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You are not broken. You are not alone. If you have experienced either of these or both, you are incredible, strong, brave and human. 




Definitions: 
Postpartum Depression (PPD): a longer lasting
more intense feeling of depression that begins to
interfere and affect your ability to take care of yourself and your baby. Although PPD may start or show similar signs as "baby blues", the symptoms of PPD are reported to be stronger and may impact one's ability to function in a productive, healthy and safe way. If left untreated, postpartum depression may last for many months or longer. 

Postpartum Anxiety (PPA): severe anxiety or worry following the birth or adoption of a child. Noted by an "all-consuming" type of worry, day and night. 

Baby Blues or PPD?:
Baby Blues typically lasts a couple of days to a
week or two after your baby is born. 
PPD may start weeks or months after your baby is born. 





Resources:
What It's Like to Be A Dad With PPD (whattoexpect.com) 
Postpartum Depression (mayoclinic.org) 
Postpartum Depression (Cleveland Clinic)

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Postpartum Depression (PPD)  &
Postpartum Anxiety (PPA)

women experience
PPD

1 in 8

  • Mood swings
  • Anxiety
  • Sadness
  • Irritability
  • Feeling Overwhelmed
  • Crying
  • Reduced concentration
  • Appetite problems
  • Trouble sleeping

Baby Blues

(this is not an all-inclusive list)

Symptoms of Baby Blues & PPD

  • Severe mood swings
  • Excessive crying
  • Withdrawing from family & friends
  • Difficulty bonding with baby
  • Loss of appetite/eating more than usual
  • Insomnia or sleeping too much
  • Overwhelming fatigue or loss of energy 
  • Fear that you're not a good mother
  • Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt 
  • Restlessness
  • Severe anxiety and panic attacks
  • Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

PPD

4% - 25 %

women experience
PPA

11% - 21%

PPD, PPA or Both?
The difference between PPD and PPA: 
  • PPD is intense feelings of sadness, worthlessness and thoughts may include self-harm or thoughts of harming the baby. 
  • PPA is intense feelings of worry and feeling terrified to leave the baby with an adult you trust (& have trusted for a very long time) 

PPD in Dads & Partners
There is no "official" mental health diagnosis for Postpartum Depression in dads, sometimes called Paternal Postpartum Depression or Paternal Perinatal Depression (PPND). 

Some considerations for the trend of depression in new dads: 
  • Many of their own fathers had a very "hands-off" approach to parenting-- men may have difficulty knowing what to do, when to step in and how to find a work-family-life balance. 
  • Questioning what an "involved dad" looks like-- everyone seems to have an opinion

Signs/Symptoms/Thoughts:
Many men experience the same symptoms of PPD as women, with the addition of:
  • alcohol or substance abuse
  • Indecisiveness
  • Limited Range of Emotion
  • Rage

of first time dads
suffer from PPD.

Treatment of PPD & PPA
Therapy:
  • Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) or Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) have been reported to be very helpful 
  • Psychotherapy (talk therapy)

Reorganizing Priorities/Open Communication
  • Adequate, restful sleep goes a long way in helping individuals feel more prepared for the day ahead of them. 
  • Communicating openly with your partner about your concerns, questions, feelings is a step in the right direction. 
  • Make time for yourself
  • Avoid isolation- be around others (family, friends), other people who have young children too. 
  • Set realistic expectations- do what you can and leave the rest. 
  • Make healthy lifestyle choices-- exercise, eat a balanced diet, avoid alcohol
  • ASK FOR HELP

Medication
Talk to your healthcare providers about the best treatment options for you.