What is Postnatal Depression?

Postnatal Depression is what happens when you become depressed after having a baby.
It affects about 10% of women and often there is no obvious cause.
It is different from the “baby blues” which affects most women after their baby is born.

What are the symptoms?

Common symptoms are:

• Low mood or feeling inadequate.
• Feeling sad, lonely or isolated.
• Having no desire to breastfeed.
• Not caring about your appearance.
• Feeling tense, irritable and angry.
• Feeling afraid of being left alone with the baby.
• Feeling anxious and fearful, worrying about your health and that of the baby.
• Feelings of not being able to cope.
• Feeling tired and lacking energy.
• Unable to concentrate; finding simple tasks confusing and difficult.
• Physical symptoms of anxiety are common, such as stomach pain, nausea and loss of appetite. Tightness in the chest or panic attacks.
• Difficulty in sleeping and staying asleep even when the baby is sleeping.
• Sometimes when postnatal depression is very severe, you may have thoughts about harming yourself or your baby.
  

What should I do?

1. The first step is recognizing your symptoms and asking for help.
   Tell somebody you feel low. Often just talking and knowing that someone is there to help, can ease feelings of depression.
2. If you feel that you cannot cope tell your family members or friends that you need some help.
3. Self help:
• Don’t try to be Superwoman! Learn to cat-nap. Plan relaxation and time away from the baby.
• Eat well, a little often even if you are not hungry.
• Exercise regularly; even a short walk is helpful.
• Do not try to do everything yourself, it takes too much energy.
• Attend a “Mother and Baby Group” where you will meet others who can offer support and friendship.
• Be kind to yourself.
4. If the symptoms last longer than seven to ten days talk to your doctor or Women’s Health Advisor about how you are feeling. They will help and support you. Early diagnosis and treatment results in a speedier recovery.

What about men?

Although postnatal depression is more common in women it can affect men as well. The birth of a new baby is stressful for both parents. Fathers may have difficulty coping with the new situation – both practically in looking after a new baby and that his partner is giving all her attention to their new baby. Postnatal depression in either partner can put a strain on the relationship.

What help is available?

Your Women and Family Health Advisor has knowledge of Postnatal Depression and can offer information regarding possible support. This support includes counselling, referral to your physician and other health professionals.

Your Physician is there to help you. He or she may suggest that some specialist help would be valuable at this time or may refer you to local support groups.
If your condition is more serious, your doctor may suggest a course of tablets known as antidepressants. These can take up to 2-3 weeks to start to work and have to be taken every day. Even when you feel better you need to take them for a period recommended by your doctor, usually 4-6months. Antidepressants are not addictive. Some antidepressants are safe to take if you are Breastfeeding.

Tell the Hospital Doctor how you are feeling. They can provide you with the help and support that you need.

If I had Postnatal Depression after my last baby could it happen again?

If you had Postnatal Depression after a previous birth there is a one in five (1:5) chance of it recurring after the birth of your next baby. Being informed and knowing what help and treatments are available helps with early identification and speedy recovery.

Finally

Postnatal Depression is an illness and can be debilitating. It can vary from mild to severe and the length of time that it lasts. There is support available to help you to get through this.

For more information, please contact our Women & Family Health Advisor at 25360587.

< Back to Top