When distinguishing postpartum depression vs. postpartum psychosis, it’s important to know that they are both mental health conditions that affect some women after giving birth. Postpartum depression (PPD) and postpartum psychosis (PPP) both involve mood changes, but they have different symptoms and require different treatments to manage the effects in the postpartum period.

The good news is both are highly treatable with online therapy and possibly medication when addressed early on. It’s essential to be aware of the differences between PPD and PPP so you can seek the right type of help as soon as possible. 

Continue reading to learn more about postpartum psychosis vs. depression, including what symptoms to look out for and how to treat each condition. 

What is the Difference Between Postpartum Depression & Psychosis?

Postpartum depression vs. psychosis are distinct mental health conditions that can affect mothers in the postpartum period.

• Postpartum depression’s hallmark symptom is a prolonged sadness or emptiness, potentially coupled with difficulty sleeping, weariness, altered appetite, low self-esteem, anxiousness, and irritability. In addition, women with PPD often feel overwhelmed and unable to cope with their new motherhood responsibilities. PPD symptoms will last for longer than 2 weeks and can persist for up to a year after childbirth if left untreated.

• In contrast, postpartum psychosis is much more severe and typically occurs within the first week or 2 after delivery. Symptoms include delusions or false beliefs, hallucinations, manic behavior such as excessive energy or talking rapidly, and more. PPP requires immediate medical attention, as it can be detrimental to the new mother and newborn if not addressed promptly.

It’s important to note that most women will fully recover from either condition with adequate and proper treatment. 

“The period with a newborn can be overwhelming. While the “baby blues” are common, postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis are more serious concerns. These conditions have nothing to do with how much you love your child, and remember you can get support and recover from each of these conditions.”

– Talkspace therapist Jill Daino, LCSW-R, BC-TMH

What is postpartum depression?

PPD is a serious form of clinical depression that research suggests might affect up to an estimated 20% of new mothers after childbirth. It’s the most common childbirth complication and can cause extreme psychological distress, including despair, apprehension, and exhaustion. 

PPD typically begins within the first 4 weeks after giving birth and can last for months or even years if left untreated. While it’s generally women who experience PPD, studies show that men can also be affected. 

Symptoms

Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, listlessness, insomnia, mental fog, irritability, and appetite fluctuations are symptoms of PPD. Some women may also experience physical symptoms like headaches or digestive issues. Many women with PPD feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities as a new mother. As a result, they may struggle to bond with their new baby due to a lack of motivation or feeling emotionally disconnected. 

If you think you may be showing signs, take our postpartum depression test to learn more about your symptoms. It’s also highly recommended that you connect with a doctor or therapist to discuss what you’re experiencing.

Risk factors

Risk factors for PPD can include a prior history of depression, birth issues, being single or unmarried, living alone during childbirth, financial hardship, and inadequate social assistance. According to studies, one of the biggest risk factors for developing PPD is being depressed while you’re pregnant. 

What is postpartum psychosis?

Postpartum psychosis is a severe mental health condition that can occur after giving birth. Rarer than PPD, research shows that PPP affects an estimated 1 – 2 women out of every 1,000. 

Postpartum psychosis can manifest as extreme mood swings, confusion, disorientation, delusions, and hallucinations. PPD usually develops within the first couple weeks after delivery, but it can appear within the first year of your baby’s life.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of postpartum psychosis is an intense feeling of depression that might be accompanied by mania or hypomania (elevated mood). Other indications can be drastic changes in sleep habits (oversleeping or not getting enough rest), having problems focusing, experiencing racing intrusive thoughts, being overly excited, and fidgeting. 

In extreme cases, suicidal thoughts and behavior may accompany delusions or hallucinations like auditory and visual distortions, which can be very dangerous.

Risk factors

Risk factors that might increase the likelihood of postpartum psychosis can include: 

• Having bipolar disorder or depression
• Having prior episodes of baby blues
• Being younger than 25 years old
• Delivering multiple infants simultaneously
• Going through complications in pregnancy, such as preeclampsia
• Experiencing stressors before delivery, like financial issues or relationship difficulties
• Family history of mental health conditions

Can PPD Turn into Psychosis?

A common question surrounding postpartum psychosis vs. depression is whether the milder version, postpartum depression, can ever turn into psychosis. In short, the answer is no. PPD will not turn into psychosis. That said, note that they can co-occur.

Most often, PPD resolves on its own, but it can last up to a year if left untreated. Postpartum psychosis typically requires medication and hospitalization to stabilize a mother’s mental state and ensure the safety of both mother and child until recovery begins. 

