Early Days
What is postnatal depression?
Having a baby is an emotional rollercoaster. There is little – if any – time to recover from the physical and emotional challenges of birth and pregnancy before being plunged into a twenty four hours a day, seven days a week whirl of feeding, crying and nappy changing.
It is completely normal to feel drained, overwhelmed, confused and vulnerable in the early days and weeks of motherhood. Indeed some researchers argue that most women who have babies have some sort of depression. However some women find that their experiences are particularly difficult and prolonged.
It is estimated that around one in ten mothers become clinically depressed. Postnatal depression may develop in the first few weeks after giving birth, or may not be experienced or recognised until various months down the line.
Symptoms can include some or all of the following:
- A persistent feeling of sadness and low mood
- A loss of interest in the things you used to enjoy
- Lack of energy and feeling tired all the time
- Feeling like you can’t cope or are a failure
- Strong feelings of anxiety or guilt
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
- Finding it hard to make decisions
Postnatal depression is different from puerperal psychosis, a serious mental illness often needing psychiatric treatment and possibly a hospital stay. This condition is rare, affecting only one or two mothers in every 1,000, and most commonly occurs in the first month after having a baby.
The main symptoms of puerperal psychosis are delusions, hallucinations, confused thoughts and a lack of self-awareness. In very severe cases, the mother may try to harm her baby or herself. If you are, or know someone who may be, suffering from puerperal psychosis, you should get medical help from your GP, midwife or health visitor as a matter of urgency.
What causes depression?
We don’t know for sure what causes postnatal depression, although it seems likely that a number of things may contribute. Hormones may possibly play a role, while social and emotional factors have been shown to be important. The following circumstances have been linked with a higher risk of depression: stressful recent life events, lack of social support, previous experience of depression, negative pregnancy, birth or feeding experiences.
Fathers can also suffer from depression – around one in ten dads develop depression in the year after their child is born. Symptoms are similar to postnatal depression. If you are depressed or know a dad who may have depression, it’s important to get some help and support.
Dealing with Depression
Alex Bollen, Postnatal NCT Practioner, explains Post-natal Depression. Read this article in conjunction with the following article which outlines how to access support.
In the words of depressed mothers...
“Even the smallest task just felt monumental.”
“The fogginess would set in.”
“Everything was black.”
continues overleaf