Postnatal depression

Introduction

Postnatal depression is a type of depression that many parents experience after having a baby.

It's a common problem, affecting more than 1 in every 10 women within a year of giving birth. It can also affect fathers and partners, although this is less common.

It's important to seek help as soon as possible if you think you might be depressed, as your symptoms could last months or get worse and have a significant impact on you, your baby and your family.

With the right support, which can include self-help strategies and therapy, most women make a full recovery.

Symptomsof postnatal depression

Many women feel a bit down, tearful or anxious in the first week after giving birth. This is often called the " baby blues " and is so common that its considered normal. The"baby blues"dont last for more than two weeks after giving birth.

If your symptoms last longer or start later, you could have postnatal depression. Postnatal depression can start any time in the first year after giving birth.

Signs that you or someone you know might be depressed include:

a persistent feeling of sadness and low mood
lack of enjoyment and loss of interest in the wider world
lack of energy and feeling tired all the time
trouble sleeping at night and feeling sleepy during the day
difficulty bonding with your baby
withdrawing from contact with other people
problems concentrating and making decisions
frightening thoughtsfor example, about hurting your baby

Many women don't realise they have postnatal depression, because it can develop gradually.

Many health visitors have been trained to recognise postnatal depression and have techniques that can help. If they can't help, they'll know someone in your area who can.

Encourage your partner to seek help if you think they might be having problems.

Don't struggle alone hoping that the problem will go away. Remember that:

a range of help and support is available, including therapy
depression is an illness like any other
it's not your fault you're depressed it can happen to anyone
being depressed doesn't mean you're a bad parent
it doesnt mean youre going mad
your baby won't be taken away from you babies are only taken into care in very exceptional circumstances

Treatments forpostnatal depression

Postnatal depression can be lonely, distressing and frightening, but support andeffectivetreatments are available.

These include:

self-help things you can try yourself include: talking to your family and friends about your feelings and what they can do to help; making time for yourself to do things you enjoy; resting whenever you get the chance and getting as much sleep as you can at night; exercising regularly ;eating a healthy diet
psychologicaltherapy your GP may be able to recommend a self-help course, or may refer you fora course of therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
antidepressants these may be recommended if your depression is more severe or other treatments haven't helped; your doctor can prescribe a medicine that's safe to take whilebreastfeeding

Local and nationalorganisations, such as the Association for Post Natal Illness (APNI) and Pre and Postnatal Depression Advice and Support (PANDAS) ,can also be useful sources of help and advice.

Some of the factors it has been associated with include:

a history of mental health problems, particularly depression, earlier in life
a history of mental health problems during pregnancy
having no close family or friends to support you
a poor relationship with your partner
recent stressful life events, such as 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.

Can postnatal depression be prevented?

Although there have been several studies into preventing postnatal depression, there is no evidence that theres anything specific you can do to prevent the condition developing, apart from maintaining as healthy a lifestyle as you can for yourself.

However, if you have a history of depression or mental health problems, or if you have a family history of mental health problems after childbirth, tell your GP or mental health team if youre pregnant or thinking of having a baby. This is so they can offer you appropriate monitoring and treatment, if necessary.

If you have had a mental health problem while pregnant, your doctor should arrange for you to be seen regularly in the first few weeks after birth.