Postpartum depression

Postpartum depression: It's more than just a "bad mood"

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious medical condition that affects approximately 1 in 7 women after giving birth. It is important to clearly distinguish it from the so‑called "postpartum melancholy" (baby blues), which is a mild, short‑lived condition. Unlike "baby blues", PPD does not resolve on its own and requires professional diagnosis and treatment.

How to recognize postpartum depression?

The symptoms of PPD are much deeper and longer‑lasting than ordinary mood swings. They can appear at any time during the first year after delivery and include:

• Persistent depressed mood, sadness, feelings of emptiness, frequent tears.
• Loss of interest or pleasure in things that previously brought joy.
• Intense feelings of guilt, worthlessness, feeling that you "bad mother".
• Severe anxiety, panic attacks, intrusive fears of harming the baby.
• Sleep problems (insomnia or excessive drowsiness) and appetite changes.
• Feelings of detachment from the baby, difficulty forming an emotional bond.
• Thoughts of death or suicide.

Causes and risk factors

PPD is not a sign of weakness or "improper" motherhood. It is a condition with complex causes:

• Hormonal changes: A sharp drop in estrogen and progesterone levels after delivery can affect brain chemistry.
• Physical exhaustion: Post‑delivery pain, sleep deprivation and constant fatigue.
• Psychosocial factors: Lack of support, strained partner relationships, financial difficulties, traumatic birth experience.
• Personal or family history of depression or other mental disorders.

If you notice these symptoms in yourself that last more than two weeks, do not hesitate or be afraid to seek help from a psychologist, psychotherapist, or your family doctor. For more details, read our article "Baby blues and postpartum depression".