Postpartum mental health
Research shows a strain on new parent wellbeing
Postpartum mental health
Due to an increase in Google searches for postpartum mental health during the pandemic, Glenys Jackson, Bupa's Clinical Lead for Mental Health, shares her advice to new parents.
Becoming a parent is life-changing, and you experience every emotion – the highs, lows, and everything in-between.
New parents during the COVID pandemic may experience a lack of support, isolation, and worries about their baby’s health. All of these contribute to poor mental health in new parents.
An analysis into new parents’ searching habits by Bupa UK Insurance found a sharp rise in searches for postpartum mental health conditions over a 12-month period:
350%
more searches over a 12-month period for ‘have I got postnatal depression’.
143%
more searches over a 12-month period for ‘intrusive thoughts postpartum’.
100%
more searches for ‘signs of postpartum anxiety’ in 2021.
52%
more searches for ‘postpartum psychosis symptoms’ in 2021.
Source: data provided by Google from December 2020 to November 2021. Based on an internal Bupa analysis of Google search data.
Glenys Jackson – Bupa’s Mental Health Lead – shares her thoughts on why there has been a surge in new parents turning to Google during the last few months:
“It’s no surprise that more parents have turned to Google to find support for their concerns and worries. New mums and dads may be at a greater risk of experiencing changes to their wellbeing, especially having experienced uncertainty and the isolation of lockdown.
“If you’ve recently become a parent or are due to give birth soon, you may be feeling isolated, lonely, or anxious. These feelings, emotions and thoughts are completely understandable, as the pandemic has placed a greater strain on new mums and dads.
“Without the right support at the right time, your wellbeing can be affected during pregnancy, especially within the first six weeks after the birth of your baby. So it’s crucial to raise awareness of where new parents can find the right support for their worries.”
Postpartum mental health: Warning signs to watch out for
It’s very common to feel overwhelmed, tearful and low for a few days after your baby is born, which is known as the ‘baby blues’. These feelings are often over within two weeks. However, postpartum mental health conditions, after you’ve had your new arrival, are more serious than these early feelings – and both mums and dads can be affected. Warning signs of postpartum mental health problems include:
- a persistent low mood.
- feeling tired (as do all new parents), but completely lacking in energy.
- losing your appetite or comfort-eating.
- problems concentrating.
- not wanting to see your friends and family.
- problems sleeping (again, like all new parents), but you may lie awake worrying or wake early.
It’s common for people to dismiss their feelings or hide them through fear of being judged and labelled a bad parent by others. However, it’s important to recognise these feelings and understand there is always support available.
Rise in postpartum mental health conditions
48%
more searches for 'postpartum depression symptoms' in 2021.
24%
more searches for ‘postnatal depression in dads’ in 2021.
30%
more searches for ‘postpartum anxiety’ in 2021.
21%
more searches for ‘postnatal OCD’ in 2021.
Postpartum mental health conditions
Postpartum anxiety
It’s natural to worry after the birth of your little one, but sometimes it’s something more. If you’re experiencing intense feelings of worry, dread, or racing thoughts, you may have postpartum anxiety.
Postpartum anxiety may increase as a response to real stressors – whether it’s the health of the new baby, finances, or balancing a new dynamic in the relationship with your partner.
Postpartum depression
At a time when everyone expects you to be feeling happy, you may be feeling very low. You may find it hard or even impossible to get into a routine or cope with your new baby, as well as feel detached and unable to bond with them. All of these are warning signs of postpartum depression.
Postpartum OCD
Symptoms of postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder include intrusive thoughts (upsetting, frightening and repetitive thoughts related to your new baby), fear of being left alone and compulsions such as cleaning constantly.
Postnatal psychosis
Postpartum psychosis is a serious but rare mental health problem which develops after you give birth. It can be both overwhelming and frightening, so it’s important to find the right support.
When experiencing postpartum psychosis, you may have rapid mood changes, feel disorientated, and unable to sleep. You might also experience delusions or hallucinations.
Postnatal PTSD
You may experience postnatal PTSD after a difficult or traumatic labour, which can have a negative effect on both your mental health and relationship with your new baby. You may suffer from flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, and intense distress. Your experiences may also make you feel anxious about having another baby in future.
Postpartum health: How to support your partner
The postpartum period after birth affects the whole family, so it’s important to understand how to support your partner during this difficult time.
- Take the time to reassure your partner that it isn’t their fault if they’re experiencing mental health conditions, and they’re not alone.
- Listen without judgement and encourage your partner to open-up at their own pace.
- Help them reach out to others for support and treatment, whether this is through friends who have had children, family, or their doctor.
- Offer practical support, such as doing the housework and making meals for the both of you.
It’s common for people to dismiss their feelings or hide them through fear of being judged and labelled a bad parent by others . However, it’s important to recognise these feelings and understand there is always support available.
Support when you need it
There’s always help available
The most important thing to remember is there is always help available, whether it’s through your friends and family, your doctor, or specialist mental health support.
New parent mental health support
New parent mental health support as part of Bupa health insurance.
Mental health support for new parents from Bupa’s experts
