Postnatal depression is a type of depression. Many parents experience it after having a baby.
It’s a common problem, affecting more than 1 in every 10 mothers within a year of giving birth. It can also affect fathers and partners, although this is less common.
With the right support, which can include self-help strategies and therapy, most people make a full recovery.
Postnatal depression affects everyone differently. It can start at any point in the first year after giving birth. It can continue from depression in pregnancy. It may develop suddenly or gradually.
Many people feel a bit down, tearful or anxious in the first week after giving birth. This is often called the ‘baby blues’ and is so common that it’s considered normal. The baby blues don’t last for more than 2 weeks after giving birth.
If your symptoms last longer or start later, you could have postnatal depression.
The main symptoms of postnatal depression include:
These symptoms can affect your day-to-day life and your relationships with your baby, family and friends.
Don’t struggle on alone and hope the problem will go away. It can take a lot longer to feel better if it’s not addressed.
Postnatal depression can develop gradually and it can be hard to recognise. Some parents may avoid talking to family and friends about how they’re feeling. This may be because they worry they’ll be judged for not coping or not appearing happy.
Signs for partners, family and friends to look out for in new parents include:
If you think someone you know is depressed, encourage them to talk about their feelings. This could be to talk to you, a friend, their GP or their health visitor.
The cause of postnatal depression isn’t completely clear. Some of the factors it has been associated with include:
Even if you don’t have any of these symptoms, having a baby is a life-changing event that can sometimes trigger depression.
It often takes time to adapt to becoming a new parent. Looking after a small baby can be stressful and exhausting.
Postnatal depression can be lonely, distressing and frightening. But, support and treatments are available. With the right treatment and support, most people make a full recovery, although it can take time.
Talk to your GP about the pros and cons of different treatments so you can decide together what’s best for you.
Your GP might also want to check your physical health to see if there are any problems that may need to be addressed as well. For example, you may be anaemic after giving birth. This could add to any feelings of depression you might have.
Psychological therapies are usually the first treatment recommended for postnatal depression.
Guided self-help involves working through a book or an online course. You can do this on your own or with some help from a therapist.
It focusses on the issues you might be facing, with practical advice on how to deal with them.
The courses typically last 9 to 12 weeks.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a type of talking therapy. It’s based on the idea that unhelpful and unrealistic thinking leads to negative behaviour.
CBT aims to break this cycle and find new ways of thinking that can help you behave in a more positive way.
CBT can be carried out either one-to-one with a therapist or in a group. Treatment will often last 3 to 4 months.
Interpersonal therapy (IPT) involves talking to a therapist about the problems you’re experiencing.
It aims to identify problems in your relationships with family, friends or partners. It then looks at how they might relate to your feelings of depression.
Treatment also usually lasts 3 to 4 months.
Antidepressants may be recommended if:
They can help ease symptoms like:
This helps you to function normally and helps you cope better with your new baby.
Antidepressants usually need to be taken for at least a week before the benefit starts to be felt. This means it’s important to keep taking them even if you don’t notice an improvement straight away. You’ll usually need to take them for around 6 months after you begin to feel better. If you stop too early, your depression may return.
If you’re breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about suitable medicines. Some types of antidepressants are safe to take while breastfeeding.
Your doctor should explain any risks of taking antidepressants. You should be offered the type with the least risk for you and your baby.
There are many things you can try yourself to improve your symptoms and help you cope.
Ask your health visitor about support services in your area. They may be able to put you in touch with a social worker, counsellor or local support group. It can be reassuring to meet other people who are going through something similar.
Find postnatal depression support and information in your area
You might be referred to a specialist perinatal mental health team if your depression:
Your team might be able to offer other treatments, like:
For a small number of people, coming into hospital can help speed up recovery.
You may be offered a place in a Mother and Baby Unit, where you can continue to look after your baby while you get the best treatment for your illness.
Last updated:
24 October 2023