Postnatal depression affects roughly 1 in 10 women within a year of giving birth. Postnatal anxiety is at least as common but far less recognised, because a certain amount of worry seems entirely reasonable when you have a tiny human to keep alive.
Signs of postnatal depression
Persistent low mood. Finding it hard to enjoy anything. Feeling hopeless or unable to cope. Guilt or feeling like a bad parent. Difficulty sleeping even when you have the chance. Difficulty bonding with your baby. PND can begin at any point in the first year, not just the first few weeks.
Signs of postnatal anxiety
What distinguishes clinical anxiety from normal worry is the degree to which it takes over. Constant worry about the baby's health. Checking on them repeatedly. Being unable to relax. Feeling that something terrible is about to happen. Avoiding situations because the anxiety is overwhelming.
Intrusive thoughts
Many new parents experience sudden, unwanted thoughts about harm coming to their baby. These thoughts do not mean you are dangerous - they are a misfiring of the brain's threat-detection system. If persistent and distressing, this may be perinatal OCD, which is recognised and treatable.
The fear that stops people asking for help
The NHS directly addresses the worry many parents have: that their baby will be taken away if they admit they are struggling. This is extremely rare. The purpose of treatment is to support you in caring for your baby, not to remove your child.
Treatment works
Talking therapy (especially CBT) and antidepressants are both effective. Many antidepressants are safe while breastfeeding. You can self-refer to NHS talking therapies without a GP referral. PND usually improves within three to six months with treatment.
It affects dads and partners too
This is not a footnote. Partners can experience postnatal depression and anxiety. If you are struggling, the same help is available to you.