The Difference Between Baby Blues, Postpartum Depression, and Postpartum Psychosis: A Clear, Compassionate Guide - Therapy Geelong
Bringing a baby into the world is one of the most profound experiences a person can go through — emotionally, physically, and mentally. While it’s often portrayed as a time filled with joy and love, the reality is far more nuanced. Many new parents experience a wide range of emotional shifts in the days, weeks, and months after giving birth.
If you're struggling, you're not alone. But understanding what you're feeling and why is the first step toward getting support. In this post, we’ll gently unpack the differences between baby blues, postpartum depression, and postpartum psychosis — three very different but often confused experiences.
Baby Blues: A Common and Temporary Emotional Shift
What it is:
Up to 80% of new mothers experience the baby blues — a short-lived period of emotional ups and downs, usually starting 2–3 days after birth and lasting about two weeks.
Common signs:
Sudden crying spells for no clear reason
Mood swings and irritability
Anxiety or restlessness
Feeling overwhelmed
Trouble sleeping, even when the baby is asleep
Mild sadness or weepiness
Why it happens:
After giving birth, your body goes through a massive hormonal shift, including a drop in estrogen and progesterone. Combine that with sleep deprivation, physical recovery, and the emotional intensity of new parenthood, and it's no wonder you feel all over the place.
When to seek help:
If the symptoms last longer than two weeks, interfere with daily life, or worsen, it may be more than just the baby blues.
Postpartum Depression (PPD): More Than Just Sadness
What it is:
Postpartum depression is a serious, yet treatable mental health condition that affects about 1 in 7 mothers (and can also affect non-birthing partners). It usually develops within the first few months after birth, but it can begin during pregnancy or up to a year postpartum.
Common signs:
Persistent sadness or hopelessness
Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
Difficulty bonding with your baby
Fatigue or lack of energy, even after resting
Feelings of worthlessness, shame, or guilt
Trouble concentrating or making decisions
Changes in appetite or sleep
Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby (in some cases)
How it feels:
Unlike baby blues, PPD doesn’t go away on its own. It's not just feeling sad — it can feel like you’re drowning, like you’re not yourself anymore. And it’s not your fault.
When to seek help:
Immediately. If you’re experiencing symptoms that last beyond two weeks, or feel like you’re not coping, talk to your doctor, midwife, or a mental health professional. Treatment can include therapy, medication, support groups, or a combination.
Local Support in Geelong:
If you're based in the Geelong region, Nurture Geelong offers specialised perinatal mental health support tailored to meet you where you are — whether you're navigating pregnancy, early parenthood, or recovering from a challenging birth. Their compassionate, trauma-informed services can be a vital part of your healing journey.
Postpartum Psychosis: A Rare but Urgent Emergency
What it is:
Postpartum psychosis is a medical emergency that affects 1 to 2 out of every 1,000 births. It usually begins within the first few days or weeks after giving birth and involves a break from reality.
Common signs:
Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
Delusions (believing things that aren’t true or logical)
Extreme confusion or disorientation
Rapid mood swings
Paranoia or suspicious thoughts
Insomnia or inability to sleep for days
Thoughts of harming self or baby
How it feels:
This is not something a person can control or “snap out of.” It is a psychiatric emergency that requires immediate medical attention — not just for the safety of the parent, but also the baby.
When to seek help:
Immediately. If you or someone you love is showing signs of postpartum psychosis, go to the emergency room or call emergency services right away. With urgent treatment, full recovery is possible.
A Final Word: You’re Not Alone, and You’re Not Failing
It’s time to let go of the myth that new parenthood should be pure bliss. The reality is complex — and that complexity is nothing to be ashamed of. Whether you’re dealing with the baby blues, postpartum depression, or something more severe like postpartum psychosis, what you’re feeling is real, and help is available.
Support is a strength, not a weakness.
Talk to a healthcare provider. Lean on friends or family. Join a support group. Reach out to a therapist trained in perinatal mental health. You don’t have to do this alone — and you don’t have to wait until things get worse to ask for help.
If you’re in the Geelong area, Nurture Geelong provides a safe, welcoming space for parents to talk, heal, and be supported through all stages of the perinatal period.