Perinatal anxiety and depression

Perinatal symptoms can begin during pregnancy or after birth. Anxiety may involve racing thoughts, dread, repeated checking, panic or feeling unable to relax. Depression may bring sadness, numbness, guilt, withdrawal or difficulty feeling connected. Fatigue, Irritability, Difficulty Concentrating, Difficulty Sleeping and Daytime Sleepiness may occur, although caring for a baby can make these signs easy to overlook.

Insomnia can intensify emotional symptoms, and depression can make rest and daily tasks harder. These experiences are medical concerns, not evidence that someone is a bad parent, and support can help.

Tell a maternity clinician, GP or trusted person what is happening, including thoughts you feel ashamed or frightened to share. Describe sleep, appetite, panic, mood, intrusive thoughts, medicines and how you are managing basic tasks. Options may include talking therapy, practical support, treatment for depression or anxiety, and a plan for safer rest.

Accept specific help with meals, errands, feeds or childcare where possible. Protect short periods for food, fluids and sleep, and avoid alcohol or non-prescribed medicines as coping tools.

Seek emergency help if you may harm yourself or the baby, cannot care safely, feel detached from reality, hear or see things others do not, or have severe confusion, agitation or rapidly changing behaviour. Do not stay alone; contact UAE emergency services or a crisis service and ask someone trusted to remain with you. Arrange prompt clinical review for persistent anxiety, low mood or intrusive thoughts even without immediate danger.

Could my symptoms be perinatal anxiety, Depression, sleep deprivation or another condition? Which treatments are suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding? What is my safety plan if thoughts become frightening or urgent?