How Long Does Postpartum Depression Last?

How long does postpartum depression last? This is a question asked by many women who are newly expecting and going through the initial stages of their lives. These women are faced with an entirely new set of challenges, one that will challenge them physically and mentally from the time that they become pregnant. The symptoms of postpartum depression are very similar to those of the normal post pregnancy blues but there are some differences because the new parents are not always prepared for the challenges in coming months.

Most women tend to bounce back from their postpartum blues with a good amount of sleep. Sleep usually helps with these bouts of anxiety, especially when the woman had been having too much trouble sleeping before the baby arrived. Sleep can also help with the mood swings that are so common with postpartum depression. It has been established that sleep duration is actually much longer after the new mom arrives. This means that she is likely suffering from some level of anxiousness and not necessarily true depression.

Postpartum depression can cause some behavior changes also. The new mom will most likely experience some degree of separation anxiety because she is missing her newborn. She may become clingy and over protective of her baby or start trying to compensate for her loss of companionship with a new guy in the home. There are other cases where the new mom will have periods of extreme happiness followed by periods of sadness and constant thoughts about losing the baby. It all depends on the individual woman but each case is different.

The other main symptom of postpartum depression is a change in sleeping patterns. Many women find that they are either tired all the time or that they are unable to get a good night's rest. This is the most obvious sign but there are other symptoms that can be disconcerting. A frequent and disturbing symptom is a tendency to oversleep or to need to be rested so much that there is nothing left for the brain to do but fall asleep.

There are many reasons why women develop postpartum depression, but the most common reason is chemical abuse. Studies have shown that the majority of cases involve a specific kind of chemical, such as estrogen or amphetamines. Other common substances that are suspected of causing this condition include alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, and marijuana. Abusers of these substances often find themselves feeling helpless and unable to overcome their anxiety or the mood disorder.

Women who have never been pregnant are usually the only victims of this condition, but it does occur in other situations as well. One way to determine how long does postpartum depression last is to ask the mother-to-be if she has experienced any negative mood swings or feelings of deep anxiety or fear since her pregnancy. She may be reluctant to discuss these feelings with her friends or family members because she doesn't want them to think that she is too fragile or afraid. If you notice any of these symptoms, keep track of them yourself for a few weeks after giving birth.

Mood swings, anxiety, and fears about life changes are all normal and expected symptoms of postpartum depression. The duration of the symptoms, however, will vary from woman to woman. If you've been through the same experience, you'll know how short or long the bouts of sadness, anxiety, and fear can last. Usually it takes about six months or more for these postpartum anxiety symptoms to disappear completely.

Another way to determine how long does postpartum depression last is to keep track of your hormone levels during and after the birth of your baby. Most women's bodies will begin to stabilize at about seven months after childbirth. Their hormone levels last longer and their moods start to return to normal. If your mood does not return to normal or starts to get worse, contact your doctor or midwife. They may be able to prescribe medication that helps with mood swings and anxiousness.