15/11/2025
🌼 Struggling after having a baby? You’re not alone - help is available
Postnatal depression is a type of depression that can affect parents any time in the first year after birth. It affects more than 1 in 10 women - and it can also affect fathers and partners.
It’s more than “baby blues”. While sadness, tearfulness or anxiety in the first week is common, symptoms that last longer than two weeks may be a sign of postnatal depression. These can include low mood, loss of interest in daily life, exhaustion, difficulty bonding with your baby, withdrawing from others, or frightening thoughts.
If this sounds familiar, please reach out. Postnatal depression is treatable, and with the right support, most people make a full recovery.
✅ Speak to your GP, midwife or health visitor
They can listen, support you, and discuss treatment options such as talking therapy, self-help strategies or medication that’s safe in breastfeeding.
✅ Useful support organisations
• APNI (Association for Post Natal Illness) – 020 7386 0868
• PANDAS (Pre and Postnatal Depression Advice & Support) – 0808 196 1776
• NCT Parent Support Line – 0300 330 0700
• Mind Infoline – 0300 123 3393
✅ Remember:
• Postnatal depression can affect anyone
• It’s not your fault
• It does not mean you’re a bad parent
• Your baby will not be taken away for seeking help
• You deserve support just as much as your baby does