With all that happens in birth and the immediate postpartum period, increased emotions are natural. “Baby blues” is the term for a mild change in your emotional state in the first couple of weeks postpartum. Mood swings, irritability, feeling overwhelmed, and tearfulness may last up to two weeks. If symptoms are intense, prevent caring for yourself or children, or last longer than two weeks, it is important to seek support. This can be in the form of talk therapy, support groups, or psychiatric help.
If you or someone you know experiences the following symptoms, contact a mental health professional:
- Depressed mood
- Severe mood swings
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Inability to sleep
- Overwhelming tiredness
- Lack of enjoyment
- Hopelessness and worthlessness
- High anxiety and panic attacks
Seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you know experiences these symptoms:
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Paranoia
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
- Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
In an emergency:
Call 911
National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for any type of crisis
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: Call or text 988
Postpartum Support International:
For a trained and caring volunteer to listen, answer questions, and connect you with local resources leave a confidential message at any time and you will be contacted:
Call (English & Spanish) 1-800-944-4773 (4PPD)
Text in English: 800-944-4773
Text en Español: 971-203-7773
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
For a 24/7, free, and confidential hotline for pregnant and new moms: 1-833-852-6262
Interpreter services available in 60 languages
More information can be found at:
Hotlines and Support Groups: https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/
Postpartum mental health: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20376617.