Postnatal Depression in the UK: Signs, Support and Treatment

Having a baby can bring major emotional, physical and lifestyle changes. While many new parents experience temporary mood changes after childbirth, postnatal depression (PND) is different. It is a form of depression that can develop during pregnancy or after a baby is born and can affect a parent’s mood, thoughts, relationships and ability to cope with everyday life.

Postnatal depression is common and treatable. It is not a sign that someone is a bad parent, and experiencing it does not mean they do not love their baby.

Symptoms can range from persistent sadness and anxiety to loss of interest, exhaustion, difficulty bonding with the baby, feelings of guilt and hopelessness. Some people may also experience frightening thoughts or feel unable to cope.

The good news is that effective treatments and support are available through the NHS and other UK services.

If you think you or someone you know may have postnatal depression, speaking to a GP, midwife or health visitor is an important first step.

Table of Contents

What Is Postnatal Depression?

Postnatal depression is depression that develops after having a baby. Although the term “postnatal” is commonly used, depression can also begin during pregnancy, and mental health problems can continue or develop during the first year after childbirth and beyond.

It can affect mothers as well as partners and other parents.

Unlike the short-lived “baby blues”, which commonly improve within around two weeks, postnatal depression tends to be more persistent and can interfere with daily life.

Postnatal depression vs baby blues

The baby blues are common after childbirth. Hormonal changes, physical recovery, lack of sleep and the adjustment to caring for a newborn can contribute to feeling tearful, overwhelmed or emotionally sensitive.

Baby blues usually improve within about two weeks.

Postnatal depression can:

Last longer than two weeks
Become increasingly difficult to manage
Affect everyday activities
Cause persistent sadness or anxiety
Affect relationships
Make caring for yourself or your baby feel overwhelming
Cause feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
Require professional treatment and support

If low mood or other symptoms continue beyond two weeks or are becoming worse, it is worth speaking with a healthcare professional.

What Are the Signs of Postnatal Depression?

Postnatal depression does not look exactly the same for everyone. Some people mainly experience sadness, while others may notice anxiety, irritability, emotional numbness or overwhelming exhaustion.

Common symptoms include:

1. Persistent sadness or low mood

You may feel down, tearful or emotionally overwhelmed most of the day.

This can be difficult to recognise because tiredness and emotional changes are common after having a baby.

2. Loss of interest or enjoyment

Activities that previously brought pleasure may no longer feel enjoyable.

You may feel emotionally disconnected from hobbies, relationships or situations that normally make you happy.

3. Feeling unable to cope

Looking after a newborn can already feel demanding. With postnatal depression, everyday responsibilities may feel impossible.

You may think:

“I cannot do this.”
“I am failing.”
“I cannot cope anymore.”

These thoughts are symptoms, not evidence that you are a bad parent.

4. Excessive guilt

Some parents experience intense guilt about their baby, parenting or their own emotions.

You might worry that you are not doing enough or that your baby would be better off without you.

5. Anxiety and constant worrying

Postnatal depression can involve significant anxiety.

You may constantly worry about:

Your baby’s health
Whether your baby is developing normally
Feeding
Sleep
Your ability to parent
Something bad happening to your baby
Making mistakes

If anxiety is becoming difficult to control, professional support can help.

For more information about anxiety, see our guide to what is high-functioning anxiety.

6. Feeling worthless or inadequate

You may feel that you are not a good enough parent or that you are failing your family.

These feelings can be particularly distressing, but they are recognised symptoms of depression.

7. Difficulty bonding with your baby

Some parents expect to experience an immediate emotional connection with their baby.

In reality, bonding can take time.

Postnatal depression may make it particularly difficult to feel emotionally connected, but this does not mean you do not love your baby.

8. Irritability or anger

Depression does not always cause sadness.

Some people experience:

Anger
Frustration
Irritability
Feeling easily overwhelmed
Losing patience
Emotional outbursts

9. Changes in sleep

Sleep deprivation is extremely common with a newborn. However, depression can cause additional sleep problems.

