Effects of postnatal depression

Someone with postnatal depression may feel persistently low, empty, anxious, irritable, guilty or overwhelmed. Enjoyment can fade, and ordinary decisions may feel difficult. Sleep may be poor even when the baby is asleep, or there may be excessive sleeping and low energy. Some parents feel detached from the baby or worry that they are failing. Low sexual desire can also affect closeness. These experiences are symptoms of an illness, not evidence of poor parenting, and they can occur after any pregnancy outcome or birth experience.

Tell someone you trust and arrange an assessment with a GP, midwife, obstetric clinician or mental health professional. Treatment may include talking therapy, practical support, medication, or a combination chosen around breastfeeding and your health history. Accept specific help with meals, rest, appointments and baby care. Keep taking prescribed treatment unless the prescriber advises a change. A perinatal mental health service can help coordinate care and include your partner or family with your permission.

Get urgent help now if you may harm yourself or the baby, feel unable to stay safe, hear or see things others do not, feel unusually energised with little need for sleep, or become severely confused or agitated. Ask a trusted adult to stay with you and contact emergency services or the nearest emergency department. Do not wait for a routine appointment when safety is at risk.

Could these symptoms be postnatal depression or another condition? Which treatment options fit breastfeeding and my medical history? How quickly should support begin? What warning signs should my family watch for, and who should we contact outside clinic hours?