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Depressive

Perinatal and postpartum depression

Depression that occurs during pregnancy or after childbirth. It's common, it doesn't depend on being a good or bad mother, and it has treatment.

Common signs

Sadness or crying that doesn't ease after the first few weeksFeeling overwhelmed or guiltyDifficulty bonding with the baby

Tips

For you

  1. Ask for help: you don't have to cope with everything
  2. Rest when you can and share out tasks
  3. If at any point you think about harming yourself, call 024 or 112. You don't have to go through this alone.

For family and friends

  1. Take on housework and night shifts
  2. Tell her she isn't alone and that asking for help is caring for the baby

When to ask for help

  1. If she talks about harming herself or the baby: 112
  2. If she sees or hears strange things after giving birth: emergency services

Are you having a really hard time? If you're thinking of harming yourself, call 024 (free, 24 hours) or 112.

Guidance test

Answer thinking about the last few weeks. There are 8 questions and you get your result straight away. Your answers are not saved or sent.

0 of 8
1. I feel sad or cry most of the day
2. I feel overwhelmed with the baby
3. I feel guilty for not being a "good mother"
4. I find it hard to enjoy my baby
5. I sleep badly even when the baby is asleep
6. I'm very irritable or anxious
7. I find it hard to look after myself
8. It has been more than two weeks since the birth and I'm not getting better
Also take the full depression test →

Free resources

Downloadable PDF sheetSigns, tips and resources to print or saveFull article: Postnatal depressionFree resource from Clínica Vivaldi024 suicide crisis line (Spain, free, 24 h)Free external resourceAll our free guidesFree resource from Clínica Vivaldi

Related disorders

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorderDepressiveDepression (major depressive disorder)DepressivePersistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)DepressivePremenstrual dysphoric disorderDepressive

Would you like to talk it through with a professional?

Book a first appointment with our team of psychologists, in person in Valencia or online from anywhere in Spain. If you're not sure where to start, ask for a free guidance call.

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Reviewed by María Teresa Fernández Vicente, health psychologist and neuropsychologist (registration no. CV17304), in November 2026. Educational information prepared by the Clínica Vivaldi team based on the DSM-5-TR classification. It does not replace a professional assessment and cannot be used to diagnose.