Postpartum mood: blues, depression and getting help

Having a baby is often described as pure joy, but the reality can include exhaustion, tears and feeling overwhelmed. That does not make you a bad parent. It makes you human.

The baby blues

Feeling down, teary, anxious or irritable for a few days after the birth is very common. The NHS says the baby blues usually go away within 2 weeks of the birth.

Postnatal depression and anxiety

If low mood or worry lasts longer, gets worse, or you are struggling to cope, it may be postnatal depression (PND). It can start while you are pregnant, soon after birth, or any time up to a year later. It is common and it is treatable. The NHS says it usually gets better in 3 to 6 months, though it can last longer, and it is more likely to improve with treatment.

• Low mood and finding it hard to enjoy anything
• Feeling hopeless, or that you cannot cope
• Guilt, or feeling worthless or like a bad parent
• Feeling anxious, fearful or worrying all the time
• Feeling restless or irritable
• Trouble sleeping even when you get the chance
• Trouble concentrating or making decisions
• Difficult feelings about your baby, or difficulty bonding
• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby (these are a symptom of illness, and a reason to tell someone)

What helps

• Talking therapies, like CBT. In England you can refer yourself to NHS talking therapies if you are 18 or over (16 or over in some areas) without seeing a GP.
• Antidepressants. Many are safe while breastfeeding, so tell your doctor if you are.
• Help with practical things, a short daily walk, and as much rest as you can get.
• Not using alcohol or drugs to cope.
• Support from PANDAS, Mind and local parent groups.

Postpartum psychosis: a rare emergency

Postpartum psychosis affects around 1 in 1,000 mothers. Symptoms usually start suddenly within the first 2 weeks, often within hours or days: hallucinations, strange beliefs, feeling very high and fast, very low mood, or deep confusion. The person may not realise they are ill, so partners and family often spot it first. It is treatable, and most people make a full recovery with the right care.