Postpartum Psychosis is a medical emergency. Please go to nearest Hospital Emergency Room.
Here 24/7: Call anytime at 1 844 437 3247 (HERE247)
or TTY: 1-877-688-5501
1-2 in every 1000 deliveries but the risk for parents with bi-polar is 25-50%.
“The symptoms of Postpartum Psychosis may appear very similar to those of other psychotic disorders but they are usually unexpected and develop very rapidly, within hours. They most often appear within 72 hours to four weeks after the baby is born. The episode lasts at least a day and may last up to one month with eventual return to the woman’s previous level of functioning. Immediate treatment is required for the safety of the woman and her baby.” – BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre
Symptoms may include:
Mania
Feeling “high”, “up”, elated, over-excited, or “on top of the world”
Increased energy, activity, or productivity
Racing thoughts, being more talkative, a “busy” brain, increased creativity, or pressured speech
Needing less or no sleep or not wanting sleep
Feeling restless, agitated, or unable to keep still
Losing inhibitions, spending a lot of money, or being much more sexually or socially forward
Extreme irritability, impatience, or anger
Very increased interest in your surroundings
Easily distracted, starting many things but not necessarily finishing them
Depression
Feeling low, flat, tearful, emotional, or crying easily
Anxiety, feeling tense, nervousness
Feeling withdrawn and not wanting to talk to or be near others
Tired, heavy, or without energy
Having a harder time taking care of yourself or your baby
Psychosis
Severe confusion or delirium
Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren’t there – hallucinations
Thoughts or beliefs that aren’t within reality or that people around you think are strange and out-of-character – delusions
Feeling suspicious or afraid of people or events, paranoia
Acting like you aren’t yourself
Feeling detached from reality, unreal, or like you’re in a dream