By: Kathy Hubbard
The buzz about Lindsay Clancy, on trial for allegedly killing her three children, gives us good reason to look at postpartum depression today. As I’m writing this article, her fate is in the hands of the jury, and regardless of the outcome, all expecting parents and their parents need to be aware of this condition and its symptoms.
Postpartum depression manifests as sadness or loneliness, severe mood swings or anxiety, or losing interest in things you typically enjoy. It can happen within the first few days after giving birth, but it can occur during pregnancy or up to a year after delivery. Most often, symptoms start around six weeks postpartum.
There are three types of postpartum mood disorders, baby blues, postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis, the center of Clancy’s defense. Cleveland Clinic’s website says the main difference between them is their severity and how long they last.
“Most new moms experience postpartum ‘baby blues,’ and this is considered a normal experience. Baby blues affect up to three in four people after delivery. If you’re experiencing baby blues, you may cry for no apparent reason or feel anxious a few times a day. If symptoms continue beyond your second week postpartum, contact your healthcare provider,” Cleveland advises.
One in seven women will experience more intense and severe symptoms than baby blues. This type of postpartum depression might start within the week of delivery and last several months.
“Symptoms of postpartum depression interfere with your day. Your days tend to feel mostly bad instead of mostly good. You may experience alternating highs and lows, frequent crying, irritability and fatigue,” Cleveland says. If you’re having difficulty thinking or focusing, are lacking interest in hobbies or things you usually enjoy, experiencing a change in appetite, are worrying excessively, or feeling anxious around your baby, call your healthcare provider.
Mayo Clinic says that new fathers can also experience postpartum depression. “They may feel sad, tired, overwhelmed, anxious, or have changes in their usual eating and sleeping patterns.
If you’re a partner of a new mother and are having symptoms of depression or anxiety during your partner’s pregnancy or after your child’s birth, talk to your health care provider. Similar treatments and supports provided to mothers with postpartum depression can help treat postpartum depression in the other parent.”
Cleveland also points out that postpartum depression can affect surrogates and adoptive parents as well. “People experience hormonal, physical, emotional, financial and social changes after having a baby. These changes can make life feel difficult and you may begin to doubt yourself.”
The third type of postpartum depression is postpartum psychosis. This is an extremely severe form of postpartum depression and is a medical emergency. Fortunately, it is rare. Statistics claim just one to two people in 1,000 will have postpartum psychosis.
“Symptoms generally come on quickly and intensely, lasting for many weeks or many months,” Cleveland Clinic says. “Symptoms include severe agitation, confusion, feelings of hopelessness, delusions or hallucinations, rapid speech and mania.”
If at any time, day or night, you feel overwhelmed, have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or go to the emergency department.
Researchers haven’t found the exact cause but believe there’s a connection between the rapid drop in hormones after delivery and depression. Cleveland says, “The levels of estrogen and progesterone increase tenfold during pregnancy but drop sharply after delivery. By three days postpartum, levels of these hormones are back to pre-pregnancy levels.”
They also say that “in addition to these chemical changes the social and psychological changes of having a baby increase your risk. Examples of these changes include physical changes to the body, lack of sleep and being tired, and worries about parenting or changes to your relationships.”
Treatments may include medication, psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy and joining support groups. Untreated postpartum depression is dangerous and affects your whole family.
Cleveland Clinic says it’s important “if you have postpartum depression, to know that you’re not alone, it’s not your fault and that help is available. Some people never seek treatment out of fear or embarrassment. But your healthcare provider is always a safe space to share your symptoms and feelings. They can help you figure out if you need treatment and what treatment will work best for you.”
Kathy Hubbard was a charter member of Bonner General Health Foundation. She can be reached at [email protected]. This article was written for publication in the Bonner County Daily Bee on September 2, 2026.