Becoming a parent is indisputably one of the biggest events you can experience in your life.
After such a life-altering event it can, understandably, leave lots of people struggling with their mental health and in need of support.
Postnatal depression (PND) is a common problem that occurs after pregnancy and affects more than 1 – 10 women within a year of giving birth.
It can also affect partners.
PND presents differently in different people and many parents don’t realise they have the condition because it can develop gradually.
What are the symptoms?
Low mood and persistent sadness
Feeling persistently sad, low, or emotionally numb for an extended period.
Lack of energy
Experiencing extreme fatigue and difficulties sleeping, even when the baby is sleeping.
Difficulty bonding with baby
Struggling to form a strong emotional connection with your newborn.
Changes in appetite
Significant changes in appetite, leading to either overeating or loss of interest in food.
Frightening and intrusive thoughts
Having persistent, distressing thoughts or fears about harm coming to oneself or the baby.
Lack of enjoyment and loss of interest in the wider world
Losing interest in activities that were once enjoyable or feeling a lack of connection with your new baby.
Fatigue
Experiencing extreme fatigue and difficulties sleeping, even when the baby is sleeping.
Withdrawing from contact with other people
Feeling like you don’t want to see or talk to anyone
Lack of concentration and difficulty making decisions
Intense Irritability
Feeling unusually irritable, restless, or on edge.
Causes
We don’t really know what causes PND but having a history of mental health problems, a lack of support around you, a poor relationship with your partner and having experienced a stressful event such as a bereavement are all factors that can increase your chance of having PND.
‘Baby Blues’ or PND?
PND is not to be confused with the ‘baby blues’. Hormone changes that happen after birth may cause the baby blues which can leave you feeling temporarily tearful and depressee. After delivery, the amount of the hormones estrogen and progesterone suddenly decreases, causing mood swings. The so called baby blues usually only lasts a few days and occurs within the first couple of weeks of giving birth. Once your hormones level out you’ll feel like yourself again.
Seeking help for PND
If you or someone you know is showing signs of PND, it’s important to seek help promptly.
The first step is to reach out to a healthcare professional, such as a GP or midwife, who can provide a diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options.
There are several organisations that can help too:
PANDAS offers support to individuals experiencing pre- and postnatal mental health issues. Helpline: 0808 1961 776.
Mind provides information and support for anyone experiencing mental health problems. Helpline: 0300 123 3393.
Samaritans offers a 24/7 helpline for emotional support. Helpline: 116 123.
Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and you don’t have to face postnatal depression alone.
Postnatal depression can impact any new parent, regardless of background or circumstances. Please share this with your loved ones so they know what to look out for too.
Check out our Parents Mental Health First Aid course here.
This unique and interactive course has been created for parents with babies and children of any age to help them through the challenges of mental health and wellbeing throughout parenthood.
The e-learning course combines education on different elements of mental health with proven CBT and mindfulness techniques and guides you through creating a personal wellbeing plan that you can come back to again and again.