What Is Postpartum Depression? Symptoms, causes, and how to get help

Bringing a new life into the world is often described as magical, transformative—even blissful. For many parents, especially mothers, the postpartum period can feel very different and often filled with sadness, anxiety, and a strong sense of isolation.

This is maternal and postpartum depression (PPD)—a common yet often misunderstood condition that affects millions of families every year. 

At Meru Health, we believe that supporting mental health means helping people through all parts of life. This includes pregnancy, birth, and becoming a new parent.

What Is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that can develop during pregnancy (antenatal depression) or after childbirth (postnatal depression). It’s more than just the “baby blues.” These feelings are common in the first 1–2 weeks after birth. They usually go away on their own. 

PPD is deeper and longer-lasting. It can affect a parent’s ability to bond with their baby, manage daily tasks, or feel emotionally present. (1)

Common Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

• Persistent sadness or hopelessness
  
  
  

• Anxiety or panic attacks
  
  
  

• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
  
  
  

• Trouble bonding with the baby
  
  
  

• Changes in sleep or appetite
  
  
  

• Irritability, guilt, or feelings of worthlessness
  
  
  

• Thoughts of self-harm or of harming the baby (in severe cases)

These symptoms can appear within a few weeks postpartum or even months later, and they vary from person to person. (2, 3)

What Causes Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression does not have one single cause. It usually comes from a mix of biological, psychological, and social stressors (5), such as:

1. Hormonal Shifts

After birth, estrogen and progesterone levels drop dramatically, which can impact mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin.

2. Sleep Deprivation and Stress

Sleep cycle disruptions impact emotional regulation and increase the risk of depression and anxiety. Additionally, the added demands and stress of the postpartum period can intensify these effects, leaving new parents especially vulnerable to mental health challenges.

3. Life Transitions and Identity Shifts

Becoming a parent can change everything—relationships, career dynamics, body image, and sense of self.

4. Lack of Support

Limited emotional, social, or financial support can make new parenthood feel overwhelming and isolating.

5. Previous Mental Health Conditions

Individuals with a prior history of depression, anxiety, or trauma are at higher risk for postpartum mental health challenges. 

Who Can Be Affected by Postpartum Depression?

• PPD affects almost 1 in 5 women, but it’s not limited to mothers. (6)
  
  
  

• Partners and adoptive parents can also experience postpartum depression. (7)
  
  
  

• People of color, those in underserved communities, and LGBTQ+ parents may face greater risks and barriers to care. (8)

Other Postpartum Mental Health Conditions

While depression is most discussed, postpartum mental health exists on a spectrum:

• Postpartum anxiety: Includes intrusive worries, restlessness, and a sense of dread.
  
  
  

• Postpartum OCD: Involves obsessive thoughts or compulsions, often centered around baby safety.
  
  
  

• Postpartum psychosis: A rare but severe condition involving hallucinations, paranoia, or delusions, and requires immediate medical attention.

Effective Treatments for Postpartum Depression

The good news: Postpartum depression is treatable. Early intervention makes a big difference.

Evidence-Based Treatments Include:

• Mindfulness and stress-reduction practices for stress reduction, relaxation and improving sleep, exercise (9)
  
  
  

• Lifestyle strategies (nutrition - especially fruits and vegetables, high quality supplements, gentle exercise, sleep support (10, 11, 12, 13)
  
  
  

• HRV-biofeedback (easier than mindfulness meditation) (14)
  
  

• Talk therapy (especially CBT or interpersonal therapy) (15)
  
  
  

• Peer support groups or postpartum doula support (16)
  
  
  

At Meru Health, our therapist and psychiatrist-supported digital program has helped many people regain emotional balance through evidence-based therapy, HRV-biofeedback, mindfulness tools, nutrition support, and structured guidance—all from home.

Get Support for Postpartum Depression with Meru Health

You are not alone. If you’re experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression or anxiety, know this: It is not your fault. You are not broken. You are not weak. You are having a common, treatable response to an enormous life change.

