Having a baby can bring big changes.
Moms and dads often feel joy, love, and excitement. But sometimes, they can feel sad, worried, or alone. If these feelings don’t go away, it may be something more serious – it may be postpartum depression, which is depression that happens after a baby is born.
Postpartum depression can happen for many reasons. If you’re struggling, it’s important to know you did not cause this, and it is not in any way your fault.
Remember, you are not to blame.
Postpartum depression is a medical condition that requires medical care.
It can look or feel different for moms than it does for dads.
For Moms
Postpartum depression often begins during pregnancy or in the first few weeks after baby is born. Moms with a history of depression or anxiety, or a lack of support are at greater risk of
postpartum depression.
For Dads
Postpartum depression may start later – often 3–6 months after baby is born, but it can happen anytime in the first year. Dads are at greater risk for postpartum depression if they have a partner with postpartum depression, have a personal history of past mental health struggles, or if they are under financial stress.
Signs of Postpartum Depression Here are more signs of postpartum depression and what it might look like for moms compared to dads:
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CHANGES YOU MIGHT NOTICE
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MOMS
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DADS
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Mood
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Connection to Baby
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Energy & Sleep
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Eating & Physical Body Feelings
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Ability to Focus
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Social Life
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Anxiety
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Serious Thoughts of Harm
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If you or someone you love shows any of these signs, it’s important to reach out for help. Getting help right away will benefit you, your baby, and the rest of your family.
How to Feel Better 
Let them know how you feel. Others care about you and want to help, even if it’s just to listen.
Sleep when you can. Ask for help with caring for your baby so you can rest – even if just for an hour or so.
Go for a walk, breathe fresh air, and move your body a little. As little as 15 minutes outside can refresh your mood.
Try to eat regular meals with a variety of foods you enjoy. Drink plenty of water every day to help fight fatigue and irritability – which are both signs of dehydration.
Even simple things like listening to music, reading a book or favorite blog, or taking a relaxing bath. Schedule a bit of time each day to do something just for you.
Sometimes feeling better requires therapy (“talking help”) or medicine. A mental health care provider can help you find ways to manage your feelings or may recommend medication to help you feel more like yourself again.
When to Get Help If things don’t improve or start to feel worse instead of better, get help right away from a licensed medical provider. Especially if you feel:
Where to Find Help The following are trusted resources that offer information and support to help.
PSI offers support to parents and families suffering from postpartum depression, anxiety, and distress.
(4PPD) #1 En Español or #2 English
Text en Español 971-203-7773
The National Institutes of Health has an Action Plan to help moms and dads see signs of depression or anxiety before or after baby arrives. It includes what to watch for, how to take care of yourself, and when to reach out for help.
Postpartum depression can feel very scary. But you are not alone. Many moms and dads feel this way. It can get better with help. You deserve support, care, and kindness – for yourself and your family.
If you or your partner aren’t feeling like yourself after the baby arrives, reach out. Talk, call, or ask for help. The sooner you get help, the sooner you can begin to feel better.
Cleveland Clinic. Dehydration and mental health: what’s the connection? (2025, March 28).
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/dehydration-and-affect-on-mental-health
Cleveland Clinic. How the outdoors can improve your mood. (2024, April 9).
https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2024/04/09/how-the-outdoors-can-improve-your-mood
Mayo Clinic. Postpartum depression. (2022, November 24).
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376623
Office on Women’s Health. Postpartum Depression. (2023, October 17).
https://womenshealth.gov/mental-health/mental-health-conditions/postpartum-depression
National Institute of Mental Health. Perinatal Depression. (2023).
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/perinatal-depression
Postpartum Support International. Help For Dads. (2025).
https://postpartum.net/get-help/help-for-dads/
Postpartum Support International. Get Help. (2025).
https://postpartum.net/get-help/
Postpartum Support International. Contact the PSI HelpLine. (2025).
https://postpartum.net/get-help/psi-helpline/
Postpartum Support International. Online Provider Directory. (2025).
https://postpartum.net/get-help/provider-directory/
Postpartum Support International. Find an Online Support Group. (2025).
https://postpartum.net/get-help/psi-online-support-meetings/
National Institutes of Health. Action Plan for Depression and Anxiety During Pregnancy and After Birth. (2022, June 2).
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/ncmhep/initiatives/moms-mental-health-matters/moms/action-plan
If you have serious thoughts of harming yourself, your baby, or others, get help right away.