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You're not failing, you need and deserve support
Postnatal depression can affect parents during the first year after birth. It is different from the brief 'baby blues' and can involve persistent low mood, anxiety, and difficulty bonding. It is not a sign of being a bad parent; a GP, midwife, health visitor, or qualified mental-health professional can discuss support.
General information, not medical advice
This page is for general information and does not diagnose, treat, or replace advice from a GP or other qualified health professional. If symptoms are new, severe, worsening, or you are worried about your safety, seek appropriate medical or urgent support.
Signs and symptoms
You might be experiencing postnatal depression if you recognise any of the following:
- Persistent low mood or sadness that doesn't lift
- Feeling unable to bond or connect with your baby
- Fatigue far beyond ordinary new-parent tiredness
- Anxiety and intrusive thoughts about harming your baby (distressing, not intentions)
- Feelings of inadequacy, worthlessness, or failure as a parent
- Loss of interest in yourself or activities you used to enjoy
- Withdrawing from your partner, family, and friends
- Difficulty making decisions or concentrating
What causes postnatal depression?
Postnatal Depression is rarely caused by a single factor. Common contributing factors include:
- Dramatic hormonal changes after birth
- Sleep deprivation and the demands of caring for a newborn
- Personal or family history of depression or anxiety
- Difficult pregnancy, birth experience, or baby with health needs
- Lack of support from partner, family, or community
- Previous pregnancy loss or fertility struggles
How therapy can help
Talking therapy for postnatal depression provides a non-judgmental space to process the shock, loss of identity, and overwhelm of new parenthood alongside depressive symptoms, somewhere you don't have to perform coping the way you might with health visitors or family. It's adapted to the unique context of new parenthood, and builds practical coping strategies alongside emotional support.
Therapeutic approaches we use
Person-Centred Counselling
A warm, non-directive space to process the complex mix of emotions that can accompany new parenthood, including ambivalence, grief for your old life, and isolation.
CBT for PND
Addresses the depressive and anxious thinking patterns specific to new parenthood, perfectionism, catastrophising about the baby's wellbeing, harsh self-criticism.
Parent-Infant Therapy
Focuses on the relationship between parent and baby, supporting bonding where this has been affected by PND.
Mindfulness for New Parents
Adapted mindfulness practice for the realities of life with a baby, building self-compassion and present-moment awareness.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to do therapy online with a baby at home?
Yes, online therapy is particularly practical for new parents who can't easily get out. Sessions can be scheduled around feeds and naps. Many clients have their baby nearby.
What if I'm having intrusive thoughts about harming my baby?
Distressing intrusive thoughts can occur after a baby is born, but their meaning and risk cannot be assessed from a webpage. Tell a GP, health visitor, therapist, or perinatal mental-health professional promptly. If you think you may act on a thought or anyone is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E.
Can fathers get postnatal depression?
Partners and fathers can also experience depression after a baby is born. A GP or qualified professional can discuss suitable support.
Should I tell my health visitor or GP?
Yes, your healthcare team can offer additional support and monitoring. Therapy works best as part of joined-up perinatal care.
Content information and sources
Editorial status: Content checked against UK clinical guidance and NHS information. Reviewed . This is an editorial check; no named clinician is represented as having reviewed this page.
Authoritative UK sources relevant to this topic:
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