Postpartum depression, baby blues and psychosis

Baby blues can bring tearfulness, irritability, worry and emotional ups and downs soon after birth, often while you can still manage basic care and accept reassurance. Postpartum depression can involve persistent low mood, loss of interest, guilt, hopelessness, exhaustion, sleep or appetite changes, difficulty bonding, or thoughts of self-harm. A low mood after birth deserves attention when it interferes with daily life or does not ease.

Postpartum psychosis may involve confusion, extreme agitation, very little sleep, unusual beliefs, hearing or seeing things others do not, or feeling driven to act on frightening ideas. The person may not recognise that they are unwell. This is different from ordinary mood swings and requires urgent assessment.

Tell a trusted person what you have noticed and arrange a prompt assessment with a doctor, midwife or mental health professional. Perinatal mental health support can include talking therapy, practical help, medication, or a combination chosen around feeding, recovery and safety. Ask someone to help with meals, rest, appointments and the baby while you receive care.

Seek emergency help now if there are thoughts of suicide or harming the baby, hallucinations, severe confusion, dangerous agitation, or beliefs that make safety difficult. Stay with the person, remove access to immediate means of harm, and contact local emergency services. Do not leave someone experiencing possible psychosis alone or rely on reassurance alone.

Ask: Which symptoms suggest depression rather than baby blues? Could a physical problem or medicine be contributing? What support is available today, and what should my family watch for? If symptoms worsen, who should we contact after hours?