How Are You Feeling?
A gentle check-in to help you reflect on your mood after birth and choose a safe next step.
You're not alone
Emotional changes after birth are common, and support is available. You do not have to wait until things feel unbearable before asking for help.
Urgent help
For urgent mental health help, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. If you or your baby may be in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E.
Your check-in
This is not a diagnosis or a validated screening test. It cannot rule out postnatal depression or another condition.
Please get urgent help now
These symptoms need urgent professional assessment. Call NHS 111 and select the mental health option, or contact your GP for an urgent same-day assessment. If you cannot keep yourself or your baby safe, call 999 or go to A&E.
You can also call Samaritans on 116 123 for free listening support.
Baby blues and postnatal depression
Baby blues
Often begins in the first few days after birth and may include tearfulness, irritability, anxiety or feeling overwhelmed. It usually settles within 2 weeks.
Postnatal depression
Can start during pregnancy, soon after birth or at any time in the first year. Signs can include persistent low mood, loss of enjoyment, hopelessness, anxiety, sleep difficulty, trouble bonding or thoughts of harm.
NHS information and support
Medical wording and urgent-help routes checked against current NHS guidance.