What is Perinatal Depression? Lookout for Signs and Treatment

Pregnancy and the postpartum period are often portrayed as joyful, picture-perfect times.  

Glowing expectant mothers, smiling babies, and happy families.  

But for many, reality includes moments of deep sadness, anxiety, or emotional numbness that don’t seem to lift. 

Perinatal depression occurs during pregnancy and affects far more families than most realize.  

The World Health Organization reports that about 10% of pregnant women and 13% of women who have just given birth experience a mental health condition, with depression being the most frequent.  

Rates are even higher in certain populations, reaching nearly 20% in high-stress or low-support environments. Fathers and partners can also be affected. 

At Axis Integrated Mental Health, we help new and expecting parents across Denver, Boulder, and Westminster navigate these emotional challenges with evidence-based treatment and a whole-person approach. 

What is Perinatal Depression? 

Perinatal depression is a mood disorder that occurs at any time during pregnancy or within 12 months after childbirth.  

It affects both emotional well-being and physical health, influencing not only the parent but also the baby and the family unit. 

It is different from the “baby blues”, which affects up to 80% of new mothers in the first few days after giving birth and typically resolves within two weeks.  

Perinatal depression is more severe, longer lasting, and significantly impacts functioning and relationships. 

Perinatal vs Postpartum Depression: What’s the Difference? 

Understanding this distinction helps providers tailor the safest and most effective treatment plan for both parent and child. 

How Common is Perinatal Depression? 

• Up to 20% of pregnant individuals experience depression during pregnancy (CDC, 2023). 

• 1 in 7 mothers experience postpartum depression. 

• Rates are higher for those with a history of mental health conditions, limited social support, or significant life stressors. 

• Fathers and non-birthing partners are not immune. Research shows 8%-10% of new fathers experience postpartum depression, often triggered by sleep loss, relationship changes, and financial pressure. 

Risk Factors You Should Know 

Perinatal depression can affect anyone, but certain factors increase vulnerability: 

• Medical: Pregnancy complications, chronic illness, or hormonal sensitivity (history of PMS or PMDD) 

• Psychological: Previous depression, anxiety, or trauma history 

• Social: Lack of partner or family support, financial strain, relationship difficulties 

• Situational: Unplanned pregnancy, NICU stay, stressful work environment 

Why Perinatal Depression Matters for Baby and Parent 

Untreated perinatal depression isn’t just emotionally painful — it can have real consequences: 

• For parents: Higher risk of chronic depression, relationship breakdown, reduced quality of life, and impaired physical recovery. 

• For babies: Potential impacts on brain development, emotional regulation, and bonding. 

Early recognition and treatment can prevent long-term effects and improve outcomes for the whole family. 

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For 

Perinatal depression can present differently from person to person, but symptoms often include: 

• Persistent sadness or hopelessness 

• Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities 

• Irritability, anger, or excessive anxiety 

• Feeling disconnected from your pregnancy or baby 

• Changes in appetite or weight 

• Sleep problems unrelated to newborn care 

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions 

• Thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby (seek help immediately if this occurs) 

Some parents also report physical symptoms like headaches, stomach problems, or general aches without a clear medical cause. 

How Perinatal Depression is Diagnosed 

Diagnosis is based on: 

• Screening tools: Such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) 

• Medical evaluation: Ruling out thyroid disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or other physical conditions that mimic depression 

• Mental health history: Including previous episodes of depression, anxiety, or trauma 

• Symptom duration and severity: Particularly how symptoms affect caregiving and functioning 

First-Line Treatments Without Medication 

For many expecting or breastfeeding parents, starting with non-medication approaches feels safest. 

1. Psychotherapy

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifies unhelpful thought patterns and builds coping strategies 

• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Focuses on role transitions, relationship challenges, and grief/loss 

2. Lifestyle Adjustments

• Balanced diet: Prioritize omega-3s, leafy greens, and lean proteins; avoid processed foods and excess sugar for blood sugar stability 

• Gentle exercise: Prenatal yoga, swimming, or walking can reduce stress and improve mood 

• Sleep hygiene: Create a calming bedtime routine, limit screens before bed, and share night duties when possible 

3. Social Connection

• Join local support groups or parent meetups 

• Identify friends/family who can help with meals, errands, or childcare 

• Build a list of “emergency contacts” for emotional check-ins 

Advanced and Complementary Therapies 

When symptoms are more severe or persistent, additional supports can make a difference: 

• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): Non-invasive, no medication, can be safe in certain pregnancy/postpartum cases 

• Light therapy: Effective for those with seasonal depression overlap 

• Mind-body practices: Acupuncture, mindfulness meditation, guided imagery 

• Partner counseling: Addresses relationship stressors that can worsen depression 

The Overlap of Perinatal Depression and Anxiety 

Perinatal depression and anxiety often go hand in hand, and it’s not uncommon for someone to experience symptoms of both at the same time.  

