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Talking Postpartum Depression

Get Help Now. Call 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) for 24/7 free confidential support for pregnant and new moms. If you are in mental health distress or have a suicidal crisis, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 for free and confidential support.

Trigger Warning: Mentions of mental health distress, self-harm, and suicide.

Illustration of a diverse group of women engaged in conversation.Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common mental health condition that can affect anyone. While it can feel hard or lonely, healing from PPD is possible.    

About 1 in 8 women report symptoms of PPD in the year after giving birth. Everyone experiences PPD differently. Feeling sad, anxious, or overwhelmed are some of the signs. You might not feel connected to your baby, or you might not feel love or care for the baby. If these feelings last longer than two weeks, you may have PPD.  

To learn more about PPD, including the signs and symptoms, check out our fact sheet.

Start a healing journey

PPD is common and there is help if you are experiencing symptoms or supporting someone who is - explore resources here.

Meet the women. Watch their stories.

Everyone’s PPD journey is different. Hear from women who experienced PPD and found their path toward healing. 

While Allison, Clarissa, Emily, Sara, and Shawnette come from different backgrounds, they have one important thing in common: they made the decision to get help for PPD. Watch them discuss their PPD experiences and the ways they found support. 

Watch each woman's individual story below

  • Clarissa's Story

    "There are people out there that will help you, and you just have to look for it.” - Clarissa

  • Sara's Story

    "Be strong and find your support system to give you that courage to make the first steps." - Sara

  • Shawnette’s Story

    “I might have went through the worst, but the days are getting better.” - Shawnette

  • Allison's Story

    “I was able to give trust and let go of the little things that I was so anxious about prior.” - Allison

  • Emily's Story

    "I just knew from a couple of other friends having PPD that I needed to do something.” - Emily

  • About 1 in 8 women report symptoms of PPD

    Smiling group of five women and a moderator, standing together.

    About 1 in 8 women report symptoms of PPD in the year after giving birth. PPD is different for everyone.

All material contained on these pages are free of copyright restrictions and maybe copied, reproduced, or duplicated without permission of the Office on Women’s Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Citation of the source is appreciated.
Page last updated: January 4, 2024