Finding Support for Postpartum Depression

Ask for Support

Reach out to your partner, a parent, sibling, or a friend to share how you’re feeling and ask for support. 

• Be specific. Do you need a ride to appointments, help with groceries or childcare, or someone to listen?
• If you don’t know where to start, ask for help figuring out what you need, and create a support plan together.

Find a Community

If you don’t have support from family or friends, you can get help in your community from:

• Social service agencies
• Family resource centers
• Faith-based groups
• Virtual or in-person support groups
• Breastfeeding groups

Looking for support in your area? Check out the Postpartum Depression Resources Guide for tips on how to find local resources.

Talk to a Healthcare Professional

Share your symptoms with a trusted healthcare professional. They can connect you with more resources and mental health support. Your individual path to healing might include:

• Therapy: Counseling sessions with a mental health professional can help you understand and cope with your emotions and challenges.
• Medication: In some cases, medicine may be prescribed to help manage PPD symptoms. 
• Support groups: Ask your health care professional about support groups for women experiencing PPD.
• If you don’t have a health care professional to connect with, you can find one in your area using the Find a Health Center Tool.

Practice Self-Care

There are things you can do to help yourself feel better in addition to receiving support from friends, family, or a health care professional:

• Talk about your feelings with your partner, supportive family members, and friends.
• Rest as much as you can. Sleep when the baby is sleeping. If this is hard, ask someone you trust to watch the baby so you can rest.
• Don’t try to do everything by yourself. Ask your partner, family, and friends for help with things like childcare, housework, and grocery shopping.
• Make time for breaks, visit friends, or spend time with your partner.
• Talk with other mothers to learn from their experiences.
• When possible, don’t make any major life changes right after giving birth, like moving or starting a new job.