Postpartum Mental Health
The postpartum period can come with many challenges. Recovering from birth, adjusting to caring for your baby, and many more. It's important to take time to practice self-care and to seek mental health treatment if you need it.
Postpartum depression is a type of depression that can occur up to one year after delivery. Typically, 1-3 weeks after delivery. Around 1 in 7 mothers experience postpartum depression. 1 in 10 new dads experience depression.
If you are experiencing these symptoms for over 2 weeks and they are impacting your daily life or your ability to care for your baby, you may need to seek treatment.
What is postpartum depression?
Postpartum Depression Symptoms
Postpartum depression can show up in different forms. Symptoms are ongoing and impact daily life. Postpartum depression can have a range of symptoms, some of these include
Emotional: excessive crying, hopelessness, sadness, guilt, shame, feeling empty or numb, irritability, being easily frustrated, anger, rage, feeling restless
Mental: trouble concentrating or remembering details, feeling overwhelmed, doubting your ability to care for your baby, feeling inadequate or worthless, difficulty with making decisions
Physical: feeling little to no energy, oversleeping, trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, stomach pains, headaches, aching muscles
Behavioral: withdrawing from family or partner, not able to form bond with baby, not wanting to be alone with baby, not wanting to care for baby out of fear that you may harm them, unable to enjoy time with loved ones
Postpartum Depression is NOT the Baby Blues
Baby blues are mild temporary mood swings caused by rapid hormone shifts, lifestyle changes, and fatigue that typically resolve without treatment a couple of weeks after delivery.
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please contact the 988 Lifeline.
Free, confidential support is available 24/7.
Call, text, or chat 988 for immediate help.
Call 1-888-574-5437 or email warmline@health.ok.gov
Available Monday trough Friday 8AM-6PM
Have questions about caring for your baby?
Trained consultants are available to take your call and offer support, find solutions, and help find additional resources if you need them.
Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262), or chat online here.
Available 24/7 in English and Spanish.
Speak to a trained counselor who will listen to what you are going through. They can also refer you to local support groups or other health care professionals.
Pregnancy and the birth of a baby can impact everyone in the family.
Fathers, partners, and other family members are also welcome to contact the Hotline for support.
Are you feeling overwhelmed or anxious? Do you just need someone to talk to?
Resources