Perinatal/Postpartum Psychosis Help

psychologist hold hands of patient

Perinatal Psychosis (Pregnancy, Post-Loss, and Postpartum)

Postpartum Psychosis (PP), also known as Perinatal Psychosis, is a serious PMH disorder that usually has an onset in the first 2 weeks (but up to a year). Postpartum Psychosis occurs in approximately 1 to 2 out of every 1,000 deliveries.

Postpartum Psychosis is temporary and treatable with professional help, but it is an emergency, and it is essential that the perinatal individual receive immediate help. It is important to stay with the perinatal individual and the child to ensure everyone’s safety.

If you feel you or someone you know may be suffering from this illness, know that no one is at fault or to blame, and a diagnosis is not needed to reach out for help.

In an Emergency/If you suspect Postpartum Psychosis

Postpartum psychosis is a serious perinatal mental health disorder and medical emergency that occurs in about 1 to 2 of every 1,000 perinatal individuals.
Other conditions that are just as prevalent as Postpartum Psychosis:Severe Preeclampsia/ HELLP Syndrome, Critical Congenital Heart Defects, Multiple Sclerosis, Kidney Disease, and Parkinson's Disease.
Conoce más sobre psicosis perinatal o posparto

Symptoms

Symptoms of Postpartum Psychosis can include:

  • Delusions or strange beliefs
  • Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
  • Feeling very agitated
  • Hyperactivity or having more energy than usual
  • Severe depression or lack of emotion
  • Decreased need for or inability to sleep
  • Paranoia and suspiciousness
  • Rapid mood swings
  • Difficulty communicating at times

For more information about symptoms of postpartum psychosis, you can download the PP Discussion Tool. Immediate treatment for someone going through psychosis is imperative.

Call your doctor or an emergency crisis hotline right away to get the help you need.

Risk Factors

The most significant risk factor for Postpartum Psychosis is a personal or family history of bipolar disorder or a previous psychotic episode. It may also include prolonged lack of sleep (for instance, going days without any sleep).

Treatment Options

The majority of individuals who experience Postpartum Psychosis do not harm themselves or anyone else. However, there is always the risk of danger because psychosis includes delusional thinking and irrational judgment. It is important to stay with the perinatal individual and the child to ensure everyone’s safety. Call your doctor or an emergency crisis hotline right away to get the help you need.

  • Call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 833-852-6262. Hotline Counselors are available to discuss and explore next steps for you and your loved one. Available 24/7, in the United States only.
  • Intensive Treatment Facilities are available and are listed here.

After inpatient psychiatric treatment:

After emergency treatment, those individuals who have experienced Postpartum Psychosis should be followed by a doctor and therapist to continue treatment, including medication and ongoing therapy. PSI hosts peer support groups for Postpartum Psychosis survivors and those affected. Additional resources are available here.

Postpartum Psychosis Discussion Tool

This Postpartum Psychosis Discussion Tool has been created by those with lived and learned experience. It is designed to help providers and loved ones determine if someone could be experiencing the symptoms of postpartum psychosis and would need or benefit from additional care. This tool is available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Download the Discussion Tool Here

Postpartum Psychosis Fact Sheet

The Postpartum Psychosis Fact Sheet includes brief descriptions of what it is, who is at higher risk, the symptoms, and what to do. Available in English and Spanish.

Download Here

PSI Programs & Services

PSI Helpline

Call or Text our HelpLine

1-800-944-4773 (4PPD) #1 En Español or #2 English

Text in English: 800-944-4773
Text en Español: 971-203-7773

The HelpLine will provide you with support and resources.  You will be asked to leave a confidential message and a trained and caring volunteer will return your call or text.

Call the HelpLine
Contact a Support Navigator
Contactanos Por Línea
Learn More
Online Support Groups

Support Groups

PSI has over 50 specialized support groups to meet your needs.

Postpartum (Perinatal) Psychosis Support Groups
PSI Specialized Support Coordinators

Specialized Support Coordinators

PSI has a small team of Postpartum Psychosis survivors who are available to provide additional assistance to individuals and their families who are not in an emergency situation, but seeking support and information related to Perinatal Psychosis.

Connect with a Coordinator
“Its relatively low rate is often touted as the reason why discussions of postpartum psychosis have too often included the word “rare” to describe it. The reality, however, is that postpartum psychosis is not rare, and it's time we not only openly acknowledge this but also leave that phrasing behind us once and for all.” By Aaisha Alvi

Putting an End to Calling Postpartum Psychosis “Rare”

Postpartum psychosis (PPP) can be life-threatening. Uncover the truth about its occurrence and the critical need for support.
“Training is so important because PPP can be very difficult to identify and differentiate from other perinatal mental health disorders; however, doing so effectively could mean the difference between life and death for certain birthing individuals and their babies.” Why Postpartum Psychosis Needs Our Attention A Conversation with PSI Postpartum Psychosis Program Manager Julia Alzoubaidi, PhD, PMH-C

Why Postpartum Psychosis Needs Our Attention

Postpartum psychosis is real and serious. Discover critical information that can help recognize and address this treatable condition.
From Healing to Helping “Most of the other participants had experienced psychosis in the past year, and what they shared really resonated… For the first time, I felt like I wasn't alone.” —Breanna

Breanna’s Story: She found healing through PSI’s support groups and is now helping other new parents do the same.

Explore a perinatal psychosis survivor’s recovery journey of receiving help from PSI to becoming a support group facilitator.

Learn More

Read Stories

Books (in order of most recent release date)

Personal Essays and Blogs (in order of most recent release date):

Learn from Survivors

Podcasts and Interviews (in order of most recent release date):

Connect with Survivors

Facebook

Instagram

Tik-Tok

  • @2meteresa
  •  Be You T Fully You

Get Involved

For a more extensive list of resources, please click here.

Resources with * denote a member (current or former) of PSI’s Postpartum Psychosis Taskforce.

Postpartum Support International
Facebook Facebook Instagram-1 Instagram-1 Pinterest Pinterest Linkedin Linkedin Vimeo Vimeo Youtube-play Youtube-play

Guidestar Charity Navigator Four Star Rating

Apple App Store
Google Play