If you need help right now

• •112 — India's national emergency number (police, fire, ambulance).
• •Tele-MANAS: 14416 or 1800-891-4416 — free, 24/7 government mental health support and counselling.
• •KIRAN: 1800-599-0019 — 24/7 mental health rehabilitation helpline.
• •Women Helpline: 181 — support for domestic violence and women's safety.
• •Childline: 1098 — child protection and safety helpline.
• •Cybercrime: cybercrime.gov.in or 1930 — to report online fraud, scams, or exploitation.

On a phone, tap any number above to call it directly.

Severe headache that won't go away, vision changes, chest pain or difficulty breathing, heavy vaginal bleeding, a fever, severe swelling, or thoughts of harming yourself or your baby are all reasons to seek medical care immediately, not to wait and see. The Care Chart's "Urgent care now" section (CDC Hear Her–aligned) has the full list of warning signs for your stage — worth reading in advance, not just when something feels wrong.

Pregnancy and the years after birth can be genuinely hard on your mind, not just your body — and asking for help is a sign of care, not failure. What you're feeling may be perinatal depression or anxiety (during pregnancy or after birth), and it's common and treatable, not a personal failing. Persistent sadness or numbness, constant worry or racing thoughts, feeling disconnected from your baby, or being unable to sleep even when you have the chance are all reasons to reach out — to your doctor, a trusted person, or Tele-MANAS/KIRAN above.

Postpartum psychosis is rarer but a genuine medical emergency.

It affects roughly 1 to 2 in every 1,000 new mothers, usually starting suddenly within the first two weeks after birth — often within days. Warning signs include confusion or disorientation, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there), delusions or paranoia, extreme mood swings, or racing, disorganized thinking. If you or someone around you notices these signs, this needs medical attention right away — call 112 or go to the nearest hospital, don't wait to see if it passes.

If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, please call Tele-MANAS or KIRAN above, or go to your nearest hospital right away. If it feels safer or easier in the moment, ask someone you trust — a partner, family member, or friend — to sit with you and help you make that call.

Community is for support and shared experience, not emergencies. Use the report option on any post or reply for a conduct concern — see Community Guidelines. For anything urgent, use the numbers above instead.