Many parents feel teary, anxious or irritable in the first days after birth. The NHS calls this very common and says it usually goes within 2 weeks. When low mood, constant worry or a sense of not coping lasts longer, gets worse, or starts later, it may be postnatal depression or anxiety. These can begin in pregnancy or any time in the first year, they can affect either parent, and they're more likely to get better with treatment. You don't need a diagnosis, or every symptom on a list, before asking for help.
Is it the baby blues or postnatal depression?
| Baby blues | Postnatal depression or anxiety | |
|---|---|---|
| When it starts | The first few days after birth | In pregnancy, or any time up to a year after birth |
| How long | Usually gone within 2 weeks | Lasts longer, and usually needs support to lift |
| How it feels | Teary, anxious, irritable, up and down | Low, numb or hopeless, constant worry, not coping |
| What helps | Rest, food, company and time | Talking to your GP or midwife, and treatment |
The CDC describes postpartum depression as more intense and longer-lasting than the baby blues, which typically settle within a few days. Australia's Beyond Blue says postnatal depression generally does not go away on its own. If the blues haven't lifted after 2 weeks, or are getting worse, talk to someone.
What are the signs of postnatal depression and anxiety?
Signs of depression
The NHS lists these symptoms of postnatal depression:
- low mood, or finding it hard to enjoy anything
- feeling hopeless, or that you can't cope
- feeling guilty or worthless, or that you're a bad parent
- feeling fearful, anxious or worrying all the time
- feeling restless or irritable
- difficulty sleeping, even when you get time to rest
- difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- difficult feelings about your baby, or trouble bonding
- thoughts of suicide, or of harming yourself or your baby
Feeling like a bad parent is on that list as a symptom, not a verdict. The NHS says it's important to get help even if you only have some of the signs.
Signs of anxiety
Beyond Blue says anxiety is likely to be just as common in new parents as depression. It lists signs such as constantly feeling irritable, restless or on edge, and finding it hard to relax. PANDA, the Australian perinatal mental health service, says postnatal anxiety can be mild, moderate or severe. It can start suddenly after the birth or build up over weeks and months.
If you can't sleep even when your baby is asleep, see sleep deprivation for how tiredness and depression overlap.
How common is it, and can partners get it too?
It's common, and it can affect anyone caring for a new baby.
| Who | How common | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Mothers, pregnancy to 1 year | Up to 1 in 5 have anxiety or depression | PANDA (Australia) |
| Fathers, pregnancy to 1 year | Up to 1 in 10 have depression or anxiety | PANDA (Australia) |
| US mothers after a recent birth | About 1 in 8 report depression symptoms | CDC |
PANDA, the Australian service, counts pregnancy through the first 12 months as the perinatal period. Beyond Blue in Australia says postnatal depression affects up to 1 in 6 women and about 1 in 10 new dads. The NHS also says fathers and partners can have depression after having a baby.
The NHS says it isn't known exactly what causes postnatal depression. It lists things that raise the risk:
- having had depression before
- recent difficult life events
- a premature or unwell baby, or twins or more
- not having enough support
- relationship problems
- domestic violence or abuse
For signs in dads and non-birth parents, and how partners can share the load, see partner support.
How is postnatal depression treated?
The NHS treatment page lists talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and antidepressants. It says many antidepressants are safe to use while breastfeeding, and to tell your doctor you're breastfeeding so they can prescribe one that suits you. In the UK, adults can also refer themselves to an NHS talking therapies service.
The NHS says postnatal depression usually gets better in 3 to 6 months but can sometimes last much longer, and that it's more likely to get better with treatment. The CDC says depression is treatable and most people get better with treatment.
Practical support matters alongside treatment. Beyond Blue suggests sleeping in for an hour or 2 when someone else can take the baby, napping when your baby sleeps and letting chores slide, and asking for help with housework and meals.
How do I ask for help?
Start with your GP or midwife, or the nurse at your baby's health checks. The NHS says that if you see a GP, health visitor or midwife about these symptoms, they'll ask questions about how you've been feeling. Answer as honestly as you can; that's how they work out the right support.
You could say: "Since the baby arrived, I've been feeling ___. The hardest part of the day is ___. I'd like help with ___." That's enough to start.
If it helps, jot down a few examples of hard moments, roughly how long you've felt this way, and how you're sleeping and eating. You don't need a complete diary, and a blank day doesn't mean it was a good one.
For someone to talk to between appointments, contact a perinatal support line (PANDA on 1300 726 306 in Australia, Samaritans on 116 123 in the UK, the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline on 1-833-852-6262 in the US).
What is postpartum psychosis?
Postpartum psychosis is rare, but it's serious. The NHS postpartum psychosis page says it affects around 1 in 1,000 mothers, and PANDA in Australia gives a figure of 1 to 2 in every 1,000. The NHS says symptoms usually start suddenly within the first 2 weeks after giving birth, often within hours or days.
Signs include:
- seeing or hearing things that aren't there
- beliefs, fears or suspicions that are unlikely to be true
- feeling very "high", or moods that change rapidly
- feeling very confused
The NHS says it should be treated as a medical emergency, and that the person may not realise they're ill. That's why partners, family and friends often need to act. See a GP immediately and ask for a same-day assessment. If anyone may be in danger, call your local emergency number (000 in Australia, 999 in the UK, 911 in the US) or go to the emergency department. The NHS says that with treatment and the right support, most people with postpartum psychosis make a full recovery.
When should I get help straight away?
Call a crisis line (Lifeline on 13 11 14 in Australia, Samaritans on 116 123 in the UK, 988 in the US) or your local emergency number (000 in Australia, 999 in the UK, 911 in the US) now if you have thoughts of suicide, or of harming yourself or your baby. Beyond Blue advises seeking help immediately for these thoughts.
Call your local emergency number (000 in Australia, 999 in the UK, 911 in the US) if anyone is in immediate danger.
Get a same-day assessment for possible signs of postpartum psychosis, such as confusion, hallucinations or a sudden change in behaviour.
See your GP soon if:
- low mood, anxiety or irritability has lasted more than 2 weeks after the birth
- it's getting worse, or stopping you from coping day to day
- you're having difficult feelings about your baby or struggling to bond
- you're worried about your partner's mood
Perinatal support lines are not always open around the clock. For thoughts of harm, use the crisis line or emergency services.
How can partners, family and friends help?
Specific offers are easier to accept than "let me know if you need anything". Try "I'll do the shopping on Tuesday", "I'll take the baby from 6 to 8 tomorrow morning so you can sleep", or "I can drive you to your appointment". Ask what would help, and listen to the answer.
If you notice signs in someone close to you, tell them kindly what you've seen, and offer to help book or go with them to a GP appointment. Practical help works alongside professional care, not instead of it. Look after your own mood too: PANDA in Australia says up to 1 in 10 expecting or new fathers have depression or anxiety.
