What is it?
Postnatal depression is a mental health condition that affects some new parents, causing persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, and fatigue after childbirth. It can impact a parent’s ability to bond with their baby and manage daily tasks, often requiring support and treatment to recover.
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Description
Postnatal depression, also known as postpartum depression, is a serious mental health condition that affects some women after childbirth. It is characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in daily activities, including those related to the newborn.
Women with postnatal depression may experience significant mood swings, extreme fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and difficulty bonding with their baby. This condition can impact a mother’s ability to care for herself and her child.
It is different from the “baby blues,” which are milder and typically resolve within a few weeks. Postnatal depression requires professional treatment, which may include therapy, medication, and support from healthcare providers to help the mother recover and manage her well-being effectively.
Symptoms
Postnatal depression affects everyone differently and it can develop suddenly or gradually. It can start at any point in the first year after giving birth. It can also continue from depression in pregnancy.
After giving birth, many people feel a bit down, tearful or anxious. This is often called the ‘baby blues’ and is so common that it’s considered normal. The baby blues don’t last for more than 2 weeks after giving birth.
If your symptoms last longer or start later, you could have postnatal depression.
- Symptoms
The main symptoms of postnatal depression include:
- Persistent sadness and a low mood
- Loss of interest in activities and surroundings
- No longer enjoying things that once brought you pleasure
- Constant fatigue and lack of energy
- Difficulty sleeping at night
- Excessive sleepiness during the day
- Feeling unable to care for your baby
- Trouble with concentration and decision-making
- Changes in appetite, such as loss of appetite or increased comfort eating
- Feelings of agitation, irritability, or extreme apathy
- Experiencing guilt, hopelessness, or self-blame
- Difficulty bonding with your baby, with a sense of indifference and lack of enjoyment in their presence
- Disturbing thoughts, such as fears about harming your baby (these thoughts are frightening but rarely acted upon)
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
These symptoms can affect your day-to-day life and your relationships with your baby, family and friends.
- Signs
Postnatal depression can develop gradually and it can be hard to recognise. Some parents may avoid talking to family and friends about how they’re feeling. This may be because they worry they’ll be judged for not coping or not appearing happy.
Signs for partners, family and friends to look out for in new parents include:
- Crying frequently without an apparent reason
- Struggling to bond with their baby
- Finding no joy in interacting with their baby or feeling inadequate as a parent
- Withdrawing from social interactions
- Speaking negatively about themselves and expressing feelings of hopelessness
- Neglecting personal care, such as not bathing or changing clothes
- Losing track of time, unable to distinguish between short and long durations
- Losing their sense of humor
- Persistent worry about the baby’s well-being, despite reassurance from others
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What causes post natal depression?
Causes
It is not completely clear what causes postnatal depression. Some of the factors it has been associated with include:
- a history of mental health problems, particularly depression, earlier in life or during pregnancy
- having no close family or friends to support you
- a poor relationship with your partner
- recent stressful life events, like a bereavement
- experiencing the ‘baby blues’
Even if you don’t have any of these symptoms, having a baby is a life-changing event that can sometimes trigger depression. It often takes time to adapt to becoming a new parent. Looking after a small baby can be stressful and exhausting.
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Don’t be frightened by the diagnosis. Many women have postnatal depression and you will get better in time. Your partner, friends or family can be more helpful and understanding if they know what the problem is.
Getting help
There are effective avenues for getting help if you’re struggling with postnatal depression. Seeking support typically starts with consulting your GP, who can provide an initial assessment and together you can decide what’s best for you.
- Talking therapies
Psychological therapies are usually the first treatment recommended for postnatal depression.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) are both effective talking therapies designed to address depression.
CBT focuses on breaking the cycle of unhelpful and unrealistic thinking that leads to negative behavior, aiming to replace these patterns with more positive ways of thinking and behaving. This therapy can be delivered individually or in groups and typically lasts between 3 to 4 months.
IPT centers on discussing and understanding the issues within your relationships with family, friends, or partner, and how these issues might contribute to your feelings of depression. Like CBT, IPT generally spans 3 to 4 months and helps in resolving relationship problems that could be impacting your mental health.
- Medication
Antidepressants may be recommended in several situations:
- if you experience moderate or severe depression
- if you prefer not to pursue psychological treatment
- if psychological treatment is ineffective
- if you have mild postnatal depression combined with a history of depression.
These medications can help alleviate symptoms such as low mood, irritability, lack of concentration, and sleeplessness, which can aid in normal functioning and improve your ability to manage your new baby. It’s important to remember that antidepressants typically take at least a week to start showing benefits, so you should continue taking them even if you don’t notice immediate improvement. Usually, you will need to continue the medication for about six months after you begin to feel better to prevent a return of depression. You should always discuss any medication-related concerns with a mental health professional.
- Looking after yourself
- Speak to someone you trust—whether it’s a friend, family member, or another supportive person you feel comfortable confiding in. Having postnatal depression can often feel very lonely, so you might want to seek support from others going through a similar experience. PANDAS run support groups led by a trained group manager with lived experience.
- Priortise self-care:
- Try to rest whenever you can
- Nourish your body with balanced, healthy meals
- Try gentle exercise, like walking or yoga.
- Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation: Mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. NCL Waiting Room have lots of resources to support you.
- Take Time for Yourself: Even a few minutes a day to do something you enjoy, like reading, taking a bath, or listening to music, can make a difference.
Stay Informed: Understanding postnatal depression can be helpful. Reading about it or attending workshops can help you feel more in control and less alone in your experience.
Plan for Emergencies: If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, it’s crucial to seek emergency help immediately. You can call 999 in emergencies or call the NCL mental health crisis line 0800 151 0023 (open 24/7).
Some resources that may help
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