# Postpartum mood: blues, depression and getting help > Your mental health matters as much as the baby’s Category: Pregnancy & postpartum · 5 min read · Written by the Splash team · Sources checked October 2026 URL: https://splash.care/learn/pregnancy-postpartum/postpartum-mood ## Quick answer - Baby blues are common and usually pass within 2 weeks. - Postnatal depression can start in pregnancy or any time in the first year, and it is treatable. - Partners can get postnatal depression too. - Confusion, hallucinations or a very high mood after birth need same-day 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](https://splash.care/learn/mind-mood/luteal-anxiety) or irritable for a few days after the birth is very common. The NHS says the [Baby blues](https://splash.care/learn/glossary#baby-blues) usually go away within 2 weeks of the birth. ## Postnatal depression and anxiety If [low mood](https://splash.care/learn/mind-mood/why-mood-shifts) 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](https://splash.care/learn/fertility-ttc/early-pregnancy-signs), 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) **Myth:** Postnatal depression means you do not love your baby. **Fact:** It is an illness, not a reflection of your love. Fathers and partners can get postnatal depression too. The NHS also says the fear that your baby will be taken away if you ask for help is very rare. Your care team’s job is to support you to care for your baby. ## What helps - Talking therapies, like [CBT](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/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](https://splash.care/learn/conditions/talk-to-your-doctor) if you are. - Help with practical things, a short daily walk, and as much rest as you can get. - Not using [alcohol](https://splash.care/learn/nutrition/caffeine-alcohol) or drugs to cope. - Support from PANDAS, Mind and local parent groups. ## Postpartum psychosis: a rare emergency [Postpartum psychosis](https://splash.care/learn/glossary#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. **Quick quiz:** Baby blues usually pass within… 1. 2 days 2. 2 weeks 3. 2 months Answer: 2 weeks. The NHS says baby blues usually go away within 2 weeks. If the feelings last longer, get worse, or start later, speak to your GP, midwife or health visitor. > **Splash says:** tell one person how you are really feeling today. A midwife, health visitor, GP, partner or friend. You do not have to carry it alone, and asking early gives you the best chance of feeling better sooner. ### When to see a doctor Speak to your GP, midwife or health visitor if low mood or anxiety lasts more than 2 weeks, even if you only have a few of the signs. If you or someone else has signs of postpartum psychosis, get same-day help: see a GP urgently, call NHS 111, or go to A&E. Call 999 if anyone is in danger of harm, including thoughts of harming yourself or your baby that you cannot keep safe. You can call Samaritans free on 116 123, any time. ## Sources 1. [NHS: Postnatal depression](https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/postnatal-depression/) 2. [NHS: Postpartum psychosis](https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/post-partum-psychosis/) 3. [NICE NG194: Postnatal care](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng194) 4. [PANDAS Foundation: Perinatal mental illness support](https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/) This is general information, not medical advice. Splash can’t diagnose. If you’re worried, talk to a GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US).