If you or someone you know may be experiencing postpartum psychosis or any mental health crisis, please seek help immediately. No matter where you are in the world, you can use Find A Helpline for free support anywhere, anytime.
If you are in the United States or Canada, these are a few helplines you can use:
If you are in the UK, these are a few helplines you can use:
For partners or family members - with help, your loved one is going to be okay. This is a highly treatable condition. After seeking emergency services, consider advocating for perinatal psychiatric units if they are in your area.
The Postpartum Psychosis Fact Sheet from the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance contains a great overview of facts, symptoms, and resources for postpartum psychosis. The PDF was published in 2022 and spotlights how a woman is 23 times more likely to experience psychosis in the month after childbirth than at any other point in her life, and how half of those who experience postpartum psychosis have no history of mental illness. It outlines core symptoms of postpartum psychosis including:
Postpartum Support International (PSI) has robust resources for families navigating mental health struggles. They are a US-based non profit with global membership. They have many resources, support groups, and a peer mentor program. Their postpartum psychosis page has additional psychosis related information and resources as well.
Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP) is a UK-based charity that supports families impacted by postpartum psychosis. They have great programming and events in the UK, as well as resources to educate families impacted by postpartum psychosis.
If you'd like to learn from and connect with other survivors, consider a PSI support group, PSI Peer Mentor program, the Postpartum Psychosis Forum on Facebook, or watching this Video Journal of Survivor Stories. Also tune in to this podcast and consider joining our Patreon for access to our Discord channel.
For providers treating patients with psychosis, consider utilizing the MGHP3 Consultation for Providers to understand current research and treatment protocols. Survivors or their families can also point their providers to this resource, as well as this Discussion Guide Resource from PSI to track symptoms and facilitate patient and provider conversations.
Contribute to ongoing research! Massachusetts General Hospital is a hospital affiliated with Harvard that is actively publishing and conducting research on postpartum psychosis. They have ongoing needs for survivor participants - learn more and become a research participant with MGHP3.
National Centre for Mental Health (NCMH) is a hub for research on mental illness, including postpartum psychosis, in the UK. Join as a participant to contribute to improved understanding about risk factors, causes, and treatment best practices.
If you've experienced postpartum psychosis, you may have a solid appreciation for the power of sleep! If you find yourself wanting to improve your sleep, consider these strategies:
If you aren't already, discuss sleep struggles with your healthcare provider. They'll be able to do bloodwork and other tests to determine if supplements or medication could help. For more information on ways to improve your sleep, the Huberman Lab has some great resources on sleep.
Remember - we all need breaks. Make room for mom breaks that fill your cup. ♡
Mind the Gap is a US-based fund to drive research and increase awareness and access to prevent, educate, screen, diagnose, and treat perinatal mental health disorders for pregnant and postpartum women and their families. Consider making a donation to Mind the Gap!
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Too often, postpartum psychosis only appears in headlines with the rarest and most tragic outcomes. In reality, most survivors do not harm themselves or their babies, and the illness is highly treatable. View our list of media that goes beyond the infamous cases, sharing honest, varied experiences of postpartum psychosis. By amplifying these stories, we can reduce stigma and show the many paths to healing.
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Fact Sheet - Resource from PSI to understand the various mental health disorders that can surface in the perinatal era (pregnancy and postpartum).
Postpartum Depression versus Anxiety - Article from MGHP3 about the overlap and distinction of depression and anxiety in the perinatal period.
Perinatal OCD Fact Sheet - Overview of perinatal OCD.
Understanding Bipolar Disorder - Site that aims to educate on bipolar symptoms and treatment.
Fourth Trimester Fact Sheet - PDF with resources on navigating care and resources for transitioning from pregnancy to postpartum life.
Paternal Mental Health - PDF with information and support for partners with mental health struggles after the arrival of a new family member.