Depression Among Women of Reproductive Age and Postpartum Depression
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What is depression?
Many women experience depression. Depression has symptoms, just like other illnesses, including—
- A low or sad mood.
- Loss of interest in fun activities.
- Changes in eating, sleep, and energy.
- Problems in thinking, concentrating, and making decisions.
- Feelings of worthlessness, shame, or guilt.
- Thoughts that life is not worth living.
When many of these symptoms occur together and last for more than a week or two at a time, this is depression.
Postpartum depression is depression that occurs after having a baby.
The symptoms of postpartum depression are similar to symptoms for depression, but they also include—
- Trouble sleeping when your baby sleeps (more than the lack of sleep new moms usually get).
- Feeling numb or disconnected from your baby.
- Having scary or negative thoughts about the baby, like thinking someone will take your baby away or hurt your baby.
- Worrying that you will hurt the baby.
- Feeling guilty about not being a good mom, or ashamed that you cannot care for your baby.
According to a CDC survey, 11% to 18% of women reported having frequent postpartum depressive symptoms.
Being a mom is hard. For some, the journey to becoming a mom is really hard too.
Often, trying to get pregnant, being pregnant, or the birth of the baby can increase the risk for depression. You may have heard of postpartum depression (PPD), but many women don’t know that depression sometimes happens with other events, such as losing a baby or having trouble getting pregnant.
What about fathers?
- Approximately 4% of fathers experience depression in the first year of their child’s life.
- By a child’s 12th birthday, 21% of fathers will have experienced one or more episodes of depression.
- Younger fathers, those with a history of depression, and those of lower education and income were most likely to experience depression.
- Source: Incidence of Maternal and Paternal Depression in Primary Care A Cohort Study Using a Primary Care Database. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2010 Nov;164(11):1038–1044.
Did you know women’s reproductive experiences could be related to depression?
![Woman walking in a field](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20120927141114im_/http://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/Depression/images/72894802.jpg)
Having a hard time getting pregnant: Depression affects many women who experience infertility.
Having twins or triplets: Mothers of multiples have a greater risk of developing depression compared to women who give birth to just one baby.
Losing a baby: Women who experience miscarriage (losing a baby early in pregnancy), stillbirth (losing the baby late in pregnancy), or death of a newborn are more likely to experience depression.
Having a baby as a teen: Teen moms are more likely than older moms to have postpartum depression.
Having premature labor and delivery. These mothers have a significantly higher risk for depression.
Having a baby who is different: Mom’s risk for depression increases if the baby has a birth defect or disability.
Pregnancy and birth complications: Some studies have shown an increased risk for depression among women who experienced complications and hospitalization during pregnancy or an emergency C-section.
Having a baby or infant hospitalized: Women with sick or hospitalized babies may also be at increased risk for depression, as well as stress and anxiety.
That sounds like me. But how do I know if what I’m experiencing is depression? What should I do?
Depression is common. If you are worried about the way you have been feeling, it is important to speak with a doctor and tell him or her about your concerns. The following two questions may help you determine if what you are experiencing is depression.
During the past two weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?
Many women feel this way… you are not alone. There are treatments to help you feel better. Talk to your doctor so you can feel like yourself again.
Little interest or pleasure in doing things?
Not at all.
Several days.
More than half the days.
Nearly every day.
Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless?
Not at all.
Several days.
More than half the days.
Nearly every day.
If you answered “more than half the days” or “nearly every day” to either question, you may be depressed and should seek help from a doctor. Your doctor can help figure out whether you have depression or not, and he or she can help find the best treatment for you.
If I don’t do anything about my depression, will it eventually go away on its own?
It is possible that the depression could eventually go away without help. It could also get worse, instead of better. There are effective treatments for depression that may include medication or talking with a trained therapist. The best way to deal with depression is to see a doctor or a counselor. The earlier you seek help, the better you may do.
Listen to Podcast
Postpartum depression (PPD) occurs in up to one fifth of women in the United States, and this broadcast discusses causes of PPD and treatments, including talk therapy and antidepressants. Listen now...
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Contact Us:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Rd
Atlanta, GA 30333 - 800-CDC-INFO
(800-232-4636)
TTY: (888) 232-6348
24 Hours/Every Day - cdcinfo@cdc.gov