“It’s important to remember that postpartum depression cannot turn into postpartum psychosis, but both can occur simultaneously. Each of these conditions can be treated, and it is crucial to reach out to your healthcare provider and let them know what’s going on so you can get proper support and care. You do not have to struggle alone.”

– Talkspace therapist Jill Daino, LCSW-R, BC-TMH

Treating Postpartum Psychosis vs. Postpartum Depression

Therapy and depression medication, including antidepressants and mood stabilizer medication, can be among the best ways to treat postpartum depression. 

Treatment for postpartum psychosis typically involves hospitalization with medications such as antipsychotics or mood stabilizer medication, supportive therapy from family members, and healthcare professionals specializing in maternal mental health issues.

Find Help for Postpartum Depression with Talkspace

Whether you’re experiencing postpartum depression vs. psychosis, seeking professional help is essential to ensure successful management. Talkspace is an online therapy platform designed to help women struggling with postpartum depression or any other condition find relief in the comfort and privacy of their own homes. 

Licensed Talkspace professionals offer women tailored attention using evidence-based methods like: 

• Online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Online dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
• Online psychodynamic therapy

Take the first step towards understanding postpartum depression and psychosis with our online depression treatment services. Our experienced professionals can offer the support, resources, and guidance you need to help you manage your mental health condition and journey as a mother.

Knowing when to get professional help

A passing feeling of sadness isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. However, if those feelings don’t seem to fade, you may want to talk to a mental health professional for treatment. You should seek help if you’re having thoughts of self-harm or suicide or if your sadness interferes with your ability to carry out everyday responsibilities. For more help with identifying when you need help, learn the differences between sadness and depression.

Is Feeling the Blues Normal?

Unpleasant emotions are a normal part of life — everyone feels the blues at one point or another. Feeling blue isn’t unusual or abnormal, and a low mood isn’t necessarily bad. People typically feel blue for a reason, so figuring out why you’re feeling down could help you make positive changes.

There’s nothing strange about the blues, but that doesn’t mean you should wallow in your sadness. It’s impossible to always be happy, but when you’re feeling down, it’s important that you try to cheer yourself up.

“It’s normal to feel the blues. As emotional beings, we respond to life changes and adjustments and cannot always be happy. But as normal as it can be, it’s important to monitor our feelings through journaling or mindfulness activities to be able to track how often and how much the blues may be affecting us.”

– Talkspace therapist Cynthia Catchings, LCSW-S

How to Beat the Blues

Although it’s OK to feel the blues from time to time, if you’re truly unhappy and the feeling isn’t getting better, you should look for ways to cope with your feelings and improve your mood. The following are some of the best ways we know to fight back when feeling the blues.  

1. Look for ways to laugh

They say laughter is the best medicine, and that adage holds when it comes to the blues. Laughter has a therapeutic effect and can increase dopamine and serotonin levels.

Whether you watch a comedy, spend time with your funniest friends, or look at silly pictures, try to find ways to bring more laughter into your life. When you’re laughing, your blue feelings can start to feel further away.

2. Spend time outside

Spending time in nature can have a positive impact on your mental health. Natural environments can be therapeutic, and research shows that being outside can lift mood and reduce stress. 

Being outdoors also means spending more time in the sun. Sunshine can boost serotonin levels and help you sleep more deeply at night.

3. Find ways to let your feelings out

Bottling up how you feel won’t make things better. Instead, expressing your emotions can help you work through your feelings and find ways to feel better. 

It may be helpful to share your feelings with a family member, friend, or therapist. Journaling for your mental health or finding creative activities can also be healthy outlets for your emotions. Finally, acknowledging and accepting the blues will usually help you feel better.

4. Make lifestyle changes

Studies consistently show that keeping a daily routine can positively impact your mental health. If you’ve been down, try to make healthy changes that improve your outlook on life. 

Whether you get more exercise, improve your diet, change your social circle, or improve your sleep hygiene, these small shifts can enhance your mood and well-being. People sometimes go through the blues because they’re in a rut, and healthy habits and routines might be just the change you need.

5. Take care of yourself 

It can be hard to show yourself compassion or prioritize your own needs when you’re sad. Make sure you don’t neglect yourself when you’re feeling gloomy. Try treating yourself like you’d treat a friend who’s feeling down. 

Every day, make a point of doing something you enjoy. Do things that refresh you, like taking a long, hot shower, going for a walk, meeting up with friends, or taking a mental health day off work. When you take better care of yourself, you’ll likely start to see an improvement in your mood. 

