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Types of postnatal depression

How the structures involved in Postnatal Depression differ from normal
Illustration: How the structures involved in Postnatal Depression differ from normal

Short answer

Postnatal depression may appear as persistent low mood, anxious or irritable depression, loss of interest, bonding difficulty, or severe symptoms needing urgent mental health care.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Timing
Symptoms may begin during pregnancy or after birth
Support
Talking therapy, practical help and medicine may be considered

How it can present

Some parents mainly feel sad, empty or tearful and lose interest in activities they used to enjoy. Others experience constant worry, panic, irritability, guilt or a sense of being unable to cope. Sleep disruption from caring for a baby can make symptoms harder to recognise, but depression can continue even when the baby is asleep.

A parent may feel distant from the baby, frightened by their thoughts or unable to enjoy feeding and caring. Symptoms can begin during pregnancy or after birth and may affect any parent. Low mood after birth and reduced sexual interest can occur alongside depression, but neither symptom alone proves the diagnosis.

Finding support

Tell a trusted person and arrange an assessment with a doctor, midwife or mental health professional. Describe mood, anxiety, sleep, appetite, concentration, frightening thoughts and how daily care is affected. Treatment may include talking therapy, practical support, medicine, or a combination chosen with attention to feeding and your medical history.

A [Perinatal Mental Health Support](/treatments/medical-gynaecology/perinatal-mental-health-support/) service can help coordinate care. Partners and family members can support appointments, meals, rest and safe baby care; needing help does not mean you are failing as a parent.

When to seek urgent help

Seek urgent help if you think you may harm yourself or the baby, feel unable to stay safe, hear or see things others do not, feel unusually energised with little need for sleep, or become confused or severely agitated. Postnatal psychosis is an emergency. Do not stay alone; contact emergency services or go to an emergency department, and ask someone trusted to stay with you.

Questions for your doctor

Ask whether your symptoms fit depression, anxiety, trauma or another condition; what treatment options suit your circumstances; and how follow-up will work. Mention any thoughts that frighten you, even if you do not intend to act on them. You can also discuss [Low Mood After Birth](/symptoms/postnatal-low-mood/) and [Low Sex Drive](/symptoms/low-sex-drive/) as part of the wider picture.

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Is postnatal depression only sadness?

No. Anxiety, irritability, guilt, loss of interest and bonding difficulty may also be prominent.

Can a parent with postnatal depression still love their baby?

Yes. Depression can interfere with feelings and confidence without defining the parent-child relationship.

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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.