Signs of Postpartum Depression

Postnatal depression can begin during pregnancy or after birth and may affect mood, thoughts, body, and relationships. A parent may feel empty, irritable, hopeless, overwhelmed, or unable to enjoy things that once mattered. They may struggle to sleep even when the baby sleeps, eat differently, concentrate, bond, or ask for help. These experiences are symptoms, not a sign of poor parenting.

Tell a trusted person and contact your GP, midwife, obstetric team, or mental-health service. Support may include talking therapy, practical help, peer support, or medicine selected around breastfeeding and individual needs. Keep appointments, accept help with meals or baby care, and mention intrusive thoughts plainly so the clinician can judge urgency and offer the right support.

Seek immediate help if you think about harming yourself or the baby, feel unable to stay safe, hear or see things others do not, feel intensely confused, or believe unusual ideas with strong conviction. Do not stay alone; tell someone nearby and contact emergency services or a maternity mental-health team.

Ask how your symptoms will be assessed, which treatments fit your recovery and feeding plans, how quickly follow-up will happen, and what warning signs should prompt urgent contact.