You might:

Struggle to sleep even when your baby is sleeping
Wake frequently
Sleep excessively
Feel unable to rest

10. Changes in appetite

You may lose your appetite or eat considerably more than usual.

Significant changes in appetite can be another sign that your mental health needs attention.

11. Difficulty concentrating

Postnatal depression may make it difficult to:

Concentrate
Make decisions
Remember things
Organise everyday tasks
Follow conversations

12. Feeling hopeless about the future

Some people with depression feel that things will never improve.

Persistent hopelessness should be taken seriously, particularly if accompanied by thoughts about death or self-harm.

Who Can Develop Postnatal Depression?

Postnatal depression can affect anyone after having a baby.

It does not only happen to first-time mothers, and it does not only affect people with a previous history of depression.

Risk can be increased by factors such as:

Previous depression or anxiety
Depression during pregnancy
Previous postnatal depression
Difficult pregnancy or birth
Lack of social support
Relationship difficulties
Financial or housing pressures
Traumatic birth experiences
Sleep deprivation
Baby health problems
Premature birth
Major life changes
Difficulties with feeding
Feeling isolated

Having one or more risk factors does not mean someone will definitely develop postnatal depression.

Can Postnatal Depression Affect Partners?

Yes.

Although postnatal depression is often discussed in relation to mothers, partners and other parents can also experience depression after a baby is born.

Partners may experience:

Low mood
Anxiety
Irritability
Withdrawal
Sleep problems
Loss of interest
Feelings of inadequacy
Increased alcohol or substance use
Difficulty bonding with the baby

Partners should also seek professional support if symptoms persist or become difficult to manage.

What Causes Postnatal Depression?

There is usually no single cause.

Postnatal depression can involve a combination of biological, psychological and social factors.

Hormonal changes

Pregnancy and childbirth involve significant hormonal changes. These may contribute to changes in mood, although postnatal depression cannot be explained by hormones alone.

Sleep deprivation

Repeated night waking can have a substantial effect on emotional wellbeing.

Long-term sleep deprivation can make anxiety, irritability and low mood harder to manage.

Physical recovery

Recovery from childbirth can involve pain, fatigue and other physical challenges.

If recovery is difficult, emotional wellbeing can also be affected.

Psychological factors

Previous mental health problems, low self-esteem, anxiety, traumatic experiences and major stress can contribute.

Social circumstances

Limited support, relationship difficulties, financial pressure, housing problems and isolation may also increase emotional strain.

How Is Postnatal Depression Diagnosed in the UK?

There is no single blood test that confirms postnatal depression.

A healthcare professional will generally ask about your:

Mood
Thoughts
Sleep
Appetite
Anxiety
Ability to cope
Relationships
Daily activities
Experience of caring for your baby
Thoughts about self-harm or suicide

A GP, midwife or health visitor may use a questionnaire such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) as part of an assessment.

A questionnaire is not usually the diagnosis by itself. It helps healthcare professionals understand symptoms and decide what support may be appropriate.

If you’re unsure whether your symptoms require professional help, our guide to getting a mental health diagnosis on the NHS explains what you can generally expect from the NHS mental health assessment process.

How to Get Help for Postnatal Depression on the NHS

If you think you have postnatal depression, you do not have to wait until symptoms become severe.

You can speak with:

Your GP
Midwife
Health visitor
NHS mental health service
Perinatal mental health service, where available

A healthcare professional can assess your symptoms and help determine the most appropriate treatment.

Can I ask my GP for help?

Yes.

You can tell your GP that you think you may have postnatal depression and describe how you have been feeling.

It can help to mention:

When symptoms started
How often you experience them
Whether they are getting worse
How they affect daily life
Whether you’re struggling to care for yourself or your baby
Any frightening or intrusive thoughts
Any previous mental health difficulties

You do not need to have the perfect words to explain what is happening.

