Postnatal Depression

WHAT IS POSTNATAL DEPRESSION?

Postnatal depression is a type of depression some women experience after having a baby. It can develop within the first six weeks of giving birth, but isn't always apparent until around six months. Postnatal depression is more common then people realise, affecting around 1 in 10 women after giving birth. Any woman can be affected from any walk of life and teenage mothers are particularly at risk. It can sometimes go unnoticed and many are totally unaware they have it, eve if they don't feel quite right.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS 

There are many symptoms of postnatal depression. They're wide-ranging and can include low mood, poor appetite, difficulty sleeping, loss of libido, irritability and episodes of tearfulness. These are all common after having a baby and are often known as the "baby blues" and usually clear up after a few weeks but if they persist, it could be postnatal depression. Some women don't realise they have it, or choose to ignore their symptoms. They're afraid to be seen as a bad mother but it doesn't mean you don't love or care for your baby. If you think somebody you know is showing any of the symptoms, be supportive and encourage them to see their GP. It's important to understand that postnatal depression is an illness.

The cause of post natal depression is not completely known. Experts think post natal depression is the result of a combination of things.

These may be:

depression during your pregnancy

a difficult deliver of your baby

lack of support at home

relationship worries

money problems

having no close family or friends around you

physical health problems following the birth, such as urinary incontinence, or persistent pain from an episiotomy scar or a forceps delivery

Even if you have none of these problems and you had a straightforward pregnancy or labour, just having a baby can be a stressful and life-changing event that could trigger depression.

People often assume that you will naturally adapt to parenthood overnight. But in fact it can take months before people begin to cope with the pressures of being a new parent. 

Even if this is your 2nd, 3rd or 4th baby, doesn't mean you won't get post natal depression. Some babies are more difficult and more demanding than others, and don't settle so easily. This could lead to exhaustion and stress.

What increases your chance of post natal depression include;a family history of depression or postnatal depression

having experienced depression or postnatal depression previously 

mood disorders such as bipolar disorder.

The most important first step in managing postnatal depression is recognising the problem and taking action to deal with it. The support and understanding of your partner, family and friends plays a big part in your recovery.

Guided self-help

Guided self-help is based on the principle that your GP can "help you to help yourself".

Talking therapies

Talking therapies are where you are encouraged to talk through problems either one-to-one with a counsellor or with a group. You can then discuss ways to approach problems in a more positive manner.

Antidepressants

The use of antidepressants may be recommended if:

You have moderate postnatal depression and a previous history of depression.

You have severe postnatal depression.

You have not responded to counselling or CBT, or would prefer to try tablets first.

A combination of talking therapies and an antidepressant may be recommended.

If it is felt your postnatal depression is so severe you are at risk of harming yourself or your baby, you may be admitted to hospital or referred to a mental health clinic. If you have support available from your partner or family, it may be recommended they care for your baby until you are well enough to return home.

Diagnosis

Your GP should be able to diagnose postnatal depression by asking two questions:

*During the past month, have you often been bothered by feeling down, depressed or hopeless?

*During the past month, have you often been bothered by taking little or no pleasure in doing things that normally make you happy?

If the answer to either of these is yes, then it is possible you have postnatal depression. If the answer is yes to both, postnatal depression is probable.

Some mothers, especially those without a partner or relative to help care for their baby, can be reluctant to provide honest answers to these questions. This is because some worry that a diagnosis of postnatal depression will mean they are seen as a bad mother and that there is a chance their baby will be taken into care. It should be stressed that a baby will only be taken into care in the most exceptional of circumstances. One of the prime goals of treatment of postnatal depression is to help you care for and bond with your baby.