Fight the Blues with Talkspace

There are plenty of ways to cope with the blues, but if your sad feelings aren’t going away, it might be time to seek professional help. Talkspace is an online therapy platform that lets you quickly connect with a licensed therapist. If you’re looking for online therapy that accepts insurance, get connected at Talkspace to check your eligibility. 

Whether you’re feeling blue or dealing with a type of depression, sadness can make you feel unmotivated. Talkspace is a convenient way to get support for emotions you’re struggling with. Reach out for help today to beat the blues with online depression treatment and learn how to be happy again.

Symptoms of Sadness

Much like happiness, sadness is a vast spectrum. It can range from a sad feeling of mild disappointment to deep grief and unhappiness. People react to these feelings in many ways, and sadness can trigger both emotional and physical symptoms.

Emotional symptoms

• Low mood
• Feeling discouraged or disappointed 
• Intense emotional reactions to upsetting events
• Feeling hopeless or unmotivated

Physical symptoms

• Loss of appetite
• Overeating 
• Feeling tired or drained
• Crying

4 Potential Causes of Sadness without Reason

Wondering why you always feel so sad? Persistent sadness often stems from everyday stressors such as workplace pressures, relationship conflicts, financial worries, and significant life transitions. These factors can create a cumulative emotional burden, leading to a continual sense of sadness and emotional turmoil.

“The changes in the seasons, feeling stressed or overwhelmed, feeling jealous or left out, being tired or hungry…any type of emotional change can come across as sadness.”

– Talkspace therapist Reshawna Chapple, PHD, LCSW

However, when sadness becomes a constant feeling without a clear cause, it’s crucial to look beyond these immediate triggers. Persistent sadness can be a sign that deeper, less obvious factors are at play, influencing your negative mood. The following may explain why you feel sad for no reason.

Hormonal changes

Hormones coordinate many functions in the body and can significantly impact our mood. Even minor shifts in hormone levels can affect your emotional state. For example, adolescents often experience intense mood swings during puberty, and reproductive hormones like testosterone and estrogen continue to influence emotions as we get older. 

During menstruation, estrogen and progesterone levels increase. These hormonal shifts can change serotonin levels in the brain. Pay attention if you’re wondering: why am I so sad? your hormones may be a factor in your persistent sadness.

Seasonal affective disorder

If you feel sad at specific times of the year, you might have a condition known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is a mental health condition that’s triggered by changing seasons. SAD symptoms usually begin in the fall and continue through the winter, which is why it’s sometimes referred to as winter depression. 

While we don’t fully understand the condition, experts believe that SAD is caused by changing levels of sunlight. When we spend time in the sun, our bodies produce serotonin. As sunlight exposure decreases, our serotonin levels can drop, which can lead to feelings of extreme sadness or seasonal depression.

Chronic stress

Sometimes, if you’re asking why you feel sad for no reason, it might be because you weren’t expecting certain events to trigger emotions like sadness. We all respond to stress in different ways. Chronic stress can make some people feel nervous, irritable, or angry and leave others sad. 

In fact, sadness is frequently triggered by chronic stress. Just like sadness, though, stress is a normal part of life. That said, it can be harmful to your emotional state if you don’t have healthy tools or treatment options to cope with it.

Depression

If your sadness never seems to go away, you might actually be depressed. Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions that can leave you with a low mood or persistent sadness. 

It’s important to remember that there are different types of depression, and not everyone experiences it similarly. Severe depression can cause significant impairment, but mild depression doesn’t always interfere with daily life and functioning. If you suspect your sadness may be something more, like depression, you should talk to a mental health professional to check for a depression diagnosis.

Knowing When It’s Time to Get Help

Sad feelings aren’t necessarily a cause for concern. On the contrary, sadness is a normal and healthy reaction to painful or traumatic events. Studies even show that feeling sad can make us more sensitive to other people’s feelings. 

However, if you’re constantly unhappy, you may want to talk to a mental health professional. It’s OK to be sad, but if your negative feelings interfere with your day-to-day life, they might signify a deeper problem that could be better addressed by starting therapy. Through therapy, you can learn how to deal with sadness before it becomes a medical condition. 

For additional strategies on navigating these symptoms, consider also reading our guide on how to deal with depression.

Identifying sadness vs depression

Feeling blue doesn’t automatically mean you’re depressed, but sadness can be a symptom of depression. Usually, sadness is a response to something hurtful, discouraging, or upsetting. While it can feel overwhelming, it’s a normal emotion, and these negative feelings usually fade over time. 

