Perinatal Depression

Depression during pregnancy or in the months after birth is common, treatable, and nobody's fault — yet many mothers suffer in silence, believing they should simply feel happy. If you feel low, tearful, exhausted beyond normal tiredness, or disconnected from your baby, you are not alone and effective help is available. Dr. Anindo Mitra (MBBS, MD Psychiatry, JIPMER) provides compassionate, safety-first care for perinatal depression, in-person in Gurugram and online across India.

Who this is for

This page is for women experiencing low mood, loss of interest, or persistent distress during pregnancy (antenatal depression) or after birth (postnatal / postpartum depression), and for partners and families who are worried about a new or expectant mother.

Recognising perinatal depression

It is more than the short-lived "baby blues" of the first days after birth. Perinatal depression may involve: persistent low mood or tearfulness, loss of interest or pleasure, exhaustion out of proportion to sleep loss, feelings of guilt or worthlessness (including feeling like a "bad mother"), difficulty bonding with the baby, anxiety, appetite or sleep changes beyond those expected with a newborn, and sometimes thoughts that life is not worth living. Symptoms lasting more than two weeks deserve assessment.

Why treating it matters

Untreated perinatal depression affects the mother's wellbeing and can affect bonding, feeding, and the baby's development — which is exactly why getting help is an act of good parenting, not a failure of it. With treatment, most women recover well.

Treatment options

Care is individualised, weighing the benefits of treatment against any risks, and always explained clearly:

  • Psychological therapy. Evidence-based talking therapies (such as CBT) are often a first-line treatment, particularly for mild-to-moderate depression, and carry no medication risk. Dr. Mitra coordinates with experienced clinical psychologists.
  • Practical and social support. Sleep, support with the baby, and addressing stressors have real therapeutic value.
  • Medication where appropriate. For moderate-to-severe depression, antidepressants may be recommended, chosen with attention to pregnancy and breastfeeding safety. Many options can be managed thoughtfully; untreated moderate-to-severe depression carries its own risks, so this is a careful, balanced discussion.

Safety-first, without alarm

Dr. Mitra is precise about what the evidence says, avoids both under-treatment and unnecessary fear, and involves you in every decision. If you already take medication and are pregnant or planning to be, do not stop suddenly — arrange a review so any change is planned safely.

In-person in Gurugram and online across India

Available in-person at Athena Behavioural Health, Sector 47, Gurugram, and online across India via Zoom or Google Meet, in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Tamil.

Safety and urgent help

If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, or feel unable to cope, please seek help immediately — contact emergency services, go to your nearest hospital, or call Tele-MANAS on 14416. These thoughts can be part of illness and are treatable; reaching out is the right thing to do. This page is educational and does not replace an individual consultation.

Book a consultation

See fees · perinatal psychiatry · perinatal anxiety

Frequently asked questions

How is perinatal depression different from the "baby blues"? The baby blues are brief and settle within a couple of weeks. Perinatal depression is more persistent and impairing, lasting longer and affecting daily functioning, and it benefits from treatment.

Can I take antidepressants while pregnant or breastfeeding? Often yes, with a carefully chosen medication and monitoring. The decision balances the benefits against any risks and against the risks of untreated depression, and is made with you.

Will therapy be enough without medication? For mild-to-moderate depression, therapy is often effective on its own. For moderate-to-severe depression, medication may be recommended alongside it. The plan is individualised.

Does having depression mean I can't bond with my baby? No. Difficulty bonding can be a symptom of the depression itself, and it typically improves with treatment. Getting help supports both you and your baby.

Can this be treated online? Yes. Assessment, therapy coordination, and medication management can all be provided online, which is convenient with a newborn. Emergencies need in-person care.