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Writer's pictureDr Zoe Cross

What is postnatal depression?



According to the NHS, postnatal depression can affect 1 in 10 new mothers within the first year of giving birth. Your range of emotions can go from ‘feeling low’ right through to having more serious feelings such as suicide or harming your baby.


One of the concerning aspects of this is that we aren’t encouraged to be open and honest with our feelings. There’s a huge societal expectation and pressure to be permanently overjoyed and contentedly picking out cute baby outfits, looking great, whilst juggling our pre-baby lives at the same time. Of course you might very well be delighted but also experience some different, more unexpected feelings too.


It’s important not to confuse the usual hormonal highs and lows that usually follow soon after birth. Your body is a potent cocktail of hormones at this stage – and experiencing a few weepy days is entirely normal. If your low mood continues for weeks after the birth you will need to be open to the idea of postnatal depression.


Some of the symptoms of PND:

  • Always feeling sad, low and weepy

  • Lacking energy with a persistent feeling of tiredness (beyond what you’d expect)

  • Insomnia and the inability to nap during the day

  • Feeling as though you aren’t coping or managing to take care of yourself or your baby

  • Avoiding people

  • Masking your true feelings or putting on a brave face

  • Having problems concentrating and focusing

  • Having dark thoughts about yourself or your baby – thoughts of harm or abandonment

If you’re going through some or all of the symptoms described above it’s so important to know that you can get immediate help. As we’ve said, it’s a common issue and so there are lots of support systems in place to help you understand your feelings, learn that it doesn’t mean you’re failing as a parent or that your baby is at risk. Remember, 10% of new parents feel this way.


There are a number of reasons why PND can strike – especially if you don’t have a support network of family and friends around you; have a history of depression or other mental health problems or are experiencing other life challenges at the same time. Finances, geography, relationships all play their part. And let’s not forget that your life has been invaded by this tiny new being that needs your love, care and attention forever more! It’s a lot to manage. Overwhelm is a huge contributor to PND.


You know by now that I like to remind us all of the holy trinity of sleep, exercise and good food – well here it is again. Babies are not conducive to any of these essentials so it’s vital to get a good basic foundation however you can. This is where some help can be invaluable.


When anyone offers to help, think about whether they can babysit while you get a couple of hours’ sleep in. Ask them if they’d like to go on a walk with you and your new baby – fresh air and getting outside will do wonders for your mindset, even if it’s the very last thing you feel like doing. And food – say yes please, can you make me a sandwich, salad, lasagne – whatever it is that you need. People love to help and won’t think any less of you for accepting.


My favourite - put a note on your front door – “Please don’t knock or visit just now, new baby asleep” and then make the most of your baby’s sleep time to get organised and even take a nap yourself. And no one actually knows if the baby is asleep – take the time you need. A single mum friend of mine sometimes wondered when she would find time to shower so she’d pop her baby safely in a car seat and take him into the bathroom with her where she could keep an eye on him from the shower!


Of course, whilst this advice will help you to feel better on a basic level, it won’t help directly with postnatal depression which is a mental illness and needs individual treatment. You can talk to me, your health visitor, practice professional or GP. I am qualified and here to help. We will talk through your feelings in a safe space, confidentially and free of judgement. There are many options available to you and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much help there is.


And just as a final note – PND can affect all parents, dads and partners as well as mums. It’s a whole new world for everyone.


 

References:

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/post-natal-depression/overview/



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