Parent mental health

18 guides · Mental health

Looking after a baby is a lot, and your mind matters as much as your body. These guides cover the baby blues, postnatal depression and anxiety, the difficult feelings no one warns you about, and the many ways to get support. You are not alone, and asking for help is a strength.

Guides in this section

• Anxiety in pregnancy: when worry feels like too much. Why pregnancy amplifies anxiety, what intrusive thoughts and scan anxiety actually look like, and what genuinely helps, includi...
• Baby blues: what they are and how they differ from postnatal depression. What the baby blues are, when they happen, how long they last, and how to tell them apart from postnatal depression.
• Mental health in pregnancy: anxiety, depression and getting help. Why mental health conditions are common in pregnancy, what the signs are and how to access NHS support.
• Mum guilt: why you feel it, why it lies, and what to do with it. Almost every parent carries mum guilt.
• Partner and paternal postnatal depression: what it looks like. How postnatal depression affects partners and fathers, what the signs are, and where to get support.
• Paternal postnatal depression: how it affects fathers and how to get help. Paternal postnatal depression affects around 1 in 10 new fathers.
• Postnatal anxiety: signs, symptoms and where to get help. Postnatal anxiety is common after birth.
• Postnatal depression support: resources and when to seek help. Postnatal depression affects around 1 in 5 new mothers and 1 in 10 fathers.
• Postnatal depression: recognising it and getting help. Postnatal depression affects about 1 in 10 new mothers and many fathers too.
• Postnatal depression: recognising the signs and finding support. Learn to recognise the signs of postnatal depression, how it differs from baby blues, and where to find help including the Edin...
• Postnatal depression: recognising the signs and finding support. Postnatal depression affects around 1 in 10 new mothers and is fully treatable.
• Postnatal depression: recognising the signs and finding support. Postnatal depression affects around 1 in 7 mothers.
• Postnatal depression: screening, symptoms and getting support. Everything parents need to know about postnatal depression, including the Edinburgh Scale, the 6-week screening appointment, tr...
• Postnatal depression: signs, symptoms and where to get help. Recognising postnatal depression, understanding the difference from baby blues, and knowing where to get help.
• Postpartum rage. Postpartum rage, intense anger and irritability after birth, is common and often a sign of postnatal depression.
• Self-care for new parents: why it matters and simple steps. Why looking after yourself matters when you have a new baby, and practical NHS-grounded steps that fit into a sleep-deprived life.
• Separation anxiety in babies. Separation anxiety in babies typically peaks between 8 and 14 months.
• Separation anxiety in babies: when it starts and what helps. Separation anxiety is normal and common in babies from around 6 months.

Common questions

What is the difference between the baby blues and postnatal depression?

The baby blues are common in the first two weeks, with tearfulness and mood swings that pass on their own. If low mood, anxiety or hopelessness lasts beyond two weeks or feels overwhelming, it may be postnatal depression, which is treatable with the right support.

Is it normal to feel anxious or angry as a new parent?

Yes. Anxiety, intrusive thoughts and even rage are common and do not make you a bad parent. If these feelings are frequent, frightening or getting in the way of daily life, talk to your GP or health visitor.

When should I reach out for help?

Reach out any time you are struggling, you do not need to wait for a crisis. Speak to your GP, health visitor or a helpline if low mood, anxiety or scary thoughts persist, and seek urgent help if you ever feel unsafe.

Can dads and partners get postnatal depression too?

Yes. Partners can experience depression and anxiety after a baby arrives. The same support helps, and getting it early is good for the whole family.