September 19, 2026, 7:47 am | Read time: 6 minutes
It’s a well-known phenomenon that many women suffer psychologically after giving birth. Although one might assume that happiness reaches its peak when becoming a new parent, in reality, this is often not the case. Fathers, by the way, often fare no better. Why many parents feel this way after birth, how severe postpartum depression can be, and the difference between it and the baby blues is explained by FITBOOK below.
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What is Postpartum Depression?
You may have heard of the so-called baby blues. This has nothing to do with the music genre blues, but with the English meaning of the word for sadness, melancholy, or dejection. About one in two mothers is affected after childbirth.1 The baby blues can trigger an emotional turmoil characterized by sudden sadness, inner restlessness, and exhaustion.
However, this condition usually subsides within the first two weeks after birth. If the symptoms persist longer than 14 days or even worsen, it is likely postpartum depression. In clinical and scientific contexts, the terms “postnatal depression” and “peripartum depression” are also common.
Why is this so?
It is a complex topic and not yet fully understood scientifically why so many parents feel this way after birth. The most likely cause is a combination of several factors. On one hand, the body undergoes significant hormonal changes after birth–even in men–and on the other hand, genetic factors may also play a role.
A significant factor for both the mother and the father is the impact on the psyche. Pregnancy and the time before birth are already laden with significant psychological stress, as aspects such as responsibility, future planning, and security come together. This stress can intensify after childbirth. External circumstances can also increase the risk. These include lack of support from relatives, stressful life situations, conflicts in the partnership, as well as experiences of violence or abuse.
Possible pre-existing mental illnesses such as depression also play a role. In many cases, it is not a single trigger but the combination of several stresses that makes new parents particularly vulnerable during this already challenging phase of life.
Men are also affected
Even though it might not be assumed at first. Men can also be affected by postpartum depression, with around five to ten percent of all new fathers experiencing it.2 The actual number is likely much higher.
If the father’s partner suffers from postpartum depression, his risk also increases significantly–to about 50 percent.3 Maternal and paternal depressions often influence each other. This means: The mother’s risk also increases if the partner is affected. While depression in mothers usually manifests within the first weeks after childbirth, symptoms in fathers often appear more slowly, gradually, and with a time delay. They often become apparent between the third and sixth month of the child’s life.
Causes and Risk Factors in Fathers
After birth, hormone levels also change in men. Testosterone decreases, while estrogen, oxytocin, and prolactin can also change. The causes of postpartum depression are varied and often the result of a combination of several stresses. Some of these differ slightly from those of mothers. Men are primarily affected by persistent sleep deprivation, an overwhelming sense of responsibility, financial worries, and partnership conflicts. Excessive expectations of their own father role, traumatic birth experiences, or pre-existing mental illnesses can also contribute to its development.
The symptoms also differ somewhat from those in mothers. In fathers, depression often manifests less through sadness and more through irritability, frustration, and outbursts of anger. Additionally, many affected individuals escape into excessive work, extreme sports, or develop addictions, such as to alcohol, smoking, or excessive gaming.
How is the Diagnosis Made?
A diagnosis is based on a step-by-step structured approach. A combination of clinical exploration of symptoms, a standardized questionnaire, and laboratory tests provides clarity.
Clinical Exploration of Symptoms
The doctor or psychotherapist first clarifies whether the main symptoms are present and have persisted for more than two weeks. Additionally, specific phenomena related to the new parental role are inquired about. These include pronounced feelings of failure and guilt, perceived emotional numbness, or disinterest in the infant, as well as anxious obsessive thoughts. The presence of such signs can further support the suspicion of postpartum depression.
Standardized Questionnaire
Specifically for detecting postpartum depression, there is the “Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.” It is a questionnaire with ten questions. If ten points are reached, there is a suspicion of depressive mood, and at 13 points, there is a high probability of postpartum depression.4
Laboratory Examination
Since some physical illnesses can trigger symptoms similar to postpartum depression, a blood test in the lab is always part of the diagnosis. It checks for anemia after birth (postpartum anemia) or a thyroid disorder (such as thyroiditis). It is also clarified whether drug use or certain medications may be causing the symptoms.
How is it Treated?
On one hand, the partner of the affected parent should always be included in the counseling and relief concept. How treatment is specifically carried out depends on the severity of the symptoms.
In cases of mild severity, practical help in everyday life is often sufficient. This includes support with childcare and household tasks, informative counseling sessions, and the expert’s attentive eye.
For a moderate form, there are two treatment paths: medication such as antidepressants and psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is often used in therapy, where the affected person is supported in recognizing and gradually changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. Another option is interpersonal psychotherapy, which focuses on current life circumstances and the transition to the parental role, helping to resolve interpersonal conflicts or relationship problems.
In severe cases, a combination of medication and intensive psychotherapy is usually applied. Mother and child are often accommodated together in a specialized mother-child unit to specifically promote bonding. If there are acute crises or suicidal thoughts, treatment in a hospital is essential.
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Chances of Recovery
The chances of recovery are very good. It is important that postpartum depression is recognized early. In some cases, symptoms can spontaneously recede without treatment and subside within a few weeks. Without professional support, however, there is a risk that the condition will become chronic. Additionally, mothers who have already experienced postpartum depression have an increased risk of recurrence after another birth. This is estimated to be about one-third.5
How Can It Be Prevented?
Some individuals have an increased risk of postpartum depression, especially if they have previously suffered from depression or have already experienced postpartum depression. In such cases, the risk should be clarified early with the treating professionals. Targeted psychotherapy or preventive psychosocial intervention can be initiated during pregnancy.
But even if there seems to be no increased risk, it is worth taking preventive measures. It is particularly helpful to inform oneself early–for example, with a midwife or in a childbirth preparation course–about the condition to be able to react quickly and effectively if it occurs.