It’s completely normal to go through emotional ups and downs during pregnancy and after giving birth. But for some people, those feelings can become more serious and long-lasting. This is where terms like postpartum, postnatal and perinatal depression come in.
The terms ‘postpartum depression’ and ‘postnatal depression’ are often used interchangeably to describe the same thing – a recognised form of depression that can develop in the weeks or months after having a baby.
Around 1 in 10 women in the UK experience postnatal depression, and it’s thought to affect around 17.2% of people worldwide.
This page explores the signs and causes of postnatal depression, and the support options available.
It’s common to feel tearful, emotional or overwhelmed soon after having a baby. This is known as the baby blues, and it affects around 8 in 10 new mums.
It’s caused by a mix of hormonal changes, a lack of sleep and the huge life adjustment that comes with a new arrival. The baby blues usually starts within the first few days after birth and tends to pass on its own within about 2 weeks.
Postnatal depression is more severe, persistent and disruptive than the baby blues. It often develops in the first few weeks or months after birth, but it can start any time in the first year. The symptoms last longer and may get worse over time without help. It can also affect your ability to bond with your baby or manage daily life.
| Differences | Baby blues | Postnatal depression |
|---|---|---|
| When it starts | Within the first few days of birth | Anytime within the first year of birth |
| Duration | Up to two weeks | Weeks or months (without treatment) |
| How it feels | Tearful, emotional, overwhelming | Persistent low mood, anxiety, hopelessness |
| Severity | Mild and manageable | Moderate to severe |
| Support | Usually resolves on its own | Often needs professional treatment |
Postnatal depression can affect people in different ways. Some symptoms may appear soon after birth, while others develop gradually in the weeks or months that follow.
These are some of the first changes you might notice:
If left untreated, postnatal depression can become more severe over time. Symptoms might include:
There isn’t a single cause of postnatal depression. Instead, it’s usually a combination of hormonal, emotional, social and personal factors that come together around the time of pregnancy and birth.
Some of the most common factors include:
Postnatal depression is, by definition, most commonly associated with mothers after giving birth. However, other parents and caregivers can also experience depression during the same period, including:
Anyone taking on the emotional, physical or psychological demands of new parenthood is at risk of experiencing low mood or depression. If you’re feeling low, anxious, or simply ‘not yourself’ after becoming a parent, you’re not alone and help is available.
Living with postnatal depression can make even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming. You might struggle to get out of bed, find it hard to concentrate, or feel detached from the world around you. Many parents say they feel numb, ashamed, or as though they’re just ‘going through the motions’.
It can also affect relationships with partners, family or friends. You might feel irritable, misunderstood or withdrawn – all of which can create distance at a time when you need support. On top of this, feelings of guilt or inadequacy are very common, even though they’re not a reflection of who you are or how much you care.
Postnatal depression can sometimes affect how you connect with your baby. You may find it difficult to bond or feel unsure of how to soothe or respond to your baby’s needs. This doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent – it means you’re struggling, and that’s something that can be addressed with the right support.
Postnatal depression can also affect older children, especially if they notice changes in your mood, routine or energy levels. They might not always understand what’s happening, but they can often sense when something feels different at home.
With the right support in place, it’s entirely possible to restore a sense of stability and continue nurturing strong, loving relationships with all your children.
Postnatal depression is treatable, and you don’t have to face it alone. With the right support, many people make a full recovery and go on to enjoy life with their baby.
The early days of parenthood can be emotionally and physically overwhelming. But if these feelings last more than 2 weeks, aren’t improving or are getting worse, it could be a sign of postnatal depression.
What matters most is the pattern and impact of what you're experiencing. You might want to get help if:
You don’t have to wait until you reach crisis point. Speaking to your GP, midwife, health visitor or a mental health professional can be a powerful first step – they’re here to listen and help you feel like yourself again.
There’s no single test for postnatal depression. Instead, diagnosis is based on your symptoms, how long they’ve been going on, and how they’re affecting your day-to-day life and wellbeing.
Your GP, health visitor or therapist may use a screening tool called the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) – a short questionnaire designed to help identify symptoms of depression. They may also ask questions about:
These conversations are handled with compassion and confidentiality. Health professionals understand how difficult it can be to open up and are trained to support you.
Many people find that with the right support, they start to feel more like themselves again. The best treatment approach depends on the severity of your symptoms and your personal circumstances. Options may include:
At Priory, we offer a range of evidence-based treatments for depression at any stage of the perinatal period, tailored to your individual needs. We have options ranging from intensive inpatient support to flexible outpatient treatment or online therapy sessions, so you can access the level of help that’s right for you.
We also offer a free self-care hub with guided exercises, relaxation techniques and expert-led videos – designed to support your mental wellbeing at home, whenever you need it.
The earlier you get support, the better the outcomes tend to be, both for your wellbeing and your baby’s. Taking that first step is a sign of strength, and it can lead to lasting recovery.
There’s no guaranteed way to prevent postnatal depression, but being aware of the signs and having support in place can make a big difference – especially if you’ve experienced depression, anxiety or postnatal depression in the past.
Letting your GP or midwife know about your mental health history means they can offer extra support and keep a closer eye on how you're feeling after birth.
Getting rest, talking about your experience and emotions, and asking for help when you need it can also reduce the risk. Even with these steps, postnatal depression can still happen and it’s not your fault. The most important thing is to seek help early.
Supporting someone with postnatal depression starts with listening and letting them know they’re not alone. You don’t need to fix things – just being there, without judgement, can make a big difference.
You can also help by:
There’s no set timeframe – postnatal depression affects everyone differently. For some, it may last a few months; for others, it can continue longer.
With the right support and treatment, most people start to feel better within weeks or months. The earlier you seek help, the sooner recovery can begin.
No – they’re different conditions, but they can happen at the same time.
Postnatal depression involves persistent low mood and feelings of hopelessness. Postnatal anxiety is more about excessive worry and physical symptoms like a racing heart or trouble sleeping.
Postnatal psychosis is rare, affecting about 1 in every 1,000 new mothers. It usually develops in the first few days or weeks after giving birth and is considered a medical emergency.
Symptoms may include confusion, hallucinations, delusions, extreme mood swings or unusual behaviour. While it can be frightening, postnatal psychosis is treatable, and with the right care, most people make a full recovery.
