Long-term postnatal depression

Postnatal depression may continue after the first months following birth or return after a period of improvement. Signs can include persistent sadness, emptiness, irritability, guilt, loss of enjoyment, hopelessness, poor concentration, changes in sleep or appetite, and difficulty feeling connected to the baby. Some people also experience anxiety or reduced interest in sex; see [Low Mood After Birth](/symptoms/postnatal-low-mood/) and [Low Sex Drive](/symptoms/low-sex-drive/) for related symptom information. These experiences are medical concerns, not a failure of parenting.

The effect can extend to work, relationships, feeding, bonding, and self-care. A clinician can also consider thyroid problems, anaemia, medication effects, anxiety, trauma, or bipolar symptoms, because treatment choices may differ.

Book an appointment with a GP, obstetric clinician, midwife, or mental health professional. Describe how long symptoms have lasted, how they affect daily life, sleep, eating, and care of the baby, and any previous treatment. Options may include talking therapy, practical support, medication, or a combination. Ask about [Perinatal Mental Health Support](/treatments/medical-gynaecology/perinatal-mental-health-support/) and make a plan for follow-up. Accept specific help with meals, rest, appointments, and baby care from trusted people while recovery develops.

Seek urgent help if you have thoughts of harming yourself or the baby, feel unable to stay safe, hear or see things others do not, feel unusually energized with very little sleep, or become severely confused or suspicious. Contact emergency services or go to an emergency department if immediate danger is present. Do not stay alone with these symptoms; tell a trusted person and ask them to remain with you while help is arranged.

Ask what diagnosis best fits your symptoms, which treatments suit breastfeeding or other medicines, how follow-up will work, what warning signs need urgent help, and how your partner or family can support recovery.