Angela Neal-Barnett, PhD, is a leading expert in Black mental health, emphasizing anxiety disorders among Black women and girls. Dr. Neal-Barnett founded and directs the Program for Research on Anxiety Disorders among African Americans (PRADAA) Lab, which currently receives funding from the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation, American Psychological Association, Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland, and the Women’s Endowment Fund of the Akron Community Foundation. The recipient of the 2020 ADAA Jerilyn Ross Clinician Advocate Award, Dr. Neal-Barnett is the author of Soothe Your Nerves: The Black Woman's Guide to Understanding and Overcoming Anxiety, Panic, and Fear (Simon & Schuster).
Article3 min read
What Is Postpartum Depression and How Long Does It Last?
- Angela NealBarnett PhD
- Birdie G Meyer RN MA PMHC
- Nicole A Smith MD MPH
- Deborah Ledley PhD
- Oct 1, 2025
- 3
The expectations of having a child typically revolve around excitement and joy, but this isn’t the reality for every new mother. Symptoms of postpartum depression can affect any woman after any type of pregnancy, and there isn’t always a clear explanation as to why. While postpartum depression can bring feelings of shame, embarrassment, and perceived failure, it’s important to understand that postpartum depression (PPD) is a normal and treatable condition. And most importantly, it’s nobody’s fault... especially not yours.
What Is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression is a type of mental health disorder that some women suffer after giving birth to a child. It’s typically caused by a combination of physiological changes in hormone levels and the psychological stress of adapting to motherhood. Symptoms typically start shortly after birth and can last for a year or longer if left unaddressed.
While depression is a major part of postpartum depression, the term can also be used to refer to an umbrella of mood and anxiety disorders that can occur following childbirth.
How Common Is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression is more common than you might think, affecting around one out of every seven women who give birth. While any mother can experience postpartum depression, factors like age, race, and socioeconomic status can increase the likelihood of developing a mood or anxiety disorder after childbirth and make it more difficult to access care. Black and Indigenous women, teen mothers, and women who become pregnant after the age of 40 present the highest risks.
Infographic: Postpartum Depression Symptoms
| Postpartum Depression (PPD) | Postpartum Anxiety (PPA) |
| Changes in eating or sleeping patterns | Changes in eating or sleeping patterns |
| Loss of interest in hobbies | Trouble focusing or sitting still |
| Feelings of sadness, irritability, or anger | Dizziness |
| Unshakable shame, guilt, or hopelessness | Nausea |
| Lack of interest in the baby | Hot flashes |
| Thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby | Worrying |
Can I Get Postpartum Depression After a Miscarriage?
Postpartum depression can occur after any type of pregnancy – including those that end in miscarriage or stillbirth. One in five women who miscarry battle depression or anxiety disorder with grief, with symptoms often lasting as long as one to three years. Having a miscarriage can also increase your risk of developing postpartum depression after future pregnancies.
Hence, it’s always important to check in on yourself and keep an open line of communication with your loved ones. Sometimes our minds can be too fatigued and overwhelmed to even realize we are not okay. So, talk to your partner. You’re both in this together, and partnership is all about lifting each other up, through good days and bad.
Was this article helpful?
