What new parents should know about postpartum depression

Postpartum depression is a type of depression that can occur within the first year after birth. It’s more common than many people realise, so while it’s not something to fear, it is something to be aware of. Recognising the signs early means you can seek support sooner, whether for yourself or someone close to you.

Postpartum depression or baby blues?

When you have a baby, you give your biggest ever contribution to the circle of life. Some people say it is one of the most exciting things you can do. But it can also be exhausting and, at times, frightening. You’re adjusting to a complete shift in your world. Your body has changed. Your sleep is disrupted. Your days and nights no longer follow a familiar rhythm. It’s not unusual to feel anxious, low, or unsettled in the middle of all of that. And while your mood swings, the people around you don’t always fully appreciate that, because from the outside everything looks as it ‘should’.

Some people feel irritable or overwhelmed and crying – whether tears of happiness or sadness – become an everyday thing. It’s often difficult to work out whether the difficulty in sleeping comes from having a newborn that wakes a lot or postpartum depression. All these things are normal in the first couple of weeks after birth and ideally, pass quite quickly (within a few weeks). If they continue beyond those early weeks, or begin later on, it may be a sign that something else is going on, such as postnatal depression.

What is postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression is a form of depression that happens to some new parents after the birth of a baby. It can affect people of all genders and sometimes begins during pregnancy. You might also hear it referred to as postnatal depression, or perinatal depression, when it includes pregnancy. Depression that occurs within the first year of your baby’s life may be described using any of these terms. Postnatal depression is as serious as any other form of depression.

Symptoms of postpartum depression

If you have postpartum depression, some things you might experience are as follows:

• crying, sometimes without a clear reason
• feeling separate from your baby, or finding bonding difficult
• not wanting to spend time around friends and family, which manifests as withdrawing
• extreme tiredness or low energy (which can be difficult to separate from normal sleep disruption with a newborn)
• changes in sleep that don’t align with your baby’s needs, such as difficulty sleeping when you have the opportunity, or sleeping more than usual
• mood swings
• changes in appetite
• a loss of interest or enjoyment in activities you previously enjoyed
• feeling hopeless or worthless, alongside shame, guilt, or a sense of not being a good enough parent
• restlessness, difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
• intense irritability or anger, and in some cases, thoughts about death or suicide
• anxiety or panic attacks
• thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

Please note that symptoms vary, and some symptoms of postpartum depression are similar to the baby blues. The main difference is that they stick around. If you feel this way, and either recognise depression from previous experience or sense that something isn’t right, and the symptoms continue for more than a couple of weeks, please reach out for help.

Postpartum depression help

Your doctor can guide you on NHS services for depression, which include talking therapies and medication. The NHS offers a range of therapies through its Talking Therapies service (previously known as IAPT), although there can sometimes be a wait to access support. In many areas, you can also refer yourself without seeing a GP.

Your doctor may prescribe medication, which is a short-term option for some people and a longer-term option for others.

There are also charities that offer support, including PANDAS Foundation UK, which provides a free helpline, text, and email support. If you feel you need further support, there are many therapies available privately that may not be accessible through the NHS or charities.

Hypnotherapy for postpartum depression

Hypnotherapy can offer a safe, supportive environment to organise and process your thoughts. A hypnotherapist experienced in mindfulness will help you utilise the mindful way of living to feel more content. Your hypnotherapist will not try to change you, but will help you navigate your way through the darkness of depression as you find your way to feeling like yourself.

It can also help you begin to notice what your body and mind need, at a time when everything can feel unclear or overwhelming. Rather than pushing for change, the focus is on creating the conditions where change becomes possible.

You are welcome to bring your baby with you to your sessions. This is a time of adjustment, and it’s understood that your baby is part of that. Sessions can move at a pace that works for both of you. This is a space where you can take things as they come, without needing to have it all figured out.