What should you know about natal depression?

Symptoms may include persistent sadness or emptiness, loss of interest, guilt, irritability, anxiety, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, daytime sleepiness or difficulty sleeping. Some people feel detached from the baby or overwhelmed by ordinary care tasks. These experiences are more than a brief change in mood and can occur even when the pregnancy or baby was wanted.

Sleep disruption and physical recovery can overlap with depression, so a clinician may ask about mood, functioning, medical problems, medicines and support at home. Natal depression is not a personal failure.

Tell a GP, midwife, obstetric clinician or trusted family member what has been happening. Treatment may include talking therapy, practical support, medication chosen with pregnancy or breastfeeding in mind, or a combination. Accept help with meals, sleep opportunities and baby care where possible. Keep appointments and mention any change in thoughts, appetite, sleep or ability to function.

Seek emergency help now if you may harm yourself or the baby, feel unable to stay safe, hear or see things others do not, feel unusually driven or confused, or have rapidly changing behaviour. Ask someone trusted to stay with you and take away immediate means of harm while help is arranged. Urgent support is appropriate even if you are unsure what the symptoms mean.

Could my symptoms be natal depression, anxiety or another condition? What treatment options fit pregnancy or breastfeeding? How can we improve sleep and practical support? Who should I contact outside appointments if my safety changes?