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To see if what you’re experiencing or observing in a loved one could be a reason to seek help, fill out a short mental health checklist.
Postnatal psychosis can cause sudden and dramatic changes in a woman’s thinking, mood and behaviour. Psychosis causes a loss of contact with reality, so her behaviour may be out of character or seem out of control. She may also believe/hear/see/smell things that are not real. Symptoms normally occur within the first four weeks after giving birth but can occur up to 12 weeks after birth. Sometimes the symptoms aren’t recognised until even later. Symptoms will vary but things to look out for include:
Changes in sleeping and eating patterns
- Lack of need for sleep
- Unable to sleep and eat
Changes in energy levels
- Feeling full of energy or restless
- Feeling agitated – unable to relax or stop moving
- Feeling an intense need to get things done
Changes in thoughts and perception
'I was frightened, confused, withdrawn, pestered by illogical thoughts that randomly popped into my head including self harm and harming my baby.'
- Feeling strong, powerful, invincible, like you can do anything
- Hearing voices or seeing things that aren’t there (hallucinations)
- Having unusual thoughts and beliefs (delusions)
- she or her baby have special powers
- that someone is trying to harm the baby
- that she should be punished for being a bad person/mother
- High mood with loss of touch of reality (mania)
- Wanting to die
- Thoughts of hurting herself and/or thoughts of harming the baby
- Difficulty concentrating or severe confusion
- Being highly suspicious of others
Changes in behaviour
- Being disorganised and seeming confused and forgetful
- Being unusually organised or in time management 'overdrive'
- Talking quickly, often not finishing sentences
- Making lots of unrealistic plans
- Overspending
- Getting into arguments
- Difficulty coping with regular activities such as caring for baby, household tasks
- Withdrawing from everyone
- Feeling hopeless, helpless and worthless especially as a mother
Changes in mood
- Extreme sudden mood swings, from very high to very low
- Aggressive or violent behavior
- Persistently depressed or elevated/excitable mood
If you notice any of these signs or symptoms in your partner, or in a loved one who has recently given birth, then you should seek support immediately. Postnatal psychosis is a medical emergency due to the dangerous thoughts and impulsive behaviour a woman may experience.