Know PPD
Understanding postpartum depression is the first step toward recovering from it.
What is PPD?
Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that can develop during pregnancy or in the year after childbirth. It is more intense and longer-lasting than the common 'baby blues', and it can affect anyone who has given birth.
PPD is common, it is no one's fault, and it is treatable.
Symptoms & Signs
- Feeling low, empty or tearful most days
- Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
- Constant tiredness that rest doesn't fix
- Sleeping too much, or not at all, even when baby sleeps
- Big changes in appetite
- Feeling disconnected from your baby
- Worry or panic that's hard to switch off
- Irritability or sudden anger
- Feeling guilty, worthless or like a 'bad mother'
- Trouble focusing or making simple decisions
- Pulling away from family and friends
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
Impact on Mothers & Families
Untreated PPD can affect a mother's health, her relationship with her partner, and her bond with her baby. Children of mothers with untreated depression may face challenges with sleep, feeding and development.
The good news: with early support, mothers recover and families thrive. Partners and relatives play a big role — by noticing, listening and helping share the load.
Myths vs Facts
Timing
Myth: PPD only starts right after delivery.
Fact: Symptoms can begin during pregnancy or appear any time in the first year after birth.
Read the signsStigma
Myth: Only weak mothers get depressed.
Fact: PPD is a medical condition linked to hormones, sleep loss and life stress — not a lack of strength.
Speak upRecovery
Myth: It will go away on its own.
Fact: Baby blues fade in two weeks; PPD often needs support. Early help leads to faster recovery.
Reach out soonerTreatment
Myth: Medication is the only treatment.
Fact: Counselling, peer support, lifestyle changes and, where needed, medication all play a part.
See optionsOpenness
Myth: Talking about it makes it worse.
Fact: Naming what you feel reduces shame and is the first step toward getting help.
Start talkingSelf-worth
Myth: PPD means you don't love your baby.
Fact: Many mothers with PPD love their babies deeply. Struggling is not a reflection of your love.
Find supportPPD Statistics
Around the world 13%
Of women worldwide experience a mental disorder, mainly depression, after giving birth.
Across 56 countries 17.2%
Pooled global prevalence of postpartum depression across 56 countries.
In India 22%
Estimated prevalence of postpartum depression among mothers in india.
In developing countries 19.8%
Of mothers in developing countries experience a mental disorder after childbirth.