Four-in-five women experience ‘Baby Blues’

To mark Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week last month, mental health charity Turn2Me called on families across Ireland to be vigilant and compassionate when supporting new mothers. According to the HSE, four-in-five women experience some form of ‘baby blues’ after childbirth – but around one-in-seven women go on to develop postnatal depression, a more serious and long-lasting condition.

The first few weeks and months after giving birth can be an overwhelming emotional rollercoaster. Hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and the huge responsibility of caring for a newborn can impact mental health in profound ways.

“Too often, postnatal depression is misunderstood or dismissed,” said Fiona O’Malley, CEO of Turn2Me, “The ‘baby blues’ is more common than not in new mothers and postnatal depression can linger and worsen if not addressed. Knowing the signs and how to support a loved one is vital.”

7 common signs of postnatal depression:

1. Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
2. Apathy: Lack of interest or joy in activities once enjoyed.
3. Excessive guilt or feeling like a ‘bad mother’.
4. Difficulty bonding with the baby.
5. Changes in appetite or sleep (beyond typical exhaustion).
6. Irritability, anger, or anxiety.
7. Thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby (which requires immediate help).

Three ways to support a loved one with the ‘Baby Blues’:

1. Listen without judgement
    Allow her to express her feelings openly. Don’t try to ‘fix’ things — just be present and supportive.
2. Offer practical help
    From cooking meals to watching the baby so she can sleep, small acts of kindness make a big impact.
3. Encourage professional support
    Gently suggest talking to a GP or using services like Turn2Me if her symptoms persist beyond a week.

Turn2Me is encouraging new mothers and their families to prioritise mental health. The charity offers up to six free professional counselling sessions to anyone over 18 living in Ireland. Sessions are available online through Turn2Me.ie and are fully confidential.

“Support, empathy and timely intervention can make all the difference. No one should suffer in silence.” O’Malley added.