Postpartum Psychosis: What Every Mother and Support Person Should Know

When we talk about postpartum mental health, conversations often center around the baby blues or postpartum depression.

But there is another condition that deserves more awareness: postpartum psychosis.

It is rare, but it is serious. And because it can develop quickly, knowing what to look for can be incredibly important.

What is postpartum psychosis?

Postpartum psychosis is a serious mental health emergency that can occur after childbirth. Psychosis can also occur during pregnancy or following pregnancy loss, which is why it is important to think about this as part of perinatal mental health, not only postpartum health.

Postpartum psychosis most commonly develops within the first two weeks after birth, although it can occur later.

It affects approximately 1–2 people for every 1,000 births.

Although it is rare, it should always be taken seriously.

Why awareness matters

One of the challenges with postpartum psychosis is that the person experiencing it may not recognize that something is wrong.

Their thoughts, behavior, perception, or understanding of reality may change significantly. Because of this, a partner, family member, friend, or another trusted person may notice something is wrong before the mother does.

That is why education matters.

We should not assume that someone will simply “ask for help” when they are experiencing a mental health crisis. Sometimes we have to recognize the signs and help them get there.

What should you do if you are concerned?

If you believe someone may be experiencing postpartum psychosis, take your concerns seriously.

You do not need to diagnose them.

You do not need to have the perfect words.

And you do not need to wait until you are completely certain about what is happening.

Instead:

  • Stay with the person when it is safe to do so.
  • Make sure they are not left alone if there is an immediate safety concern.
  • Involve a trusted family member, partner, friend, or support person.
  • Contact a healthcare professional or seek emergency care immediately.
  • If there is an immediate danger to the person or someone else, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

This is not a mother's fault.

This is something I want to emphasize because maternal mental health is often surrounded by shame and unrealistic expectations.

A person experiencing postpartum psychosis is not a bad mother.

They are not failing.

They are not choosing this.

And they should not be blamed for what they are experiencing.

They need compassion, safety, professional care, and people who are willing to stand beside them.

Treatment and recovery are possible.

Postpartum psychosis is treatable, and people can recover.

The most important thing is recognizing that it is an emergency and getting professional help as quickly as possible.

Asking for help does not mean you have failed.

Sometimes asking for help is one of the strongest forms of advocacy.

If you need support

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
📞 1-833-852-6262
1-833-TLC-MAMA

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
📞 Call or text 988

If there is an immediate danger to the person or someone else, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

A message from EmpowerHer Voices

At EmpowerHer Voices, we believe women and families deserve to feel heard, supported, and empowered throughout their reproductive and maternal health journeys.

We talk about difficult topics because silence does not protect us.

Awareness can.

Knowing what to look for can.

Having someone willing to listen can.

And having someone willing to advocate for you can make all the difference.

You don't have to know exactly what is happening to know that something isn't right.

Ask questions.
Trust your concerns.
Speak up.
Reach out.

Your voice matters. 

This content is intended for educational and awareness purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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