Postnatal Depression

1) What it is

Postnatal depression can affect parents after having a baby. It is more than feeling tired or overwhelmed, and can include persistent sadness, numbness, anxiety, guilt, and difficulty feeling connected to the baby.

2) What it feels like

• “I don’t feel like myself anymore.”
• “I feel disconnected or numb.”
• “I’m anxious all the time.”
• “I feel guilty for struggling.”

3) Common signs & symptoms

• low mood, crying, or hopelessness
• irritability or emotional numbness
• feeling disconnected from the baby
• anxiety, panic, or intrusive thoughts
• guilt and fear of being judged
• low appetite or poor sleep beyond normal baby tiredness

4) Why it happens (causes & risk factors)

• hormonal shifts after birth
• sleep deprivation
• birth trauma or difficult pregnancy
• lack of emotional or practical support
• previous depression or anxiety

5) Triggers

• exhaustion and broken sleep
• feeling alone or unsupported
• feeding or settling difficulties
• pressure to be a “perfect parent”
• critical or unhelpful comments

6) What helps now

• speak to someone daily (isolation worsens symptoms)
• eat something small every 3–4 hours
• rest where possible, even short breaks
• ask for help without guilt
• lower expectations and avoid perfectionism

7) Daily self-help support

• build gentle structure into the day
• prioritise basic needs first
• accept practical help where offered
• limit comparison with others

8) Professional treatment options

• perinatal mental health services
• CBT or counselling
• medication support via GP if needed
• specialist postnatal support groups

9) Medication

Medication may be recommended for moderate to severe postnatal depression and is prescribed and monitored by a GP or specialist.

10) Practical tips

• struggling does not mean you are a bad parent
• bonding can take time and still be healthy
• recovery happens gradually
• support improves outcomes for both parent and baby

11) When to seek urgent help

Urgent help if:

• thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
• severe anxiety, panic, or intrusive thoughts
• feeling unable to cope or function
• mood continues to worsen

12) Where to get help (UK)

• GP or Health Visitor (first line support)
• PANDAS Foundation (postnatal depression support)
• Samaritans 116 123 (24/7)

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