Baby Blues or Postnatal Depression? How to Tell the Difference

The baby blues usually begin around days 3 to 5 after birth and pass within about two weeks. They bring tearfulness, mood swings and feeling overwhelmed, but there are still moments of feeling like yourself. Postnatal depression and anxiety last longer than two weeks, feel more intense, and make it hard to cope or enjoy anything. If low mood, worry or frightening thoughts persist, talk to your GP or call PANDA on 1300 726 306. If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, call 000 now.

You can love your baby deeply and still feel low, anxious or not like yourself. Around one in five mothers and one in ten fathers in Australia experience perinatal depression or anxiety. It is common, it is treatable, and it is never a sign that you are a bad parent.

What are the baby blues?

Up to 80% of new mothers experience the baby blues. They are linked to the sudden drop in hormones after birth, combined with exhaustion, physical recovery and the enormity of becoming a parent.

• Starts around days 3 to 5
• Crying for no clear reason, irritability or feeling fragile
• Mood that comes and goes, with good moments in between
• Usually eases within 10 to 14 days with rest, food and support

Signs it may be postnatal depression

• Low mood, emptiness or hopelessness most of the day for two weeks or more
• Losing interest or pleasure in things, including your baby
• Feeling worthless, guilty or like a failure
• Being unable to sleep even when your baby sleeps, or wanting to sleep all the time
• Withdrawing from your partner, family and friends
• Thoughts that your family would be better off without you

Signs it may be postnatal anxiety

Anxiety is just as common as depression after birth and is often missed.

• Constant worry, racing thoughts or feeling on edge
• Repeatedly checking on your baby or fearing something terrible will happen
• Physical symptoms such as a racing heart, tight chest, nausea or panic attacks
• Unwanted, intrusive thoughts or images of harm coming to your baby

Intrusive thoughts can be very frightening. Many parents have them, and they are usually a sign of anxiety, not a wish to act. Telling a health professional is safe and is the first step to feeling better.

Who is more at risk?

Anyone can be affected. Risk is higher with a previous history of depression or anxiety, a difficult or traumatic birth, a baby in special care, little support, relationship stress, financial pressure or a baby who is unsettled. Partners can experience it too.

What helps

• Tell someone. Your GP, midwife or Maternal Health Nurse can check how you are feeling and talk through options.
• Treatment works. Options include counselling, a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan with Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions, parent and baby programs and, where appropriate, medication that is compatible with breastfeeding.
• Protect your rest. Share night care where you can so you get a longer block of sleep.
• Accept practical help. Meals, washing and someone holding the baby while you shower all matter.
• Gentle movement and daylight can help lift mood alongside other support.

Australian support services

• PANDA National Helpline: 1300 726 306 (perinatal anxiety and depression)
• Gidget Foundation Australia: free perinatal psychology, including telehealth
• Pregnancy, Birth and Baby: 1800 882 436
• Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24 hours)
• Emergency: 000

If you are worried about someone you love

Gently ask how they are really feeling, listen without judgement and offer to help them book an appointment. Practical support and reassurance that they are not alone can make a meaningful difference.

Asking for help is an act of care for you and your baby. You deserve to feel well, and with the right support, most parents recover fully.

This article is general information and does not replace individual advice from your GP, midwife, Maternal Health Nurse or mental health professional.