“It’s OK to feel sad on occasion. Allow yourself to rest and process potential reasons for your sadness. The main difference, though, between sadness and depression is often linked to the need to seek out professional care.”

– Talkspace therapist Reshawna Chapple, PHD, LCSW

Unlike sadness, depression isn’t an emotion. It’s a mental health condition that can influence how you feel, think, and behave. While a challenging event or experience can trigger depression, it’s also common to exhibit depressive symptoms without an obvious reason. Many people with depression feel gloomy or unhappy but don’t understand why. 

How can you tell the difference between sadness and depression? Sadness is only one symptom of depression. 

“You may want to ask yourself if you are: hungry, angry/anxious, lonely, or tired (HALT). Using HALT can help potentially eliminate biological causes of sadness. However, if these feelings of sadness don’t dissipate, they continue longer than a week, they persistently come back with little or no breaks in between, or you find them to affect your normal activities of daily living, this is a clear indication that you should seek the help of a professional or at the very least speak to someone about your feelings.”

– Talkspace therapist Reshawna Chapple, PHD, LCSW

If you have depression, your sadness will typically occur alongside other symptoms of depression, such as:

• Anger or irritability 
• Loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy
• Thinking, speaking, or moving more slowly than usually
• Insomnia or excessive sleep
• Difficulty with memory or focusing on tasks  
• Fatigue
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Digestive issues 
• Aches and pains 
• Restlessness
• Suicidal thoughts

14 Tips for Finding Happiness Again

Embarking on a journey towards overall happiness requires patience and self-care. These practical tips address mental health, hobbies, and daily habits to guide you toward a more joyful life and help you find happiness again.

1. Consider therapy

Therapy is a powerful tool in the quest for happiness, especially for those grappling with the shadows of trauma, loss, or grief. It serves as a beacon of hope, guiding you through the fog of difficult emotions to find clarity and peace once again. Engaging with a therapist can empower you to transform pain into growth, teaching you strategies to process your feelings constructively and move forward with resilience and optimism.

For individuals battling the grip of depression, therapy offers a lifeline. Therapy for depression provides a personalized roadmap to navigate out of the darkness, harnessing evidence-based techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to rekindle joy and hope. 

Embracing therapy is an act of courage and self-love. It’s a step towards not just healing, but thriving, enabling you to unlock a happier, more fulfilled version of yourself.

2. Start or return to a hobby

Finding a hobby and doing what you love is a great way to detach from the stressors in life that are stealing your joy. If you love gardening, painting, music, dancing, knitting, hiking, reading, writing, cooking, or anything else that gives you peace and energizes you, make a dedicated effort to find time for it. Even an hour a week spent doing something you love can lift your spirits and offer you hope.

3. Ditch (or time limit) your social media intake

Recent research shows a link between social media use and depression, especially when people scroll social platforms late at night. Further, studies show that people who limit their time on social media are happier and more content with their life. If you find yourself doom scrolling throughout the day or up late at night checking social media, consider ditching social altogether or at least putting time limits on your use.

4. Journal

Journaling has long been a well-respected way to improve life satisfaction, focus on the positives, and heal from past trauma. Research shows the effects of keeping a gratitude journal can result in positive emotions and an ability to adjust to life changes.

5. Meditate

The power of meditation has been proven time and again in study after study. Mindfulness meditation is an effective way to let go of stress and anxiety. Downloading a simple app can help you learn the art of meditation. Try to commit to meditating as often as you can — early morning sessions or just before going to bed at night are both great opportunities to hone your meditation skills and reap all the benefits this quiet time has to offer. 

6. Spend time with happy people

If we are the company we keep, spending time with happy people can help us maintain a positive attitude and pull us out of a funk. Distance yourself from people whose negativity brings you down. Instead, make an effort to spend time with people who share your same values and are focused on seeing the positives in life.

7. Say goodbye to unhealthy people in your life

If you’re spending time with the happy people in your life, it’s OK to take a break from those who are unhealthy. Setting boundaries and protecting yourself from toxic relationships is one of the most effective ways to be happy again.

8. Do what you love

Doing what you love is good for the soul. This could be in terms of a hobby, your profession, your extracurricular activities, or anything else that you get joy out of. Take the time to make these things a priority.

9. Eat healthy

Eating healthy doesn’t mean depriving yourself of everything you love all the time. Special treats, in moderation, are fine. Try to eat a nutritious, healthy diet the majority of your days, though, so you can fuel your body and mind. A healthy diet will ultimately help you in the happiness department.

