Baby Blues or Postpartum Depression? How to Tell the Difference and Get the Support You Need
Fun fact about me: in addition to being a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, I’m also a Perinatal Mental Health Certified therapist. Perinatal refers to the time between conception and one year after birth—a season filled with incredible change, growth, and sometimes unexpected challenges for parents.
Bringing a baby home is one of the biggest transitions you’ll ever experience—filled with love, learning, sleepless nights, and big emotions. It’s completely normal to feel teary, irritable, or overwhelmed in the first days or weeks after birth.
But how can you tell if what you’re feeling is simply the baby blues… or if it has developed into postpartum depression (PPD) that needs more support?
What Are the Baby Blues?
The baby blues affect about 70–80% of new moms. They’re triggered by hormonal changes, physical recovery, lack of sleep, and the major life shift of caring for a newborn.
Common signs include:
Mood swings
Tearfulness without a clear reason
Irritability or anxiety
Trouble concentrating
Feeling overwhelmed
These feelings usually begin a few days after birth and fade within about a week or two. If your mood steadily improves on its own, you were likely experiencing the baby blues.
When It Might Be Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is more than a temporary dip in mood. It can start within weeks of giving birth—or even months later.
Signs you may be experiencing PPD include:
Low mood lasting more than two weeks
Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you normally enjoy
Intense irritability, anger, or guilt
Feeling disconnected from your baby or struggling to bond
Changes in sleep or appetite that aren’t just from newborn care
Thoughts of harming yourself or feeling your family would be better off without you
If you recognize these symptoms, know this: it’s not “just adjusting.” It’s depression—and it’s treatable.
What to Do if You Suspect PPD
You are not failing. You are not broken. You are experiencing a medical condition that deserves care and compassion.
Steps you can take:
Talk to your healthcare provider – Your OB-GYN, midwife, or primary care doctor can screen for PPD and connect you with treatment options.
Reach out to a therapist – Look for one trained in perinatal mood disorders to help you navigate this season and feel more like yourself.
Tell someone you trust – Let a partner, family member, or friend know what’s going on so you don’t carry it alone.
Prioritize rest when possible – Even short naps or shared nighttime duties can make a difference.
Accept help – Meals, laundry, errands—this is the time to say “yes” to offers of support.
Join a support group – Hearing from other parents who understand can reduce feelings of isolation.
When to Seek Immediate Help
If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, treat it as an emergency. In the U.S., call or text 988, or go to the nearest emergency room. Your life matters, and help is available 24/7.
Bottom Line
The baby blues are common, but if your mood doesn’t improve after a week or so—or if your symptoms are intense—reach out for professional help.
Postpartum depression is nothing to be ashamed of, and with the right support, recovery is absolutely possible. You are not alone, and you deserve care just as much as your baby does. If mom is not doing well then no one is Doing well.
A Free Resource: Postpartum Support International
One of my favorite organizations to recommend is Postpartum Support International (PSI). They offer free, online, support groups for parents around the world who are navigating postpartum depression, anxiety, and other perinatal mood disorders.
They have an Incredible Amount of group options now for all phase of perinatal care:
ADHD Support for Pregnant and Postpartum Moms and Birthing People
After Abortion Support
Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi Moms Support Group
Bipolar Support for Perinatal (Pregnancy and Postpartum) Moms and Birthing People
Birth Moms Support Group (for birth moms/first moms who place a baby for adoption)
Birth Trauma Support
Birth Trauma Support for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Birthing People
Black Moms Connect
Black Moms in Loss (Returning Attendees Only)
Black Moms in Loss Support Group
Dad Support Group
Deaf Perinatal Parents Support Group (ASL)
Early Pregnancy Loss Support
Eating Disorder Support for Moms and Birthing People (Pregnancy–4 Years Postpartum)
Fertility Challenges
Mental Health Support for Special Needs and Medically Fragile Parenting
Military Moms – Perinatal Mood Support Group
Mindfulness for Pregnant and Postpartum Parents
NICU Postpartum Parents-I personally used this support Group when i had my nICU baby
Parenting After Loss
Perinatal (Pregnancy & Postpartum) Mood Support for Moms
Perinatal (Pregnancy & Postpartum) Mood Support for Parents
Perinatal (Pregnancy & Postpartum) OCD Support for Moms
Perinatal (Pregnancy & Postpartum) OCD Support for Parents
Perinatal Mood Support for Moms (Returning Attendees Only)
Perinatal Support for Latinx Moms and Birthing People
Postpartum Rage Support for Moms and Birthing People
Pregnancy After Loss Support for Parents
Pregnancy After Stillbirth and Early Infant Loss
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support for Moms
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support for Parents
Pregnancy Mood Support Group
Pregnancy, Parenting, & Trying to Conceive After Termination for Medical Reasons
Pregnant and Postpartum Parents of Multiples
Queer & Trans Parent Support Group
Single Perinatal (Pregnancy and Postpartum) Parent Support
Stillbirth and Infant Loss Support for Parents
Substance Use Recovery Support for Perinatal Moms and Birthing People
Support for Families Touched by Postpartum Psychosis (PPP)
Support for Parents of High Needs Babies
Support for Parents of One to Four Year Old Children
Termination for Medical Reasons Support for Moms
Termination for Medical Reasons Support for Parents
When Breastfeeding & Bodyfeeding Ends Before You Are Ready
Yoga for Pregnant and Postpartum Parents
These groups are held virtually (90 mins), so you can join from home and connect with others who truly understand what you’re going through. please note you have to sign up ahead of the scheulded group to hold your spot as spots are limited.
PSI also has a phone line you can call or text for non-emergency emotional support: 1-800-944-4773 (Text "HELP" to 800-944-4773).
If you’re feeling isolated, PSI’s groups can be a lifeline—a reminder that you are not alone and that help is available.
