How long does postpartum depression usually last?

Generally, with timely intervention, mild symptoms of postpartum depression may resolve within a few weeks to three months, while severe cases or those without proper treatment may last for more than six months. If there are any concerns, it is advisable to seek medical consultation early. Detailed analysis is as follows:

For mild postpartum depression, if sufficient family support is available, regular rest is ensured, and stress is managed through self-regulation (such as moderate physical activity and emotional coping), symptoms typically gradually subside within several weeks to three months. During this period, although mood fluctuations may occur, most mothers can still manage basic childcare responsibilities without significant disruption to daily life, allowing for relatively rapid recovery.

If postpartum depression is more severe—characterized by persistent low mood, refusal to care for the baby, or thoughts of self-harm—or if effective intervention is not received promptly, symptoms may persist for over six months and could even develop into chronic depression. These cases are often associated with lack of family support, absence of professional treatment, and poor personal psychological coping skills. Longer-term interventions are required for gradual improvement, and such conditions may significantly affect the mother’s mental and physical health as well as parent-child relationships.

If postpartum depressive symptoms persist for more than one month without improvement, or show signs of worsening, immediate professional help from a psychiatrist or psychologist should be sought to prevent prolonged illness due to delayed treatment, which could negatively impact postpartum recovery and family life.