Get help now
These lines are free and confidential. Reaching out is not overreacting.
Worried about your wife or partner? See the warning signs.
Sources: Postpartum Support International on postpartum psychosis, and Postpartum Support International on support for dads.
These numbers are for the US. 988 also works in Canada. Anywhere else, find a free local line at findahelpline.com.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call, text, or chat with a trained counselor any time. Veterans and service members can press 1. Press 2 for Spanish, and interpreters are available in more than 240 languages.
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
For pregnant and new parents and the people who love them, including partners. English and Spanish.
Postpartum Support International HelpLine
Not a crisis line, and not instant. Call and leave a message, or text the word Help. A trained volunteer replies every day between 8am and 11pm ET, and connects dads and partners with support, local providers, and free online groups for fathers.
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 to reach a trained crisis counselor.
If you're worried about your partner
Postpartum psychosis is rare (about 1 to 2 in 1,000 births). It usually starts in the first few weeks after birth but can come later, and it is a medical emergency. Call 911 if she:
- Talks about wanting to harm the baby
- Seems confused or out of touch with reality
- Sees or hears things that aren't there
- Hasn't slept in days or seems unusually wired
- Has strange beliefs or is suddenly very suspicious or paranoid
- Has rapid, extreme mood swings
If she talks about dying, about not wanting to be here, or about everyone being better off without her, take it seriously right now. Call or text 988 together, or call the Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-852-6262. If she has a plan or you think she's in danger, call 911.
Scary thoughts she doesn't want are different. Many new moms with postpartum depression or anxiety get sudden, unwanted thoughts or images of the baby getting hurt, even of hurting the baby herself, and are horrified by them. These thoughts are common and treatable, and having them doesn't mean she'll act on them. Help her call her doctor or the Maternal Mental Health Hotline the same day. Call 911 if she seems to want to act on them or seems out of touch with reality.
For anything less urgent but still worrying, call or text the Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-852-6262. Partners can call on her behalf.