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Postnatal Depression

Recognising the signs and knowing when to seek support

Becoming a parent is one of life's biggest transitions. It's normal to experience a huge range of emotions in the weeks and months after birth, but if low mood, anxiety or overwhelming feelings persist, it could be a sign of postnatal depression (PND).

Postnatal depression is a common and treatable mental health condition. It can affect anyone, regardless of their age, background, birth experience or whether this is their first or fifth baby.

It isn't a sign that you're failing, that you don't love your baby, or that you're not coping well enough. Like many health conditions, it deserves understanding, support and appropriate treatment.

How common is postnatal depression?

Postnatal depression affects around 10–15% of mothers after giving birth, although mental health difficulties such as depression and anxiety affect around 1 in 5 women during pregnancy or within the first year after birth. Fathers and non-birthing partners can also experience postnatal depression, affecting around 1 in 10 partners.

Because many parents feel ashamed or worry about being judged, it's thought that postnatal depression is often under-recognised and under-reported.

What causes postnatal depression?

There isn't one single cause.

Instead, it's usually the result of several factors coming together, including:

  • Hormonal changes after birth

  • Sleep deprivation and physical exhaustion

  • The emotional adjustment to becoming a parent

  • A difficult pregnancy, birth or feeding journey

  • Previous anxiety, depression or other mental health conditions

  • Limited support or feelings of isolation

  • Stressful life events, financial pressures or relationship difficulties

Developing postnatal depression is never your fault, and there is nothing you have done to cause it.

What are the symptoms?

Every parent's experience is different, but symptoms may include:

  • Feeling persistently low, tearful or empty

  • Losing interest in things you usually enjoy

  • Feeling hopeless or that you can't cope

  • Constant worry, anxiety or racing thoughts

  • Feeling guilty, inadequate or like you're a "bad parent"

  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

  • Feeling disconnected from your baby or struggling to bond

  • Feeling irritable or unusually angry

  • Changes in appetite

  • Difficulty sleeping, even when your baby is asleep

  • Feeling emotionally numb

Some parents experience predominantly anxiety, others mainly low mood, and many experience a combination of both. Symptoms can develop gradually and may begin any time during the first year after birth, not just in the first few weeks.

Baby blues or postnatal depression?

The baby blues are extremely common and usually begin around 3–5 days after birth, resolving within two weeks.

Postnatal depression is different. Symptoms:

  • Last longer than two weeks

  • Become more intense rather than improving

  • Affect your ability to enjoy everyday life or care for yourself

  • Feel difficult to manage without additional support

If you're unsure which you're experiencing, it's always worth talking to your midwife, health visitor or GP.

Recovery is possible

The good news is that postnatal depression is highly treatable, and most parents recover fully with the right support.

Treatment is individual and may include:

  • Talking therapies

  • Peer support groups

  • Practical support from family and friends

  • Lifestyle measures alongside professional care

  • Medication, where appropriate

Seeking support early often leads to the best outcomes for both you and your family.

A gentle reminder

You do not have to wait until you're at breaking point to ask for help.

If something doesn't feel right, trust your instincts. Whether you need reassurance, someone to listen or more specialist support, you deserve compassionate care.

Looking after your mental health is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your baby