NHS Treatment for Postnatal Depression

Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and the individual’s circumstances.

Possible approaches include:

Talking therapies

Talking therapies are commonly used to treat depression.

These may include forms of psychological therapy such as:

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Counselling
Other structured psychological therapies

CBT can help identify patterns of negative thinking and develop strategies for managing difficult emotions and situations.

Read our guide on how to get CBT on the NHS without a long waiting list for more information.

You can also learn more about whether therapy can help depression.

Antidepressants

A doctor may recommend antidepressants when appropriate, particularly when depression is moderate or severe or when psychological treatment alone is not enough.

If you are breastfeeding or expressing milk, tell your healthcare professional. They can consider your individual circumstances when choosing medication.

Do not stop an antidepressant suddenly without discussing it with your prescriber.

For general information about antidepressants, see our article on how long antidepressants take to work.

Combination treatment

Some people benefit from a combination of psychological therapy and medication.

The appropriate treatment depends on factors such as symptom severity, previous treatment, personal preferences and individual circumstances.

What Is Perinatal Mental Health Support?

Perinatal mental health services are specialist services designed to support people experiencing mental health problems during pregnancy and after childbirth.

Depending on local NHS arrangements, specialist perinatal mental health teams may provide assessment, treatment and support for people with more significant or complex mental health difficulties.

Availability and referral arrangements can vary across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Your GP, midwife or health visitor can help explain what services are available in your area.

Can Postnatal Depression Get Better Without Treatment?

Some people may improve with support, rest and changes in their circumstances, but it is not advisable to simply ignore persistent symptoms.

Depression can become more difficult to manage when it continues untreated.

Early support may help prevent symptoms from becoming more severe and can make it easier to recover.

If symptoms have lasted more than two weeks, are worsening or are interfering significantly with daily life, contact a healthcare professional.

How Long Does Postnatal Depression Last?

There is no fixed duration.

Some people improve within weeks after starting appropriate support, while others need treatment over a longer period.

Recovery can depend on:

Severity of depression
How long symptoms have been present
Access to treatment
Previous mental health difficulties
Social support
Sleep and physical recovery
Individual circumstances

Getting help early can make a meaningful difference.

What Can Help With Postnatal Depression at Home?

Professional treatment is important, but practical support can also help.

Accept help from family and friends

You do not need to manage everything yourself.

Someone you trust may be able to:

Prepare meals
Help with household tasks
Look after the baby while you rest
Accompany you to appointments
Provide emotional support

Try to rest when possible

Newborn sleep patterns can make proper rest difficult.

Where possible, ask someone you trust to share responsibilities so you can get periods of uninterrupted rest.

Eat regularly

Depression and exhaustion can make regular meals difficult.

Simple nutritious meals and adequate fluids can support your physical wellbeing.

Stay connected

Isolation can make depression feel worse.

Talking honestly with a trusted person can reduce the burden of keeping everything inside.

Avoid comparing yourself with other parents

Social media can create unrealistic expectations about parenting.

People often share positive moments online while leaving out the difficult parts.

There is no single correct way to be a parent.

How Partners and Family Members Can Help

Family members may notice symptoms before the person experiencing depression recognises them.

Support can include:

Listening without judgement
Taking concerns seriously
Helping with practical tasks
Encouraging professional support
Accompanying them to appointments
Providing childcare when possible
Checking in regularly

Avoid telling someone simply to “cheer up” or “think positively”.

Depression is a health condition, not a failure of willpower.

Postnatal Depression and Intrusive Thoughts

Some new parents experience unwanted, frightening thoughts about something bad happening to themselves or their baby.

Intrusive thoughts can occur with anxiety and other mental health conditions, and having an unwanted thought does not automatically mean someone intends to act on it.

However, any thoughts about harming yourself or your baby should be discussed with a healthcare professional, particularly if you feel you may act on them or cannot keep yourself or your baby safe.

