---
title: "Mental health support for parents"
description: "A clear guide for parents on where to get postnatal mental health support, when to contact a GP or health visitor, and what to do in a crisis."
url: "https://gentlespace.net/postnatal-mental-health-support"
---

# Where to get mental health support as a parent

A clear starting point for parents who are not sure whether what they are feeling is normal, whether they need more help, or who to contact first.

## Quick answer

If you are struggling after having a baby, start with your GP, midwife, or health visitor. You can ask for help with low mood, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, not sleeping, feeling unlike yourself, or difficulty bonding. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E.

## When to reach out

You do not need a diagnosis before asking for support. A conversation is worthwhile if any of these are persistent, getting worse, or making daily life feel hard to manage.

- Low mood, emptiness, numbness, or crying that is not easing.
- Worry that will not switch off, panic, checking, or avoiding normal activities.
- Intrusive thoughts that frighten you or make you afraid to be alone.
- Not sleeping even when someone else has the baby.
- Feeling detached from your baby for weeks, or feeling frightened by the lack of bond.
- Thoughts of harming yourself, or feeling your family would be better without you.

## Who to contact first

- **GP, midwife, or health visitor** — Use this route for ongoing low mood, anxiety, bonding worries, intrusive thoughts, sleep problems, or if you are not sure what kind of help you need. ([Read NHS postnatal depression guidance](https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/postnatal-depression/))
- **PANDAS Foundation** — A UK charity supporting parents, carers, and families affected by perinatal mental illness from conception through birth and beyond. ([Visit PANDAS Foundation](https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/))
- **NHS 111** — Use NHS 111 when you need urgent medical or mental health advice and it is not an immediate 999 emergency. ([Go to NHS 111 online](https://111.nhs.uk/))
- **Samaritans** — Call 116 123 free, any time, if you need someone to listen. You do not have to be suicidal to call. ([See Samaritans phone support](https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/talk-us-phone/))

## What Gentle Space can help with

Gentle Space can help you find words for what is happening, read clinically reviewed articles, and connect with other parents. It cannot assess risk, diagnose a condition, prescribe treatment, or replace someone who knows your situation.

## Common questions

### Where can I get postnatal mental health support in the UK?

A good first step is your GP, midwife, or health visitor. They can listen, assess what is happening, and refer you to NHS talking therapies, perinatal mental health services, or other local support. PANDAS Foundation also offers specialist perinatal mental health support.

### When should I ask for help after having a baby?

Ask for help if low mood, anxiety, frightening thoughts, not sleeping when you have the chance, or difficulty bonding is persistent, getting worse, or affecting daily life. You do not need to wait until things are unbearable.

### What should I do in a mental health crisis?

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E. If you need urgent mental health advice in England and it is not an immediate emergency, contact NHS 111. Samaritans are available free on 116 123 at any time.

### Is Gentle Space a clinical service?

No. Gentle Space provides editorial information, peer support, and signposting. It does not diagnose, prescribe, provide emergency help, or replace medical advice from a qualified professional.

## If things feel very dark right now

If things feel very dark right now, you don't have to wait. These lines are free and confidential.

- **Samaritans** — 116 123 — Free, confidential, 24/7.
- **PANDAS Foundation** — pandasfoundation.org.uk — Perinatal mental health support, via WhatsApp and callback.
- **CALM** — 0800 58 58 58 — Support for anyone in crisis.