10. Take a “Me-Day” (often)

Self-care is an important component to your lasting happiness. If you’re struggling with how to be happy again, make sure you’re taking time for yourself. It doesn’t need to be overly time-consuming, either. A 30-minute walk outdoors, getting your nails done, or going to coffee with a friend for an hour out of the week can give you the me-time you need to achieve balance and true happiness in your life.

11. Work out

Working out increases endorphins, which is a significant contributor to happiness. Research shows that the endorphin hormone released during regular exercise functions as a neurotransmitter, transmitting happiness, confidence, and well-being.

12. Make sleep a priority

The relationship between sleep and mood has been well-researched. Studies show that sleep quality has a direct correlation to life satisfaction and happiness. Making a good sleep schedule a priority can increase your life satisfaction and greatly enhance how happy you are.

13. Volunteer

The positive effects of altruism include a well-rounded sense of self, physical health benefits, and, you guessed it…happiness. Doing something kind or good for others can offer the type of intrinsic happiness that you might be searching for.

14. Join a support group

Sometimes getting together in a group to discuss challenges or struggles we face in life can be an excellent way to build our way back to happier times. The camaraderie found in sharing with others who understand your experience, which is common in a support group setting, can be hugely beneficial.

“Finding happiness again should incorporate something from each category. For our mind, it’s mindfulness, the power of prayer, or breathing that helps us recenter. For our bodies, what do we enjoy eating that fuels us? Is there something physical that we enjoy? With our relationships, is there a favorite group or team that makes us feel alive? What about our careers/school? Is there passion there?”

– Talkspace therapist Meaghan Rice, PsyD, LPC

Find What Brings You Joy vs. What Makes You Unhappy

Sometimes figuring out what makes us happy requires us to figure out what’s causing us unhappiness in our life first. It might be a relationship, a job, a living situation, or anything else in your life that’s causing you stress, pain, anxiety, or general unhappiness. Figuring out what has changed or what is contributing to your unhappiness is key in deciding how to move forward toward achieving a happy life.

A simple side-by-side comparison list can be a really effective way to determine what things in your life you might want to try cutting out or make changes to, versus where you can focus your energy and time to achieve that peaceful life you’re longing for.

For example, you might be having relationship problems, a friendship that’s stressing you out, or even feelings about yourself that add to your unhappiness. Try literally listing out both sides of the coin to gain some perspective and focus your efforts.

Things that might make you happy:

• Working out
• Eating healthy
• Meditating
• Doing yoga
• Journaling
• Having a positive support system
• Taking self-care seriously
• Being optimistic
• Saying positive affirmations and mantras in the morning
• Staying off social media
• Getting outdoors
• Being creative
• Trying new things and activities

Things that might make you unhappy:

• Not being motivated
• Being overly pessimistic
• Isolating yourself
• Comparing yourself to other people in your life
• Shaming yourself
• Not taking time for yourself
• Not taking care of yourself physically
• Avoiding healthcare or medical appointments
• Negative thought patterns 
• Doubting yourself
• Spending too much time on social media

“Finding out what brings us joy is just as important as avoiding the items that make us unhappy, but we have to explore both sides in order to know these answers. Sometimes making a list of each and then finding a means of evaluating the significance of each one is the best way to start.”

– Talkspace therapist Meaghan Rice, PsyD, LPC

Happiness is On the Horizon

The thing to remember about feeling unhappy is it’s temporary. All emotions, at their core, are just temporary. You can heal from sadness, depression, or any tough times you experience in your life. It might not be an easy task, and you’ll have to put in the work to get there, but you can find true happiness again.

The two biggest things you need to do are: believe in yourself and commit to doing the work. Once you do those, you’ll be on the road to leading a happier life.

If you’re struggling, or if you need help finding your way, reach out for help. A therapist can guide you in ways to rediscover the lasting happiness that you might not have considered on your own.

“It’s most helpful to have a professional explore the pros and cons with us. Sometimes impartial contributions can let us see an angle we haven’t otherwise considered. People find happiness in different ways, so what works for a friend or family member will not necessarily work for everyone.”

– Talkspace therapist Meaghan Rice, PsyD, LPC

Talkspace offers online therapy that’s different from any other experience you might have had in terms of mental health and healing. Our accredited, highly skilled therapists understand how to offer the help you need. Talkspace can help you get to a place where you’re living your best, happiest life, once again.