How can I get help/support for postpartum depression?

Note: NAMI volunteers are not medical or mental health professionals, and we cannot offer medical or mental health advice.  The material outlined below is informational and we hope that it helps provide guidance toward getting support. 

You may wish to start by reviewing NAMI’s Maternal & New Parent Mental Health webpage, where you will find practical strategies for managing mental health conditions before, during, and after pregnancy, information about mental health treatments available throughout the perinatal period, and tips and resources to nurture your mental health as a birthing or non-birthing parent. You may also wish to consult the Depression page of NAMI’s website where you will find information on the condition, current treatments, and ways to support recovery. 

The following postpartum depression-specific resources may also be of help: 

  • Depression in Women this National Institute of Mental Health webpage offers information about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of depression in women. 
  • Moms’ Mental Health Matters this initiative by the National Child and Maternal Health Education Program is designed to educate consumers and health care providers about who is at risk for depression and anxiety during and after pregnancy, the signs of these problems, and how to get help. 
  • The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides 24/7, free, confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy. The Hotline offers real-time support, information, and resources including referrals to local and telehealth providers and support groups. The hotline provides services in English and Spanish and offers interpreter services in 60 languages. Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). TTY users can use a preferred relay service or dial 711 and then 1-833-852-6262.   
  • Postpartum Progress is an online blog supporting the international postpartum community by providing information, resources, stories of shared experience and an in-person support group finder. The website also offers a “New Mom” Postpartum Depression Checklist in both English and Spanish. 
  • Postpartum Support International provides information and resources for postpartum parents, including loss of a child and other related struggles; also includes an online weekly chat. To reach their non-crisis HelpLine, please call (800) 944-4773.  
  • The American Psychological Association offers a fact sheet that discusses the symptoms, associated factors, prevention, and treatment for postpartum depression. 
  • PostpartumMen is a place for men with concerns about depression, anxiety, or other problems with mood after the birth of a child. The website provides information, screening tools, resources and an online forum to connect for support. 
  • Video to Raise Awareness About Postpartum Depressionthis video is part of the Mental Health Across the Lifespan Initiative created by the National Institute of Mental Health, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 

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