone.

Nationwide, 1 in 10 dads experience postpartum depression.²

Is Postpartum Depression the Same as the “Baby Blues"?

Most new parents experience some mood changes, but there are big differences in how long they last and how they feel.

The Baby Blues

Who gets it: About 80% of new parents.
You may feel: anxious, tearful, or easily overwhelmed.
How long it lasts: These feelings come and go in the first few days after pregnancy and usually go away on their own within 2 weeks.

Postpartum Depression:

You may feel:
- Sad and tearful.
- Loss of interest in doing things.
- Changes in appetite.
- Lack of energy or motivation.
- Sleeping too much or too little.
- Feelings of guilt, shame, worthlessness, or hopelessness.
- Trouble focusing or concentrating.
- Thoughts of harming self or others.
- Anger or rage that is hard to control.
How long it lasts: It often starts 1-3 weeks after delivery, but can start anytime in the first year. The feelings last longer than two weeks.

How Do You Know if You Have Postpartum Depression?

Ask yourself these two questions:

Over the past two weeks, have I felt little interest or pleasure in doing things I enjoy?
Over the past two weeks, have I felt down, depressed, or hopeless?

If you answer “yes" to either question, talk to you healthcare or baby's provider. You may also screen yourself using the Postpartum Depression Test for New & Expecting Parents.

What is the Treatment for Postpartum Depression?

If you think you have postpartum depression:

Talk to your healthcare or baby's provider.
Your healthcare provider may suggest counseling, support groups, and/or medication.
Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding. Many medications to treat depression are safe while breastfeeding.

Getting help early can make you feel better and is important to ensure the wellbeing of you, your baby, and your loved ones.

Reach Out to Others for Support

Get help urgently if you have any thoughts of harming yourself, your baby, or feeling like your family would be better off without you
Talk to a supportive person – friend, family member, case manager, nurse home visitor, or someone with lived experience..
Join support groups.
Call or text to the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-852-6262.
Call or text “Help" to Postpartum Support International HelpLine at 1-800-944-4773.
Talk to therapist or counselor.
Reach out to your insurance provider.