Postnatal depression is a clinical condition that affects roughly 1 in 10 people after birth. It is different from the baby blues, which pass within two weeks. Signs include persistent low mood, difficulty bonding, withdrawal, and intrusive thoughts. Treatment includes talking therapies, peer support, and medication. Partners can be affected too.
The baby blues affect almost everyone in the first week or two, causing tearfulness, anxiety, and irritability. They usually pass within two weeks. Postnatal depression lasts longer, feels heavier, and does not lift on its own. It can start any time in the first year after birth.
Persistent low mood or emptiness, loss of interest in things you enjoy, feeling unable to cope, difficulty bonding with your baby, crying frequently, irritability or disproportionate anger, fatigue even when the baby sleeps, changes in appetite, difficulty sleeping even when the baby is sleeping, withdrawing from others, difficulty concentrating, intrusive frightening thoughts, and feeling like your baby would be better off without you.
If several of these have been present for more than two weeks, speak to someone.
Risk factors include a history of depression or anxiety, a difficult birth, lack of support, a baby with health problems, financial stress, a history of abuse, and perfectionist tendencies. But PND can affect anyone.
Around 1 in 10 new fathers and co-parents experience postnatal depression or anxiety. The same support is available.
Tell your health visitor, GP, midwife, partner, or a helpline. Your health visitor screens for PND at the 6 to 8 week check, but you do not need to wait.
Talking therapies. CBT and guided self-help are first-line treatments. Self-refer to NHS Talking Therapies without a GP referral.
Peer support. Postnatal groups facilitated by health visitors or charities.
Medication. SSRIs like sertraline are commonly prescribed and compatible with breastfeeding. Takes 2 to 4 weeks to start working.
Specialist teams. For severe cases, NHS perinatal mental health services provide psychiatry, psychology, and specialist nursing.
Crisis support. If having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, contact your GP urgently, call NHS 111, go to A&E, or call the Samaritans on 116 123.
Milestones, partner sharing, notes, photos, and a curated essentials guide. Free, no app to install.
Get Started Free© 2026 Nuhah. All rights reserved.