|
There are three types of depression after childbirth.
Firstly, ‘baby blues’ – this is so common that it can be considered normal. Feeling low, irritable and weepy are all symptoms to watch out for, although some men may argue that it would make it nigh-on impossible to spot the difference between what’s the norm and what’s not when it comes to women’s moods! Be wary of it starting around the third day after childbirth, but usually by day ten, symptoms have subsided. Medical treatment may not be needed but always best to talk to some one.
Postnatal depression. 1 in 10 mothers are known to suffer from it, usually developing within the first 4-6 weeks after birth, but it has been known to rear its not-very-pretty head even several months following birth. It’s advisable to seek support.
Postnatal psychosis.This is a severe, but nevertheless rare form of depression, developing in about 1 in 1000 postnatal mothers.
Some symptoms you might recognise if you are depressed include: A low mood for all of the time, or the majority of the time, for a week or more. The low mood tends to be (but isn’t always) worse first thing in the morning.
You may also get no enjoyment from anything, with little interest in yourself and your baby. Feeling tearful with a hefty dosage of irritability thrown in for good measure are also both signs. Experiencing a sense of guilt, rejection, or inadequacy are all normal feelings related to this condition.
Poor concentration – wondering whether you left your baby in the Fruit & Veg aisle at Asda after returning home may also feature during this time.
You may also get thoughts about harming your baby. Around half the women with postnatal depression get these thoughts. If things are very bad and you reach rock bottom, you may get ideas of harming or killing yourself, although the reality is that only in very rare cases is anyone actually harmed.
The information on this site is purely holistic and does not replace medical advice. If you have a medical problem or are concerned, please see your health professional. The information and suggestions on this page are meant as holistic support and not medical advice. The MN accepts no responsibility for the content of the website information, it is the opinion of this website.
Suggestions from the Maternity Network:
- Talk to everyone and anyone who’ll listen, even close family. Don’t bottle up your feelings. Remember the old adage: a problem halved is a problem shared.
- Take gentle but regular exercise such as jogging, swimming, gym sessions, etc if you are able to.
You can also use these help lines:
Post-Natal Illness 145 Dawes Road, Fulham, London, UK, SW6 7EB Tel: 020 7386 0868 Web: www.apni.org Aims to help women who suffer from postnatal depression.
PNi-SHA PostNatal illness-Support & Help Association PO Box 7066, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 1JQ Web: www.pnisha.org.uk This is a charitable organisation which is dedicated to offering information, emotional support and practical help to women and their families, affected by any type of antenatal and postnatal illness.
MAMA (Meet-A-Mum-Association) Helpline: 0845 120 3746 (7pm – 10pm weekdays Only) Web: www.mama.co.uk Services includes advice and support for mothers with postnatal depression.
Suggestions from experienced mums:
- If you can’t drag yourself out of bed every morning, set yourself a short term goal such as getting a coffee.
|
