When to get help:
If you (or someone you know) has recently given birth and shows sudden changes in thinking, behavior, or perception, especially involving confusion, hallucinations, or fear about the baby, seek urgent medical help immediately (emergency services or a doctor).
“Get Help Immediately”
If you think your friend may be in danger, stay with them if possible. Do not leave a suicidal person alone.
Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or other supportive adults even if your friend asks you not to tell anyone. The situation is too serious to handle alone, and keeping them safe is the priority.
If your friend is already seeing a mental health professional (such as a therapist, counselor, psychologist, social worker, or psychiatrist and medical doctor), contact them and inform them about the situation as soon as possible, ASAP.
Strengths of the original:
Includes professional and emergency resources.
Clear and direct.
Encourages immediate action.
Avoids minimizing the danger.
Reinforces that secrecy should not override safety.
Postpartum Psychosis:
Postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious mental health emergency that can occur after giving birth, usually within the first 2 weeks (sometimes up to a few months postpartum). It’s very different from the more common “baby blues” or even postpartum depression.
What it looks like
Symptoms may often come on suddenly and can include:
- Confusion or disorientation
- Hallucinations: (seeing or hearing or feeling things that aren’t real)
- Delusions: (strong false beliefs, may often be about the baby)
- Severe mood swings: (mania, depression, or both)
- Paranoia or agitation
- Trouble sleeping, even when exhausted
- Unusual or risky behavior
In some cases, thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby may occur, which is why this condition is considered an emergency.
Why it happens
The exact cause may not be fully understood, but it’s linked to:
- Rapid hormonal changes after childbirth: CONSULT WITH A PSYCHIATRIST
- A personal or family history of bipolar disorder or psychosis
- First-time pregnancy
- Sleep deprivation
How common is it?
It could be rare, but the severity makes awareness critical.
Treatment
Postpartum psychosis is treatable, but requires immediate medical care. Treatment may include:
- Hospitalization (to ensure safety)
- Medications: CONSULT WITH A PSYCHIATRIST
- Support from mental health professionals
With prompt treatment, people may recover fully.
When to get help
If you (or someone you know) has recently given birth and shows sudden changes in thinking, behavior, or perception, especially involving confusion, hallucinations, or fear about the baby, seek urgent medical help immediately (emergency services or a doctor).
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 