In fact, studies show that more than half of individuals diagnosed with perinatal depression also meet criteria for a perinatal anxiety disorder. 

Why They Often Appear Together 

Pregnancy and postpartum bring a perfect storm of emotional, physical, and hormonal changes.  

Rapid shifts in estrogen and progesterone can influence both mood and the brain’s stress regulation systems, increasing vulnerability to both depression and anxiety.  

Life stressors like sleep deprivation, new responsibilities, and changes in identity can compound the effect. 

Signs Anxiety May Be Present Alongside Depression 

In addition to the hallmark symptoms of depression (sadness, loss of interest, fatigue), you might notice: 

• Racing thoughts that feel uncontrollable 

• Excessive worry about the baby’s health, feeding, or development — even when there’s no clear reason for concern 

• Hypervigilance — checking on the baby constantly, monitoring breathing, or being unable to rest when the baby sleeps 

• Panic attacks — sudden surges of fear with physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, or dizziness 

• Physical tension — muscle tightness, headaches, stomach discomfort 

Why Addressing Anxiety is Essential? 

When anxiety and depression coexist, they can feed off each other. Anxiety may lead to avoidance behaviors, isolation, or insomnia, which in turn can worsen depression.  

On the flip side, depression can make it harder to use coping skills or problem-solve, allowing anxiety to spiral unchecked. 

What Helps When Both Are Present 

• Integrated therapy: A mental health provider can tailor sessions to address both mood and anxiety symptoms. 

• Breath and grounding techniques: Slow breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided imagery can calm the nervous system. 

• Structured worry time: Setting aside a specific time to process concerns can help prevent rumination throughout the day. 

• Support networks: Talking with other parents who have experienced similar challenges can reduce feelings of isolation and shame. 

At Axis, we routinely screen for both depression and anxiety in perinatal clients to ensure no symptom is overlooked. 

How Partners Can Help? 

When a parent experiences perinatal depression, the support of a partner can make a tremendous difference in recovery.  

But knowing how to help can be tricky. Especially if the partner is also adjusting to new responsibilities and emotions. 

Understanding the Experience 

Partners should know that perinatal depression is not a sign of weakness or a lack of love for the baby.  

It’s a medical condition influenced by hormonal shifts, brain chemistry, and life stressors. Recognizing it as such can help remove blame and stigma. 

Ways to Offer Practical Support 

• Share daily responsibilities: Take on feedings, diaper changes, or household chores without waiting to be asked. 

• Protect rest time: Encourage naps or uninterrupted sleep stretches for the recovering parent, especially in the early postpartum weeks. 

• Attend appointments: Go with them to therapy or check-ups when possible, offering a second set of ears and emotional reinforcement. 

• Help manage visitors: Set boundaries around visiting hours or the number of guests so the new parent can rest and heal. 

Ways to Offer Emotional Support 

• Listen without fixing: Sometimes they just need to be heard and validated, not given solutions. 

• Check in daily: Ask open-ended questions like “How’s your mood today?” rather than “Are you okay?” 

• Reassure without dismissing: Avoid phrases like “You’ll be fine” — instead try “This is hard, and I’m here for you through it.” 

• Encourage professional help: If symptoms persist, gently suggest connecting with a provider and offer to help set up the appointment. 

Looking After Yourself as a Partner 

Supporting someone with perinatal depression can be emotionally taxing. Partners should also: 

• Seek their own support through counseling or peer groups 

• Prioritize rest and healthy habits 

• Stay informed about perinatal mental health to better understand what’s happening 

When both parents’ mental health is supported, the entire family benefits. At Axis, we welcome partners into the care process, because recovery is often strongest when it’s a team effort. 

Local Resources in Colorado 

• Postpartum Support International – Colorado Coordinators 

• Boulder Community Health Perinatal Programs 

• Denver Health New Parent Support 

• Jefferson Center for Mental Health – Westminster location 

Frequently Asked Questions 

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