Depression and anxiety will not go away on their own. With treatment, there is hope.
Depression and Anxiety Around Pregnancy
Depression and anxiety can happen during pregnancy or after birth.
Learn the signs and how to get help.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis please reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or the PSI helpline at 1-800-944-4773.
Postpartum depression is one name you might hear for depression and anxiety that can happen during and after pregnancy. But it might not be the best way to describe what women feel.
The word "postpartum" means "after birth," so "postpartum depression" is talking only about depression after the baby is born. For many women, this term is correct: they start feeling depression sometime within the first year after they have the baby.
Researchers believe that depression is one of the most common problems women experience during and after pregnancy.
We now know that women may also experience anxiety around the time of pregnancy, beyond just being nervous about having a baby. Anxiety during and after pregnancy is as common as depression and may even happen at the same time as depression.
There are some things you can do, in addition to treatment, that may help you feel better.
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Connect with other moms.
Look for a moms' group in your community or online. These groups may give you the chance to learn from others who are going through or have gone through the same thing and to share your own feelings. Postpartum Support International (PSI) can help you locate groups in your area. Postpartum Progress® offers a private online community so you can connect with other moms no matter where you live. -
Make time for yourself.
Do something for you, like getting out of the house, or taking a hot bath without interruption. If you can, have your partner, a family member, or babysitter watch the baby regularly and go visit a friend or run an errand. -
Do something you enjoy.
Whether it is listening to music, reading a book, or watching a favorite movie, take a bit of time each day to do something you enjoy. -
Be realistic.
You don't have to do everything. You don't have to have the "perfect" home. Just do what you can and leave the rest. -
Ask for help.
Don't be afraid to ask for help from family and friends, whether it's caring for the baby or doing household chores.
Resources taken from US Department of Health and Human Services. National Institutes of Health