Community
Postpartum Depression
Depression that occurs after childbirth. Tracking your symptoms and connecting with others who understand can help you manage day to day.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about your specific condition and treatment.
Get help now
If you are thinking about ending your life or hurting yourself, you do not have to carry it alone. Help exists right now, and reaching for it is not an overreaction.
- In the US: call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). Free, confidential, answered 24 hours a day. You can also chat at 988lifeline.org.
- Outside the US: call your local emergency number - 911 in the US, 999 in the UK, 112 in the EU - or find the crisis line for your country at findahelpline.com.
- If you have already hurt yourself or taken something: call emergency services now. Do not wait to see whether it gets worse.
What happens when you call - and what to do if you are worried about someone else.
When to seek help
Seek medical help right away if you have severe, sudden, or worsening symptoms, trouble breathing, chest pain, or any symptom that feels life-threatening. This community is for peer support and education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency services immediately.
Overview
What is postpartum depression? Having a baby can be exciting, but it can also be stressful and bring many strong emotions. During the postpartum period, which is the time after you give birth, you may have mood swings, crying spells, or feel anxious. These feelings are common and are often called the postpartum "baby blues". The baby blues usually go away within a few days to a week. If your symptoms are more severe and last longer than two weeks, you may have postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a common but serious mood disorder that can begin anytime within the first year after childbirth. Without treatment, symptoms may make it hard to care for your baby or manage daily…
Join the Postpartum Depression community
Talk with people who understand, share what helps, and find support from others living with postpartum depression. Private, moderated, and free.
Posts in this community reflect personal experiences, not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor before changing your treatment.