Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious mood disorder that can occur after childbirth, characterized by persistent sadness, anxiety, exhaustion, and difficulty bonding with or caring for a newborn. It goes beyond the typical "baby blues" and can significantly impair a new mother's ability to function. Nationally, about 1 in 8 women experience symptoms of postpartum depression after giving birth, representing over 460,000 mothers each year — with rates as high as 1 in 5 in some U.S. states. The condition is on the rise: diagnosed PPD prevalence doubled from 9.4% in 2010 to 19.3% in 2021, with significant increases across all racial and ethnic groups — and the largest relative increase seen among Asian/Pacific Islander women (280%). Despite its prevalence, PPD remains dramatically underidentified — nearly 50% of mothers with postpartum depression are never diagnosed by a health professional, and less than 20% of women are screened for maternal depression. Risk factors include prior mental health history, low income, young or advanced maternal age, and limited social support. With proper treatment — including therapy, medication, and peer support — up to 80% of individuals with PPD achieve full recovery.