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Postpartum Wellbeing

I feel constantly overwhelmed and angry, I've lost my temper with my baby, and I'm having scary or dark thoughts. What do I do?

These are recognized symptoms of postpartum depression, anxiety, or rage - they are common, they are NOT your fault, and they are treatable, but they need professional help now, not later. Reach out to a psychiatrist or your doctor as soon as possible, and get another trusted adult to help care for the baby so you're not coping alone. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, treat it as an emergency and get immediate help.

💡Quick Answer

  • This is likely postpartum depression/anxiety/rage - common, not your fault, and treatable
  • See a psychiatrist or your doctor as soon as possible - medical help, not just relaxation tips
  • Get a trusted adult to help with the baby immediately so you're not alone
  • India helplines: iCall 9152987821, Vandrevala Foundation 1860-2662-345
  • Care options include NIMHANS (Bengaluru), hospital psychiatry departments, and online consults

⚠️ Caution:If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, this is a medical emergency - do not wait. Call a crisis helpline (iCall 9152987821, Vandrevala Foundation 1860-2662-345), reach out to a psychiatrist or a hospital emergency department immediately, and make sure another adult is with you and the baby right now. Do not start or self-prescribe any medication without a doctor - only a psychiatrist should prescribe and monitor treatment.

🤔What Parents Worry About

So many mothers silently carry guilt, rage, exhaustion and frightening thoughts and believe they're 'bad parents' or alone in it. The truth the community and clinicians stress is that these are medical symptoms of postpartum mental illness, they're more common than anyone admits, and reaching out for professional help and immediate support is the strong, right thing to do - not something to be ashamed of.

Community Answers from Moms(4)

Here's what moms in our community shared based on their own experience.

  1. 1

    What you're feeling has a name and it's treatable - please see a psychiatrist for a proper assessment. Postpartum depression needs medical attention, not just 'calm down and breathe' advice.

  2. 2

    Call someone in your family to come and help right away so you're not alone with the baby. Solo parenting with these feelings is too much for anyone to carry alone.

  3. 3

    Reach out to professional help - for example NIMHANS in Bengaluru, or the psychiatry department at a major hospital like Sir Ganga Ram in Delhi. Online psychiatric consultations are available too if getting out is hard.

  4. 4

    Free confidential helplines can help you right now and guide next steps - iCall (9152987821) and the Vandrevala Foundation helpline (1860-2662-345) operate in India.

About These Answers

The information shared on this page comes from real experiences of mothers in our community. While we strive to provide helpful insights, this content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your pediatrician, healthcare provider, or other qualified medical professional for any questions regarding your child's health or development.

Last reviewed: July 20, 2026

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I feel constantly overwhelmed and angry, I've lost my temper with my baby, and I'm having scary or dark thoughts. What do I do? | Real Mom Answers | Mom Insider