Having a baby can bring joy, stress, exhaustion and many emotions at once. For some families, the postpartum period can also bring serious mental health symptoms that need care.

Postpartum depression, also called postnatal depression, is a diagnosable mood disorder that commonly develops in the first few weeks following childbirth, but can occur up to one year afterward. It’s more intense and longer lasting than the “baby blues,” which are short-term mood changes many people experience after birth. Postpartum depression affects approximately 1 in 8 women in the U.S.

Postnatal psychosis, often called postpartum psychosis, is different. It’s rare, affecting 1 to 2 out of every 1,000 women. It’s serious and considered a psychiatric emergency. It can affect a person’s sense of reality and may become unsafe quickly.

Here are a few facts about postnatal depression and psychosis that are important to be aware of:

• Postnatal depression and psychosis aren’t the same.

While they can both occur following childbirth, postpartum psychosis is rarer and usually more urgent because it can involve a loss of touch with reality and rapidly changing safety concerns. Postpartum depression can also be serious and deserves prompt support. 

Postnatal depression can involve symptoms like:

• Deep sadness
• Numbness
• Guilt
• Low energy
• Sleep changes 
• Trouble bonding with the baby

Some people may also have anxiety or thoughts that they aren’t a “good enough” parent.

Postnatal psychosis may include symptoms such as:

• Hallucinations — Seeing or hearing things others do not
• Delusions — Strong beliefs that are not based in reality
• Severe confusion — Trouble thinking clearly or making safe decisions
• Extreme mood or energy changes — Feeling unusually energized, agitated or unable to sleep
• Paranoia — Feeling intensely suspicious or afraid without clear reason

These symptoms are signs that professional support is needed to keep the parent and their baby as safe as possible.

• Postnatal psychosis needs emergency help.

Postnatal psychosis is a medical emergency that should be taken seriously. If your loved one seems disconnected from reality, is talking about harming themselves or the baby, or may not be able to stay safe, seek help right away. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also call or text 988, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for immediate support.

Don’t leave the person alone with the baby if safety feels uncertain. Stay calm, reduce stimulation and focus on getting emergency care.

• Families are often the first to notice changes.

A new parent may not recognize how much their mood, thoughts or behavior have changed. Sleep loss, shame or fear of judgment can make it harder to speak up.

Family members may notice changes like:

• Pulling away from loved ones
• Not sleeping even when the baby sleeps
• Seeming unusually energized or agitated
• Expressing frightening beliefs
• Saying the baby is unsafe, evil or not real
• Talking about not wanting to live
• Acting confused, suspicious or unlike themselves

These signs don’t mean you should diagnose your loved one. They do mean it may be time to seek a clinical evaluation.

• Postnatal depression can also become serious.

Not every person with postnatal depression has psychosis. Many people experience depression without losing touch with reality.

Still, postnatal depression deserves support. Symptoms may affect sleep, appetite, relationships, daily functioning and bonding with the baby. Some people may also have thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

If symptoms persist, intensify or affect safety, it may be helpful to contact a licensed mental health professional, OB-GYN or primary care provider.

• Risk can be higher for some people.

Postnatal depression and psychosis can affect people from many backgrounds. They aren’t caused by weakness or lack of love for the baby.

Risk may be higher for people with:

• A personal or family history of bipolar disorder
• A history of postpartum psychosis
• Previous depression or anxiety
• Severe sleep loss
• Limited support
• Major stress during pregnancy or after birth
• A traumatic birth experience

A person can still experience symptoms without these risk factors. Families should focus less on blame and more on fast, compassionate support.

• Treatment may include several types of care.

Treatment depends on symptoms, safety needs and diagnosis. Postnatal psychosis often requires emergency psychiatric care and may include hospitalization. This can help protect the parent and baby while symptoms are assessed and treated.

Postnatal depression may be treated with psychotherapy, medication, support groups or a higher level of care when symptoms are more disruptive. A treatment plan may also include sleep support, family involvement and coordination with medical providers.

Lightfully can support adults with depression and related mental health concerns. We offer multiple levels of care for adults experiencing postpartum depression, including our Virtual Partial Hospitalization Program. It may be the right option if your symptoms need more support than weekly therapy but don’t require overnight supervision.

If your family is facing possible postpartum psychosis or immediate safety concerns, start with emergency care first. After immediate safety is addressed, Lightfully may help adults who need structured, compassionate mental health treatment. 

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.

FAQs about postnatal depression and psychosis

• Can postnatal depression turn into psychosis? 

Postnatal depression and postnatal psychosis are different conditions. Some people with severe mood symptoms may also develop psychotic symptoms, but this is not something families should try to diagnose alone. If someone seems disconnected from reality, seek emergency help.

• What should I do if my loved one says frightening things about the baby? 

Stay calm and take the concern seriously. If there is any risk of harm, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Do not leave the person alone with the baby until a professional has assessed safety.

• Is it normal to feel emotional after having a baby? 

Some mood changes, tearfulness and stress can happen after birth. These experiences are often called the baby blues. If symptoms are severe, last longer than a couple of weeks or interfere with daily life, it may be time to seek support.

• Can lack of sleep make postnatal mental health symptoms worse? 

Sleep loss can be linked to worsening mood, anxiety and thinking clearly. It is not the only factor, but it can be important. Families can help by protecting sleep, sharing baby care and encouraging professional support.

• How can family members support someone with postnatal depression? 

Offer practical help, listen without judgment and encourage professional care. You can help with meals, baby care, appointments and rest. If safety concerns are present, seek urgent help right away. 

• How do I know if I need treatment for depression? 

You may benefit from treatment if persistent sadness, numbness, loss of interest, low energy, sleep or appetite changes and trouble functioning are making it hard to feel like yourself or move through your day. Lightfully looks beyond a diagnosis to understand the thoughts, emotions, behaviors and relationships that may be keeping symptoms going. 

• What does depression treatment usually focus on? 

Treatment often focuses on reducing depression symptoms, building practical coping skills and understanding the patterns underneath your distress. At Lightfully, your treatment plan is personalized through our Precision Care Model so care can meet your unique needs. 

• What level of care might help with depression? 

The right level of care depends on your symptoms, safety needs, schedule and how much support you need right now. Lightfully offers multiple levels of care for adults, including Residential Treatment, Partial Hospitalization Program, Intensive Outpatient Program and Virtual Services. 

• How do I know if I need treatment for psychosis? 

You may benefit from treatment if mood symptoms along with experiences like hallucinations, delusions or disorganized thinking are making it hard to feel like yourself or move through your day. Lightfully looks beyond a diagnosis to understand the thoughts, emotions, behaviors and relationships that may be keeping symptoms going. 

• What level of care might help with psychosis? 

The right level of care depends on your symptoms, safety needs, schedule and how much support you need right now. Lightfully offers multiple levels of care for adults, including Residential Treatment, Partial Hospitalization Program, Intensive Outpatient Program and Virtual Services.