• Mental Health

Postpartum Depression and Anxiety: How Long Does it Last?

Published: February 26, 2025
Updated: February 26, 2025
4 mins

Every family planning journey is different in the time before and after a newborn arrives. There’s no way to anticipate the emotions and mental toll of starting a family. Some new parents may need help managing the worry, fear, and sadness that may come with navigating such a big life change.

It’s not uncommon for women to experience mood swings and intense emotions a couple of days after giving birth. This period of time is often referred to as “baby blues.” However, these feelings can extend beyond a couple of days.

Postpartum depression and anxiety are mental health conditions that can persist for months and sometimes years after a new baby has come into the world. Postpartum depression affects as many as one in six women.

Both postpartum depression and anxiety often go underdiagnosed. Some women may experience both postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety symptoms at different times throughout the pregnancy.

Every experience with postpartum is influenced by several factors like trauma, mental health history, and the amount of support a new parent has during that time. 

What Causes Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression is a feeling of intense sadness a new parent may experience shortly after giving birth. It can start at any time within a year of giving birth. Both mother and father can experience symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety, but it is most prevalent in new moms. 

Health experts believe fluctuating hormones, a history of depression, and traumatic experiences may cause postpartum depression and anxiety. However, health experts continue to discover more about what causes postpartum depression with research.

What Causes Postpartum Anxiety?

Postpartum anxiety can also occur around the time of giving birth. It can start right after giving birth and last for months or years afterward. A lack of sleep, high levels of stress, and a history of anxiety can potentially cause postpartum anxiety.

With postpartum anxiety, a new parent experiences an intense fear or worry that something may happen to their newborn baby. This fear is more intense than ordinary worry and concern and often requires treatment.

What are the Symptoms of Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression symptoms are the most common in mothers under 25, but they can occur at any age. If you know a new mom, it’s important to check in with them to ensure they’re receiving the support they need.

Mild to severe symptoms of postpartum depression can feel debilitating for those who experience it. Common symptoms of postpartum depression include:

• Intrusive thoughts

• Trouble sleeping

• Irritability

• Low energy levels

• Feelings of hopelessness

• Loss of interest in the baby

Some symptoms, like panic attacks, may be experienced by new parents with a history of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). 

What are the Symptoms of Postpartum Anxiety?

It’s easy to mistake symptoms of postpartum anxiety for postpartum depression symptoms. Symptoms commonly associated with postpartum anxiety include:

• Trouble focusing

• Restlessness

• Irrational thoughts

• Nausea

• Increased heart rate

Mothers with postpartum depression and anxiety may need extra help caring for themselves and their babies during the first year. They may also express feelings of intense dread when they are not with their baby.

How Long Do Postpartum Symptoms Last?

No single experience with postpartum is the same. There’s no science as to how long a new mother may experience postpartum depression and anxiety symptoms. Some people may experience it for three to six months after giving birth or for years afterward.

Symptoms tend to last longer when they have been untreated. Processing the emotions attached to childbirth and the experience surrounding it is a process that may go on for years.

How Do You Treat Postpartum Depression and Anxiety?

The weight of responsibility may make new parents hesitate to ask for help. Many women may initially ignore postpartum depression symptoms and disregard them as normal fatigue and stress with a new baby. This often delays how soon those with postpartum depression seek treatment.

However, that doesn’t mean testing for postpartum depression is not a part of post-pregnancy treatment. A healthcare provider may suggest a postpartum depression and anxiety screening during a routine check-up after giving birth.

A postpartum depression screening consists of a set of questions to detect symptoms. One of the most common questionnaires used is the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). In the questionnaire, a person has the option of choosing one of four short responses about their emotions. They may ask you the questions directly or provide you with a written questionnaire to fill out.

If the screening shows signs of postpartum depression, a healthcare provider may refer you to a mental healthcare provider for talk therapy and medication. A healthcare provider may prescribe oral medications like zuranolone (Zurzuvae), SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), or an antidepressant. These medications target chemical changes in the brain that happen in people with depression.

While there is no screening for postpartum anxiety specifically, a healthcare provider can still refer you to a mental health professional if you show signs. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider before your appointment if you need help sooner.

At-Home Self-Care Practices to Consider

A licensed mental health provider may suggest a new mom carve out more time with friends or decompress alone in addition to therapy. This may include reaching out to family members to help with childcare while getting rest or focusing on a low-stress activity.

If you don’t have health insurance, affordable options exist for mothers who may not have health insurance or the financial means to see a therapist. Some healthcare providers may provide services on a sliding scale — payments for sessions are based on your income.

Where Can I Learn More About Postpartum Care?

Taking care of your mental health allows you to show up better for those around you. LifeMD works with insurance plans that cover mental health services for at least 95% of adults. Still, there are tips and alternate options for care for those without health insurance.

Get started today by learning more about different kinds of mental health support.

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