Postnatal psychosis is a serious and complex mental health condition. Specialist treatment and care is essential.
During the very early stages of postnatal psychosis, a woman will normally be admitted to hospital where she will start treatment, including medication. The length of time a woman remains in hospital and which medication is prescribed varies depending on her personal treatment needs.
“I am so thankful that I got to a hospital when I did as this is such a serious condition.”
When she’s well enough to return home, significant ongoing support and care is needed to ensure she remains well and can care for her baby.
Health professionals, partners and key support people all have an important role to play during the recovery process.
Helpful Information
Clare's story
More information on care and treatment
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Hospital
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Medication
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Counselling
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Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
PANDA National Helpline
Find someone to talk to, Monday to Saturday.
1300 726 306
Call 000 for police and ambulance if you or someone else are in immediate danger
Talk with friends or family
Consider talking about how you are feeling with someone you trust. This might be a friend or family member. Once you starting talking you might be surprised at how many others have had similar experiences and the support they can provide you.
Talk with your doctor
Talking with your doctor can be an important step to getting the help you need. They should be able to give you non-judgemental support, assessment, diagnosis, and ongoing care and treatment. They can also refer you to specialists such as a counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist.
Get help now
If you are having suicidal thoughts or are feeling disorientated it’s important to get help immediately. PANDA is not a crisis service, if you need immediate support call Lifeline 13 11 14 (24/7).