Postnatal depression and anxiety

The arrival of a baby is enormous — physically, emotionally, and in every routine of your life — so it’s no wonder the early weeks can be a rollercoaster. Most new parents feel weepy and up-and-down in the first week or so (the “baby blues”), which usually passes on its own. But when low mood or anxiety digs in and stays, it can be postnatal depression or anxiety — and that deserves support, not silence.

Postnatal depression and anxiety are common, affecting around 1 in 5 mothers and 1 in 10 fathers and partners in Australia. They can come on gradually or suddenly, anytime in the first year — not just straight after birth. They are not a reflection of how much you love your baby, and they are not your fault.

Signs to take seriously if they last beyond two weeks: persistent sadness, anxiety or irritability; constant worry about the baby, or feeling unable to care for them; trouble sleeping even when the baby sleeps; feeling disconnected from your baby, or numb; loss of appetite or interest; a sense of hopelessness or guilt; or panic and racing thoughts.

It is very treatable. The first step is telling someone you trust — your partner, GP, midwife or child health nurse — and your child health nurse will often check in on your wellbeing at routine visits. Help can include talking therapies, support groups, practical help at home, and, where needed, safe treatment your doctor will talk through (including options compatible with breastfeeding).

While you get support, be ruthless about the basics: accept every offer of help, sleep whenever you can, eat and hydrate, get outside, and let the housework slide. Isolation makes everything heavier, so stay connected even when you don’t feel like it.

A few extra things are worth knowing. This isn’t only a mothers’ issue — partners and dads can develop postnatal depression or anxiety too, so keep an eye on each other. The “baby blues” differ from PND by timing and depth: the blues arrive in the first few days and lift within a week or two, while PND settles in and stays. Many people with postnatal anxiety also get intrusive thoughts — sudden, distressing images of something bad happening to the baby. They’re horrible, but they’re a common symptom of anxiety and don’t mean you would ever act on them; naming them to a professional brings real relief. Very rarely, a new mother develops postpartum psychosis — confusion, not sleeping at all, strange beliefs, or seeing or hearing things — which is a medical emergency: call 000 or go to hospital straight away.

Please don’t suffer in silence — this is one of the most common complications of having a baby, and recovery is the norm with help. PANDA’s National Helpline (1300 726 306) and Beyond Blue are there for you. If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, get help immediately: Lifeline 13 11 14, or 000 in an emergency. Asking for help is strength.