The Difference Between Postnatal Depression and Postnatal Anxiety
Most people have heard of postnatal depression. But postnatal anxiety is just as common — and in some ways, less understood.
The two conditions are often confused. They can look similar from the outside, and they frequently occur together. But they feel quite different from the inside. And understanding which one you're experiencing — or whether you're dealing with both — matters, because it shapes what kind of support will help most.
What Is Postnatal Depression?
Postnatal depression (PND) is a type of depression that develops after having a baby. It affects around 1 in 10 women in the UK, and it can start at any point in the first year.
It's often described as a persistent low mood — but it's much more than just feeling sad. Common signs include:
• Feeling low, hopeless, or empty for most of the day
• Losing interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy
• Feeling exhausted in a way that sleep doesn't fix
• Withdrawing from the people around you
• Feeling unable to cope — or like you're failing as a mother
• Difficulty bonding with your baby
• Thoughts of harming yourself (if you're experiencing this, please reach out to your GP or midwife today)
PND often has a heaviness to it. A flatness. A sense of going through the motions while feeling far away from your own life.
What Is Postnatal Anxiety?
Postnatal anxiety is less talked about, but it's at least as common as PND — some research suggests even more so. It's estimated to affect around 15–20% of new mothers.
Where PND often presents as low and flat, postnatal anxiety tends to feel urgent, activated, and relentless. Common signs include:
• Racing thoughts that you can't switch off — especially about your baby's safety
• Constantly checking on your baby, even when you know they're fine
• Feeling on edge, tense, or braced for something terrible to happen
• Difficulty sleeping even when you have the chance
• Physical symptoms: heart racing, chest tightness, nausea, feeling shaky
• Intrusive, frightening thoughts about harm coming to your baby (these are a symptom of anxiety, not a reflection of your character)
• Avoiding situations because they feel too overwhelming or risky
Postnatal anxiety can feel like being permanently switched on. Like your brain is scanning for danger even in perfectly safe moments.
Both PND and postnatal anxiety are real, recognised conditions — and both respond well to the right support.
Can You Have Both?
Yes — and many women do. Postnatal depression and anxiety frequently co-occur. You might feel both the low flatness and the racing, panicky thoughts. This can make it harder to identify what you're dealing with.
You might also find that anxiety is the dominant feature in the early months, and depression becomes more prominent later. Postnatal mental health isn't always a clean, fixed diagnosis — it can shift and change.
How Are They Different From 'Normal' New Mum Feelings?
Almost every new mother feels tired, overwhelmed, and anxious at some point. So how do you know if what you're experiencing is more than that?
A useful question to ask yourself: is this getting in the way of my daily life, my relationships, or my ability to care for myself and my baby? Is it persistent — lasting days and weeks rather than coming and going?
If the answer is yes, that's worth taking seriously. You don't have to wait until things feel unbearable.
What Can Help?
Both postnatal depression and postnatal anxiety respond well to therapy. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is effective for both conditions and can be adapted to the reality of life with a new baby — including being offered online, so you don't need childcare to attend.
The most important thing is not to sit with it and hope it passes. The earlier you seek support, the easier it tends to be.
If you're not sure what you're experiencing, that's okay. You don't need a diagnosis to reach out. Book a free 15-minute call and we can talk through what's been happening for you. [Click Here]