Baby blues or postpartum depression?
In the first days after birth, many mothers feel weepy, anxious and up and down. These "baby blues" usually ease within about two weeks. Postpartum depression (also called postnatal depression) is different: it lasts longer, feels heavier and gets in the way of looking after yourself and your baby. It can begin during pregnancy or at any point in the first year after birth.
Signs to take seriously, if they last more than two weeks:
- feeling sad, empty, numb or tearful most of the day;
- not feeling connected to your baby, or feeling like you're just going through the motions;
- constant worry or panic, often about the baby's health or safety;
- frightening, unwanted thoughts of harm coming to the baby, which you don't want to act on;
- feeling like a bad mother, guilty or a failure;
- being unable to sleep even when the baby sleeps, or sleeping all the time;
- irritability or anger, and withdrawing from family and friends;
- thoughts that your family would be better off without you.
Fathers and partners can develop depression after a baby too, especially if the mother is unwell. They deserve support as well.
A medical emergency: postpartum psychosis
Rarely, a new mother develops postpartum psychosis, usually in the first weeks after birth. Signs include confusion, not sleeping at all, seeing or hearing things others don't, strange or fixed beliefs, extreme restlessness or rapid mood swings. This is an emergency. Call 112 or go to the nearest hospital emergency now, and don't leave her alone with the baby until she's been seen.
How postpartum depression treatment works
Counselling and therapy
Talking therapy is often the first step for mild to moderate postpartum depression. Common approaches include:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): working with harsh thoughts like "I'm failing my baby" and building small, realistic routines.
- Interpersonal therapy: focusing on the big changes in roles and relationships that come with a baby, including with your partner and in-laws.
- Supportive counselling: a regular, non-judging space to talk, which many new mothers don't get anywhere else.
If intrusive thoughts about harm are a big part of what you're experiencing, a therapist familiar with OCD-type thoughts can help. Having these thoughts does not mean you will act on them.
Medicines and breastfeeding
For moderate to severe depression, a psychiatrist may suggest medicine. Some medicines are considered suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and your psychiatrist can weigh the benefits and risks with you and your gynaecologist. Please don't avoid getting help because you're worried about breastfeeding; ask. Never start, stop or change medicine without your doctor.
Postpartum depression counselling online
Getting to a clinic with a newborn is hard. Online sessions let you join from home, with the baby nearby, at a time that fits around feeds and naps. You can use audio if you're feeding or the room isn't tidy, and nobody minds if the baby cries. Online care is not enough for postpartum psychosis or if you're at risk of harming yourself; those need urgent, in-person help.
The role of partners and family
In many Indian homes, new mothers are surrounded by family, yet still feel alone. Comments like "you should be happy now" or comparisons with how others managed can deepen guilt. Partners and family can help by:
- taking over some night feeds or settling, so she gets a block of unbroken sleep;
- listening without dismissing, and saying "this isn't your fault";
- handling visitors, and limiting advice that feels like criticism;
- helping her book and attend appointments, and caring for the baby during sessions;
- watching for warning signs and acting quickly if they appear.
This guide on supporting someone you care about may help family members too.
Your first session
You'll be asked how you've been feeling since the birth (or during pregnancy), how you're sleeping and eating, how feeding is going, what support you have at home, and whether you've had thoughts of harming yourself or the baby. These questions are routine and are asked so you can get the right help, not to judge you or take your baby away. It's fine to have the baby with you, to pause for a feed, or to keep your camera off. If you're on medicines for anything else, have the names ready, and mention whether you're breastfeeding.
Postpartum depression in Hindi
Each provider on Mindara lists the languages they work in; the box above shows which are available right now. अगर बच्चे के जन्म के बाद दो हफ़्ते से ज़्यादा समय तक उदासी, घबराहट या बच्चे से जुड़ाव महसूस न होने जैसी भावनाएँ बनी रहें, तो इन्हें नज़रअंदाज़ मत कीजिए। यह आपकी गलती नहीं है और इसका इलाज संभव है। आप घर से ही हिंदी में काउंसलर से बात कर सकती हैं।
Choosing a provider, and what it costs
- Look for experience with pregnancy and new parents in the profile.
- For medicine questions, choose a psychiatrist; for talking therapy, a psychologist or counsellor. Many women see both.
- Many new mothers prefer a woman provider, and profiles show who you'll be speaking with.
- Check the Credentials section for registration.
- Each provider sets their own fee, shown on their card; the live range is in the box above. See the therapy cost guide for typical fees in India.
- Some providers offer a free first session of 15 or 30 minutes.
- Free support: Tele-MANAS on 14416 or 1-800-891-4416, 24×7. Your gynaecologist or the hospital where you delivered can also refer you.
Depression can also appear at other times of life; see our main depression counselling page.
When to get urgent help
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby that feel like plans, if you can't keep yourself or the baby safe, or if there are signs of postpartum psychosis. Tele-MANAS on 14416 is free and answers at any hour.
