Pregnancy is physically, mentally and emotionally taxing, no matter how many times you give birth. Every experience is unique, and sometimes, the endorphin rush of having a new baby is complicated by postpartum depression (PPD).
Sleep deprivation and hormone changes can leave you feeling very low and anxious or cause intense mood swings. New mother support is often available from friends and family but may not last as long as your low mood.
Did you know that approximately 5% of women experience postpartum depression for more than 3 years after giving birth? In addition, symptoms don’t always set in right away. If you start feeling symptoms even 6 months after birth, reach out for postpartum mental health help.
Contact a postpartum depression hotline to connect with local treatment providers who can help you feel better.
Postpartum Depression Hotline Resources
International, national and state organizations offer assistance to new mothers with their mental health. Below is a list of some of the most far-reaching postpartum depression hotlines.
- National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
The National Maternal Mental Health hotline offers free, confidential support 24-7. Help is available in English, Spanish and 60 other languages. This helpline provides new mother support services before, during and after pregnancy. Operated by the Office on Women’s Health, this organization also offers education about PPD and funds a growing awareness campaign to help more mothers recognize the signs and symptoms as early as possible.
(833) 852-6262 - National Mental Health Hotline
The National Mental Health Hotline is a free resource available to anyone experiencing symptoms of depression, including postpartum symptoms. If you or a loved one needs someone to talk to or help finding local treatment providers, MHH is a first-line provider. Counselors are available 24-7 to take your call and connect you with the resources you need.
(866) 903-3787 - Postpartum Support International
Postpartum Support International is available to new mothers in the United States, Canada and internationally. Supportive volunteers are available to take calls and return messages from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. EST. Local support volunteers work to connect new mothers with perinatal mental health professionals and services that can help them better bond with their new baby and overcome the challenges of treating their mental health and still being a caregiver. PSI also has an online directory of local care providers for those who don’t need to talk to someone before seeking out treatment.
(800) 944-4773 - SAMHSA’s National Helpline
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) operates a national helpline that offers information and referral services for anyone undergoing a mental health crisis. Services are free, confidential and available 24/7/365. Mental health crises don’t wait for business days, so neither does the National Hotline. Help is available in both English and Spanish.
(800) 662-4357 - 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, offers a range of vital services to support individuals in crisis and those seeking help for someone else. It’s available 24-7 and offers immediate crisis counseling so anyone in need can get support anytime of day. Conversations with trained counselors are confidential, providing a safe space for individuals to discuss their feelings and experiences without fear of judgment, which is particularly important when offering postpartum mental health help.
988 - 911
In an emergency, don’t wait — call 911. If you’re the sole caregiver for a newborn and you feel out of control or that you might be dangerous to yourself or the child, call 911. Mental health crises are a medical emergency. Trained dispatchers will send EMTs to your home to take you for immediate psychiatric evaluation and make arrangements for the care of your child.
911
Struggling With Postpartum Depression? Call for Help Today!
A new baby is often a source of joy but can also be a source of depression. If you’re struggling to find your joy or connect with your new baby, call the National Mental Health Hotline, a postpartum depression hotline that can help.