Urgent help is needed if there is an immediate risk.

Postnatal Psychosis: A Medical Emergency

Postnatal psychosis is different from postnatal depression and is a psychiatric emergency.

It can develop suddenly, often within the first two weeks after childbirth.

Possible symptoms include:

Hallucinations
Delusions
Severe confusion
Extreme agitation
Rapidly changing mood
Unusual or bizarre behaviour
Losing touch with reality
Severe difficulty sleeping

If someone who has recently given birth appears confused, detached from reality or may harm themselves or someone else, seek urgent medical help immediately.

In the UK, call 999 or go to A&E if there is an immediate danger or emergency.

Do not leave someone experiencing severe symptoms alone if you believe they or another person may be at immediate risk.

What Should You Do If You Think You Have Postnatal Depression?

A practical first step is:

Recognise the symptoms.
Tell someone you trust.
Contact your GP, midwife or health visitor.
Explain how long you have felt this way.
Mention any anxiety, intrusive thoughts or thoughts of self-harm.
Follow the treatment plan recommended by your healthcare professional.
Ask family or friends for practical support.

You do not have to wait until you feel completely overwhelmed before asking for help.

When Should You Seek Urgent Help?

Seek urgent help if you:

Think you may harm yourself
Think you may harm your baby
Feel unable to keep yourself or your baby safe
Hear or see things other people do not
Believe things that others say are not real
Become severely confused
Lose touch with reality
Experience extreme agitation or unusual behaviour

For an immediate emergency in the UK, call 999 or go to A&E.

For urgent mental health support that is not an immediate emergency, NHS urgent mental health services can also provide guidance.

Postnatal Depression and Recovery

Recovery does not always happen in a straight line.

You may have good days followed by difficult days. This does not necessarily mean treatment is failing.

Recovery may involve:

Psychological therapy
Medication
Specialist perinatal mental health support
Practical help at home
Better sleep where possible
Social support
Regular contact with healthcare professionals

The important thing is to continue communicating with your healthcare team about how you are feeling.

Related HealthCresto Guides

If you are researching postnatal depression, these HealthCresto resources may also be useful:

These links create topical connections between postnatal depression, depression, anxiety, NHS mental health services, women’s health and reproductive health, strengthening the site’s internal topic cluster.

Frequently Asked Questions About Postnatal Depression

What is postnatal depression?

Postnatal depression is a type of depression that can develop during pregnancy or after having a baby. It can cause persistent low mood, anxiety, loss of interest, guilt, exhaustion and difficulty coping.

How do I know if I have postnatal depression or baby blues?

Baby blues are usually short-lived and improve within about two weeks. Postnatal depression tends to persist, become more severe or interfere with daily life. If symptoms last longer than two weeks or concern you, speak with a healthcare professional.

Can postnatal depression happen months after having a baby?

Yes. Postnatal mental health difficulties can develop after the immediate period following childbirth. If you develop persistent symptoms months after your baby’s birth, speak with your GP or another healthcare professional.

Can fathers get postnatal depression?

Yes. Fathers and partners can experience depression after the birth of a baby. Persistent low mood, anxiety, irritability, withdrawal or difficulty coping should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Can postnatal depression be treated?

Yes. Treatment can include talking therapies, medication, specialist perinatal mental health support or a combination of approaches, depending on the person’s symptoms and circumstances.

Can postnatal depression affect bonding with my baby?

Yes. Depression can make it difficult to feel emotionally connected to a baby. This does not mean you are a bad parent or that you do not love your child. Treatment and support can help.

Can postnatal depression go away on its own?

Some people may improve with support and changes in their circumstances, but persistent depression should not be ignored. Professional assessment can help determine whether treatment is needed.

When is postnatal depression an emergency?

Immediate help is needed if someone may harm themselves or their baby, loses touch with reality, experiences hallucinations or severe confusion, or cannot keep themselves or another person safe. In the UK, call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency.