Experiencing Postpartum Depression When Your Child Is Older

Postpartum depression usually occurs when a woman's baby is a newborn to six months of age.

The American Psychiatric Association (APA), as well as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), use the modifier "postpartum" to note when a woman is diagnosed with depression within the first year after the birth of a child.

Other modifiers can be used when symptoms of depression begin while a woman is pregnant and may persist after her baby is born (peripartum depression).

However, some women feel the effects of postpartum depression longer than a year after giving birth. As more women open up about their experiences with postpartum depression, it's becoming clear that the mental health condition affects each woman differently.

Actress Hayden Panettiere, for example, publicly sought professional treatment in a mental health facility when her daughter was more than eight months old. “The postpartum depression I have been experiencing has impacted every aspect of my life,” she tweeted. “Rather than stay stuck due to unhealthy coping mechanisms I have chosen to take time to reflect holistically on my health and life. Wish me luck!”

When Can Postpartum Depression Occur?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists explains that postpartum depression can occur in women up until their baby's first birthday. There is no hard and fast rule about that one year mark, though. Despite its name, postpartum depression is not just a disorder that happens to mothers of newborns. 

There is evidence that postpartum depression can be a manifestation of untreated depression before pregnancy. The condition may, at times, be a mental health issue that grows more severe in the presence of hormonal fluctuations, sleep deprivation, and the stress of new motherhood.

Some mothers experience ​depression after weaning their babies from breastfeeding (which, for many women, doesn't occur until after a baby is a year old or older).

We still don't understand how or why some women get postpartum depression, but there are likely many factors that can contribute to it. That said, there are ways to treat depression—no matter when it occurs.

For example, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first-ever drug specifically approved to treat postpartum depression. Zulresso, approved in 2019, is only approved for women who are up to six months postpartum.

A woman might be a candidate for treatment with Zulresso if they have new-onset depression during the third trimester of pregnancy up to six months postpartum.

Signs of Postpartum Depression

You should know the differences between postpartum depression and the so-called "baby blues" that can occur in the first few weeks of the postpartum period.

It is normal to experience a week or two of feeling "out of sorts" or even being a little extra weepy or emotional after having a baby. However, if these feelings last longer than two weeks postpartum and are interfering with your daily activities, it's a sign that you need to discuss your symptoms with your doctor.

Many women think that postpartum depression is "not that bad" or that it will go away on its own. These misconceptions can lead them to delay seeking treatment, and the condition can get worse.

Even though postpartum depression is common (affecting roughly one in seven women) it can be hard to recognize. However, women may not know the signs or symptoms of postpartum depression.

Sometimes, women just don't recognize when it's happening—in part because many women think it's normal to feel constantly sad or tired after having a baby. While it's definitely a life-changing experience to be a new parent, if you are miserable and unable to cope, there is support and help available.

When to Seek Help

This is not an exhaustive list of depression symptoms. Women who experience depression during pregnancy or after the birth of a baby may also have anxiety.

• Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
• Avoiding social interaction
• Excessive mood swings 
• Crying or a feeling of hopeless/sadness
• Constant guilt
• Feeling like you aren't a good mother
• Any feeling that you want to hurt your baby or hurt yourself

If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, it's important that you talk to your doctor. They can connect you with helpful resources, support, and treatment.