Postnatal Depression

Having a  new baby is a life-changing event. Pregnancy and the first year after the birth can be stressful. The birth of a baby is an emotional experience and, for many mothers, there are common feelings of:

• anxiety
• stress
• loneliness
• tearfulness
• loss
• worthlessness
• depression

However, sometimes longer periods of these feelings can occur, known as postnatal depression (PND). PND usually occurs during the first few weeks and months of the baby's life.

PND can have a variety of differing physical and emotional symptoms. Many women are unaware that they have PND. For these reasons, it is important for partners, family, friends and healthcare professionals to recognise the signs of PND as early as possible so that the appropriate care, treatment and support can be given.

Types of Postnatal Depression

Following childbirth there are three different types of depression, which are outlined below.

Baby blues

Baby blues is a common cause of feeling low, and it is the least severe type of PND. It does not usually last very long, starting from around the third day after birth and lasting until around the 10th day. During this time you may feel tearful and irritable, but no medical treatment is needed.

Postnatal depression (PND)

Postnatal depression (PND) affects about one in 10 mothers in the UK, and usually develops in the first four to six weeks after childbirth. However, in some cases it may take several months to develop. If you feel depressed for most of the time, and the feelings do not go away, you may have PND. Your GP will be able to determine whether you have the condition and, if you do, suggest an appropriate course of treatment.

Postnatal psychosis

Postnatal psychosis is a rare but severe form of depression. It develops in about one in 1,000 mothers. Symptoms can include irrational behaviour, confusion and suicidal thoughts. Women with postnatal psychosis often need specialist psychiatric treatment.

Although postnatal depression is more common in women, men can be affected too. As the birth of a new baby can be a stressful time for both parents, some fathers feel unable to cope, or feel that they're not giving their partner all the support she needs. They can also find it difficult to adjust to the big changes and the demands made by a new baby.

Postnatal depression can put a strain on a relationship. This can cause the break up of some relationships, which is why it's important to recognise the symptoms of PND at an early stage and take steps to get treatment.

Myths surrounding PND

PND is often misunderstood and many myths surround the condition. These include:

• That PND is less severe than other types of depression. In fact, PND is as serious as other types of depression.
• That PND is entirely caused by hormonal changes. PND is actually caused by many different factors.
• That PND will go away by itself. Unlike the baby blues, PND can only be resolved with treatment.

PND can be lonely, distressing and frightening. PND is always treatable. It's very important to understand that a mother with PND still loves or cares for her baby.

Help with postnatal depression

The first thing is to recognise the depression for what it is – and not to dismiss it as just the 'baby blues'.

Postnatal depression can be treated using medical and non medical treatments, one of these being self-help. See the following list to help as a guiding principles (source):

• DO tell someone about how you feel. Many other women have gone through the same experience. If you don't feel you can talk to your family or friends, talk to your health visitor or GP. They will know that these feelings are common and will be able to help.
• DO take every opportunity to get your head down and rest. See if you can cat-nap or sleep when the baby sleeps. Your partner can give the baby a bottle-feed at night. If you like, you can use your own expressed breast milk for this.
• DO eat well. Plenty of healthy foods like salads, vegetables, fruit, fruit juices, milk and cereals are all nice, packed with vitamins and don't need much cooking. Frozen will do.
• DO find and take time to have fun with your partner. Try to find a baby-sitter and get out together for a meal, a show or to see friends. Reminder yourselves that the relationship between you both is still alive and important.
• DO let yourself and your partner be intimate if you can: at least kiss and cuddle. This will comfort you both and lead to the return of full sexual feelings sooner. Don't feel guilty if this takes some time.
• DON'T blame yourself or your partner: life is tough at this time, and tiredness and irritability on both sides can lead to quarrels. 'Having a go' at each other will weaken your relationship when it needs to be at its strongest.
• DON'T be frightened by the diagnosis. You know what is wrong, that many others have had the same experience and that you will get better in time. Your partner, friends or family can be more helpful and understanding if they know what the problem is.

Medical Help

You should consider visiting your GP or speaking to a medical practitioner if there are symptoms of PND. In some circumstances the GP may refer to a specialist for further help and support.

Counselling Help

Counselling can help to reduce the symptoms of PND and offer support to both the mother and partner. This support can help resolve misunderstandings or issues resulting from PND that may impact the relationships of mother, partner, family and friends. Click here to see our 3 step guide to start counselling and psychotherapy.

Further information and support

The Samaritans

PNI ORG UK

Association for Postnatal Depression

CRY-SIS

Meet-A-Mum-Association (MAMA)

National Childbirth Trust