Our Mythbusters series continues with a look at postpartum depression.

MYTH: All women feel joy and glow during pregnancy.

There is an idea that because they are developing a life inside them that a pregnant woman should feel the joy of the miracle of life. However, about 10% of women will experience depression during their pregnancy. This can cause feelings of shame, especially since pregnancy is supposed to be a joyful time.

MYTH: Pregnant women don’t get depressed. It’s just a change in hormones.

It is true that pregnancy causes changes in hormones and that this can affect women after delivering a baby, but postpartum depression ranges from a few months to longer periods of time. There are several factors that can contribute to a woman’s depression, including past history of a mood or anxiety disorder, lack of sleep, external stressors, genetics, problems with their baby’s health, and lack of a support system.

MYTH: Postpartum depression only starts a few weeks after the baby is born.

Although there are more risk factors, and the symptoms of postpartum depression often show up a few weeks or a few months after the birth of their child, some studies show that women can experience postpartum depression any time during the baby’s first year of life. Some women might not experience postpartum depression during one birth, but experience it in a subsequent one.

MYTH: Postpartum depression is the same thing as the Baby Blues.

Many women feel the “Baby Blues” after the birth of their child. Baby Blues occur in many women in the first two or three days after the birth. They may experience mood swings, crying, fear, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. This can last up to two weeks. Postpartum depression occurs when these symptoms become more severe, last longer, and are more difficult to manage.

MYTH: Postpartum depression makes women susceptible to harming their baby. They will act on their intrusive thoughts.

While many mothers worry about their new babies, less than 0.1% of new moms experience postpartum psychosis. This happens when a mother loses touch with reality and experiences hallucinations and/or delusions. This can be very dangerous for the mother and/or her child(ren) and is considered a medical emergency. Women living with or who have a family history of severe mental health conditions are more likely to experience postpartum psychosis.

MYTH: Postpartum depression only affects women.

Women are not the only ones who experience postpartum depression. According to a 2022 study, 22% of fathers have elevated rates of anxiety and depression during the first year of their child’s life. Paternal postpartum depression is often overlooked because of stigma and lack of awareness. Men also exhibit different symptoms of depression when compared to women, and often they do not know that they are experiencing depression in the first place. Another study found that the postpartum depression in men often follows the onset in women’s depression, and that symptoms begin later and more gradually during the pregnancy and first year.

MYTH: Postpartum depression cannot be cured.

There are different treatment options available to women who are experiencing postpartum depression. Some of these treatments might be tried simultaneously to ensure a full recovery. The treatments used are usually the same as those used for depression such as psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), counselling, social and emotional support from friends and family, antidepressants, or electro-convulsive therapy (ECT).

Find help for postpartum depression in yourself or a loved one, visit amiquebec.org/PPD.

–Gabrielle Lesage
From Share&Care Summer 2026
Visit amiquebec.org/sources for references