Postnatal Depression: Signs, Support and Getting Help

It is common to experience changes in your mood after giving birth. Many women experience the baby blues during the first days after delivery.

The baby blues usually begin around the third day after birth. You may feel tearful, emotional, irritable, vulnerable, lonely or overwhelmed. These feelings may be linked to hormonal changes, physical recovery, tiredness and adjusting to caring for a newborn baby.

Baby blues usually improve within a few days and should generally pass within one to two weeks.

If these feelings continue, become more intense or begin to affect your everyday life, you may be experiencing postnatal depression.

What Is Postnatal Depression?

Postnatal depression is depression that develops after the birth of a baby.

Symptoms may begin as baby blues and gradually become worse. They may also develop slowly or come on very quickly.

Postnatal depression can begin at any time during the first year after your baby is born. Around 10% to 15% of women experience depression during pregnancy or in the first year after giving birth.

Postnatal depression is not a sign that you are a bad mother or that you do not love your baby. It is a treatable health condition, and with the right support most women make a full recovery.

Symptoms of Postnatal Depression

Symptoms vary from woman to woman and can range from mild to severe.

They may include:

Feeling persistently sad, low or tearful.
Feeling that you cannot cope with your baby.
Feeling guilty, inadequate or like a failure.
Feeling anxious or worrying excessively about your baby or your own health.
Feeling irritable, angry, tense or agitated.
Feeling lonely, isolated or vulnerable.
Losing interest or enjoyment in things you normally like.
Not enjoying spending time with other people or with your baby.
Finding it difficult to concentrate or make decisions.
Feeling tired all the time.
Having difficulty sleeping, even when you have an opportunity to rest.
Losing your appetite or eating more than usual.
Experiencing panic attacks.
Having overwhelming fears that something bad will happen to your baby.
Feeling rejected by your baby or having difficulty bonding.

Some mothers experience recurring or frightening thoughts about harming themselves or their baby. Having these thoughts does not mean that you will act on them, but it is important to seek urgent professional help.

When to Ask for Help

Contact your GP or public health nurse if:

Your symptoms have lasted for more than two weeks.
Your baby blues are not improving.
Your symptoms are becoming worse.
Your feelings are affecting your ability to manage daily life.
You are struggling to care for yourself or your baby.
You feel disconnected from your baby.
You are worried about how you are feeling.

You can also contact your midwife, maternity hospital or postnatal team to ask what mental-health supports are available.

Family members or friends may notice changes in your mood or behaviour before you recognise them yourself. Take their concerns seriously and seek advice.

Urgent Help

Contact your GP, midwife or public health nurse urgently if you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.

Go to an emergency department if you cannot get an urgent appointment.

Call 112 or 999 if you believe that you or your baby is in immediate danger.

What You Can Do

The most important step is to ask for help early. The sooner you receive support, the sooner you can begin to feel better.

Try to:

Talk openly to your partner, family or someone you trust.
Speak to your GP, midwife or public health nurse.
Be honest about your feelings and worries.
Accept practical help with housework, shopping and caring for your baby.
Rest whenever you have the opportunity.
Eat regular, nutritious meals.
Take gentle exercise, such as a short daily walk, when you feel able.
Spend time with supportive people.
Make time for small activities that help you feel more like yourself.
Avoid putting pressure on yourself to manage everything alone.
Treatment and Support

Treatment will depend on your symptoms and circumstances.

It may include:

Support and regular reviews from your GP or public health nurse.
Counselling or other talking therapies.
Referral to a perinatal mental-health service where available.
Antidepressant medication.

Some antidepressants can be used while breastfeeding. Discuss this with your GP if medication is recommended.

Most women with postnatal depression are treated at home while continuing to care for their baby.

Remember

Postnatal depression is common, treatable and not your fault.

You are not alone, and asking for help is a positive step for both you and your baby. With appropriate treatment and support, most women recover fully.