Can postpartum depression come on 5 months after giving birth?

I have been feeling so down lately, I think I may have depression. I have never felt this way for so long in my life (i’ve been in the "rut" for over a month now). And if I do have postpartum depression, is it something I can see my regular doctor for or will I need to see a psychiatrist?

Yes, PPD is caused by hormonal changes in the body. This can occur for up to two years after birth. See your Ob/Gyn, and they can make a determination on whether you need psychiatric care or not.

7 Responses to “Can postpartum depression come on 5 months after giving birth?”

  • Booger Butt says:

    see your regular doctor first..i did..4 yrs ago..i was put on antidepressant pill called ”zoloft”…works wonders…but like most any depressant pill…you must take it because it is easy to slip back into depression…but your whole life will change
    References :

  • greta says:

    absoltly, i had ppd until my baby was 12 months and didnt show until about that time, you can go to your obgyn for medication and advice,
    References :

  • east coast girl says:

    being a new mom is TOUGH; nursing help to ease the depression but maybe you need vitamins, continue taking the prenatal vitamins along with extra minerals and a b-complex; and remember to rest when the baby rests; try some more self-help and if there’s no improvement, see your family doctor

    hang in there =)
    References :

  • sweetpea says:

    Yes. Make sure you get the help you need. Enough sleep and are eating properly. Make yourself a priority… If you can sleep when your baby is napping.
    References :
    Experience. Mom of 6 …21 yrs. – 6 yrs.

  • missbeans says:

    Yes, PPD is caused by hormonal changes in the body. This can occur for up to two years after birth. See your Ob/Gyn, and they can make a determination on whether you need psychiatric care or not.
    References :

  • Dr. Shoshana Bennett says:

    Postpartum depression can begin any time during the first year postpartum. It’s not uncommon for ppd to start at 5 months or even later. The best course of action would be to contact a therapist who specializes in ppd. Sometimes medication is needed, but often it isn’t. An excellent therapist who specializes can help you with a plan of action of solid sleep at night (sleep deprivation can cause ppd), nutrition, emotional and physical support. If you prefer speaking to an MD for a prescription, go to the doctor you connect with the best. With proper help, you will recover!

    Dr. Shoshana Bennett
    References :
    http://ClearSky-Inc.com

  • MONICA says:

    I am currently going through this myself… I have a 7 month old and have had ppd since two weeks after giving birth. I really never knew it existed, I am now taking anti depressants. (Celexa 20 mg) and it really sucks when you start taking any anti depressant, but after about a week it works out well. I can get back to my old self again. My rut began when I could not even make the baby a bottle because it seemed so hard, and even taking the baby in her car seat was hard… I would dwell for hours on the smallest things… Just know that you will get Better and it’s a chemical imbalance.
    References :
    Read the book by Brooke Sheilds

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