What should you know about postpartum depression after pregnancy symptoms?

Depression after pregnancy can affect thoughts, feelings, body, and behaviour. Signs include sadness or emptiness, intense worry, irritability, shame, feeling detached from the baby, reduced pleasure, poor concentration, changes in sleep or appetite, and low energy. Some people hide distress or feel numb rather than sad. Low sex drive can occur alongside depression, but it is also influenced by recovery, discomfort, hormones, medication, and relationships.

Share the symptoms with a doctor, midwife, obstetrician, or mental-health professional, including when they started and how they affect feeding, sleep, work, bonding, or self-care. Treatment may involve talking therapy, medication, or both, with choices adjusted to your health and feeding plans. Accept practical help with meals, rest, transport, and baby care while you arrange an appointment.

Get urgent help if you have thoughts of suicide, self-harm, or harming your baby; feel unable to provide safe care; or develop severe confusion, paranoia, or hallucinations. Contact local emergency services or go to an emergency department. Tell a trusted person what is happening so you are not managing the crisis alone.

Ask how your symptoms fit depression or anxiety, whether a physical check is needed, which treatments are compatible with breastfeeding if relevant, and who to contact if your mood worsens.