The baby blues is common term used to describe mood swings, crying spells, and feelings of worry, sadness, and tiredness following the birth of a baby.
Up to 80% of new mothers reported experiencing these feelings, however they are usually mild and go away on their own within one to two weeks.
Postpartum depression is associated with more severe, long lasting feelings of depression. Postpartum depression can occur in about 15% of women after childbirth. Postpartum depression is not a character flaw or a weakness.
If suspect that you have postpartum depression, seek help from your health care provider. The faster you receive treatment, the faster you can enjoy your new baby.
988 Florida Lifeline
Free behavioral health support service, available 24/7, that connects Floridians experiencing any kind of emotional distress to a local highly trained crisis counselor.
If you or someone you know is in crisis or thinking of suicide, get help quickly.
- Call your health care provider
- Call 911 for emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room
- Call 988, Florida’s toll-free 24-hour hotline
Contact your provider right away if your symptoms last longer than two weeks, if your symptoms get worse, if you are having trouble caring for your baby or doing daily tasks, or if you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.
Causes
The exact causes of postpartum depression are unknown. Changes in hormone levels during and after pregnancy may affect a woman’s mood. Many non-hormonal factors may also affect mood during this period:
- Changes in your body from pregnancy and delivery
- Changes in work and social relationships
- Having less time and freedom for yourself
- Lack of sleep
- Worries about your ability to be a good mother
You may have a higher chance of postpartum depression if you:
- Are under age 25 years
- Currently use alcohol, take illegal substances, or smoke (these also cause serious health risks for the baby)
- Did not plan the pregnancy, or had mixed feelings about the pregnancy
- Had depression, bipolar disorder, or an anxiety disorder before your pregnancy, or with a past pregnancy
- Had a stressful event during the pregnancy or delivery, including personal illness, death or illness of a loved one, a difficult or emergency delivery, premature delivery, or illness or birth defect in the baby
- Have a close family member who has had depression or anxiety
- Have a poor relationship with your significant other or are single
- Have money or housing problems
- Have little support from family, friends, or your spouse or partner
Symptoms
Feelings of anxiety, irritation, tearfulness, and restlessness are common in the week or two after you have your baby. These feelings are often called the postpartum or “baby blues.” They almost always go away soon, without the need for treatment.
Postpartum depression may occur when the baby blues do not fade away or when signs of depression start 1 or more months after childbirth.
The symptoms of postpartum depression are the same as the symptoms of depression that occurs at other times in life. Along with a sad or depressed mood, you may have some of the following symptoms:
- Agitation or irritability
- Changes in appetite
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Feeling like you are withdrawn or unconnected
- Lack of pleasure or interest in most or all activities
- Loss of concentration
- Loss of energy
- Problems doing tasks at home or work
- Significant anxiety
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Trouble sleeping
Resources
Florida Department of Children and Families
If you or someone you know is in need of substance abuse and/or mental health services, our local managing entities can help you locate available programs. Find local services by county.
211
Thousands of caring, local experts are available to help, 24/7. Calls to 211 are confidential and can be anonymous.
Hope for Healing
Hope for Healing navigates the many ways Floridians can access help for mental health and substance abuse.
Crisis Text Line
Text “HELLO” to 741741 – Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the U.S., serving anyone, in any type of crisis, connecting them with a crisis counselor who can provide support and information.
Veterans Crisis Line
Call 800-273-TALK (8255) and press 1 or text to 838255 – Free, confidential resource that connects veterans 24 hours a day, seven days a week with a trained responder. The service is available to all veterans, even if they are not registered with the VA or enrolled in VA health care.