Your mental health matters—not just for you, but for your baby and your entire family.

💛 Get the Support You Deserve

📲 Explore the Meru Health Program

✔️ Covered by insurance in all 50 U.S. states

✔️ Clinician-designed, evidence-based

✔️ Accessible from home on your schedule

References: 

1. Zawilska JB, Zwierzyńska E. Neuroactive Steroids as Novel Promising Drugs in Therapy of Postpartum Depression—Focus on Zuranolone. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2025; 26(13):6545. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26136545 

2. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed.; American Psychiatric Association: Washington, DC, USA, 2022; Available online: https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/book/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787

3. Balaram, K.; Marwaha, R. Postpartum Blues. In StatPearls [Internet]; StatPearls Publishing: Treasure Island, FL, USA, 2023

4. ACOG Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines–Obstetrics. Screening and diagnosis of mental health conditions during pregnancy and postpartum. Clinical Practice Guideline No. 4. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Obstet. Gynecol. 2023, 141, 1232–1261 

5. Carlson K, Mughal S, Azhar Y, et al. Perinatal Depression. [Updated 2025 Jan 22]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519070/

6. Wang, Z. et al. (2021) ‘Mapping global prevalence of depression among postpartum women’, Translational Psychiatry, 11(1). doi:10.1038/s41398-021-01663-6. 

7. Scarff JR. Postpartum Depression in Men. Innov Clin Neurosci. 2019 May 1;16(5-6):11-14. PMID: 31440396; PMCID: PMC6659987

8. Getf, A. (2025) Maternal Mental Health Disparities: The unseen struggle of postpartum depression, American Medical Women’s Association. Available at: https://www.amwa-doc.org/maternal-mental-health-disparities-the-unseen-struggle-of-postpartum-depression/  

9. Yan H, Wu Y, Li H. Effect of mindfulness-based interventions on mental health of perinatal women with or without current mental health issues: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Affect Disord. 2022 May 15;305:102-114. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.03.002. Epub 2022 Mar 4. PMID: 35257692

10. Jian Zhao, Low Consumption of Vegetables Is Associated with Postpartum Depression: A Cross Section Study, Current Developments in Nutrition, Volume 4, Supplement 2, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1093/cdn/nzaa054_184

11. Yang C, Zhao A, Lan H, Ren Z, Zhang J, Szeto IM, Wang P, Zhang Y. Association Between Dietary Quality and Postpartum Depression in Lactating Women: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Urban China. Front Nutr. 2021 Aug 26;8:705353. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2021.705353. PMID: 34513900; PMCID: PMC8427431

12. Phillips A, Milte CM, Opie RS, Campbell KJ, Torres SJ. Fruit and vegetable consumption and psychological distress in Australian pregnant and breastfeeding women. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2020;29(2):348-354. doi: 10.6133/apjcn.202007_29(2).0017. PMID: 32674242

13. Khadka N, Fassett MJ, Oyelese Y, et al. Trends in Postpartum Depression by Race, Ethnicity, and Prepregnancy Body Mass Index. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(11):e2446486. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.46486

14. Kudo, N., Shinohara, H. & Kodama, H. Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Intervention for Reduction of Psychological Stress During the Early Postpartum Period. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 39, 203–211 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-014-9259-4

15. Fitelson E, Kim S, Baker AS, Leight K. Treatment of postpartum depression: clinical, psychological and pharmacological options. Int J Womens Health. 2010 Dec 30;3:1-14. doi: 10.2147/IJWH.S6938. PMID: 21339932; PMCID: PMC3039003

16. Falconi AM, Bromfield SG, Tang T, Malloy D, Blanco D, Disciglio RS, Chi RW. Doula care across the maternity care continuum and impact on maternal health: Evaluation of doula programs across three states using propensity score matching. EClinicalMedicine. 2022 Jul 1;50:101531. doi: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101531. PMID: 35812994; PMCID: PMC9257331