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Find out about postnatal depression (PND), including symptoms, treatments, self-care and when to get medical help.
This page is about depression after your baby is born. Find out more about depression in pregnancy and mental health in pregnancy.
Support is available if you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis or emergency, no matter what you're going through.
Find out where to get urgent help for mental health
Symptoms of postnatal depression include:
Symptoms can begin while you're pregnant, soon after birth, or up to a year after your baby is born.
Feeling down, anxious or irritable for a few days after your baby is born is very common. This is sometimes called the baby blues, and it usually goes away within 2 weeks of the birth. But if it continues, gets worse or you're struggling to cope, it's important to get help.
Fathers and partners can also have depression after having a baby.
It's important to get help even if you only have some of the signs. You're more likely to get better with treatment.
If you're 18 or over (or 16 or over in some areas), you can refer yourself directly to an NHS talking therapies service without a referral from a GP.
Find NHS talking therapies for anxiety and depression
If you're under 18, find out more about mental health support for children and young people.
If you see a GP, health visitor or midwife about postnatal depression symptoms, they will ask you questions about how you've been feeling. You may be asked to fill in a questionnaire about your symptoms.
If they think you have postnatal depression, they'll talk to you about the treatment and support that's available.
You may be scared that your baby will be taken away if you ask for help or share how you're feeling, but this is very rare. Your care team will give you the support you need to care for your baby.
Postnatal depression can be difficult to cope with, but treatment can help manage your symptoms.
You may get treatment from your GP, a talking therapies service, or from a specialist community perinatal mental health team. Perinatal means the time you are pregnant and up to 12 months after giving birth.
Treatments for postnatal depression include:
Many antidepressants are safe to use while breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding and they will prescribe you a medicine that's suitable for you.
Postnatal depression usually gets better in 3 to 6 months, but it can sometimes last for much longer. It's more likely to get better with treatment.
Coping with postnatal depression while looking after a baby can be very hard work. But there are things you can do to support your mental health.
try talking about your feelings to a friend, family member, health professional or counsellor – you could also contact Samaritans by calling 116 123 if you need someone to talk to
ask for help with practical things like shopping, chores and childcare
try to get regular exercise, even if it's just a short daily walk
try going to a local support group or parent and baby group
try to get as much sleep and rest as you can
make time to do things you enjoy, however small
do not use illegal drugs or alcohol to manage your symptoms
If you have postnatal depression you can get support from your GP, health visitor or midwife. They'll also be able to give you information about local support services you may find helpful.
There are also local and national charities that can offer information and support.
Mind provide information about postnatal depression, including sources of support and how to help someone else.
PANDAS offer support to families affected by postnatal depression, including online and in-person support groups, a text line and a callback service.
It's not known what exactly causes postnatal depression. The stress of taking care of a new baby, lack of sleep, and hormonal changes in pregnancy may all be involved.
Things that can increase your risk of having postnatal depression include:
Content last reviewed by the NHS: 18 March 2029
Content last collected from the NHS: 07 August 2026
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