Counselling for postpartum depression

A counsellor may help you notice thoughts, feelings and situations that make daily life harder. Sessions can include talking about the birth, sleep disruption, feeding pressures, relationships, guilt or feeling disconnected from your baby. You may learn ways to challenge harsh self-judgement, manage anxious thoughts and make small, manageable plans for rest and support.

Counselling is not a test of your parenting and does not require you to feel positive before you begin. The approach may be adapted to your needs, whether you attend alone, with a partner or through a perinatal mental health service. A clinician can also assess whether you may benefit from treatment alongside counselling.

Tell a GP, midwife, obstetrician or mental health professional how you have been feeling, including symptoms such as persistent sadness, loss of interest, fear, irritability or low sex drive. You can read about [Low Mood After Birth](/symptoms/postnatal-low-mood/) and [Low Sex Drive](/symptoms/low-sex-drive/) while preparing for an appointment.

Ask what type of counselling is available, how often sessions occur and whether remote appointments are suitable. Write down questions and bring someone you trust if that makes speaking easier. Protecting short periods for food, hydration, sleep and support with baby care can make therapy more workable, but these steps do not replace professional care.

Arrange professional support promptly if low mood, anxiety or hopelessness is affecting sleep, eating, bonding, self-care or your ability to manage daily tasks. Seek urgent help if you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, feel detached from reality, hear or see things others do not, or feel unable to stay safe. Contact local emergency services or go to an emergency department in an immediate crisis.

Could counselling fit my symptoms and circumstances? How will we review progress? What support is available if talking therapy is not enough? Can you refer me to [Perinatal Mental Health Support](/treatments/medical-gynaecology/perinatal-mental-health-support/)?