Postnatal depression

Many new parents feel tired or overwhelmed, but postnatal depression is different. In postnatal depression, you may have feelings of:

• sadness
• numbness
• hopelessness

These symptoms affect your ability to cope with and enjoy your daily life.

Postnatal depression is common, affecting about 1 in 7 women in the first year after having a baby. Up to 1 in 10 fathers also experience depression around this time.

If you have symptoms of depression, there's lots of support available to help you get back to enjoying life and your new baby. Getting help early is best for both you and your baby.

People experience postnatal depression differently, but many people will have similar symptoms or difficulties. Sometimes, signs of depression are missed or dismissed as a normal part of life with a new baby. So, it's a good idea to be aware of the common signs of postnatal depression.

Common symptoms of postnatal depression you might notice include:

• feeling low or numb
• feeling helpless, hopeless or worthless
• losing interest in others, including your new baby
• changes in your sleep or appetite
• having no interest or pleasure in things your normally enjoy
• tiredness or problems with concentration and making decisions
• thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

About 4 out of 5 new mums experience 'baby blues' in the first 3 to 5 days after having a baby. These feelings are usually due to the hormonal changes that happen during pregnancy and birth.

If you have 'baby blues', you may:

• feel tearful, sensitive, anxious or overwhelmed
• feel moody or irritable
• have trouble sleeping

These feelings can be challenging, but they usually pass on their own within 10 days.

In postnatal depression, your symptoms:

• last longer than 2 weeks
• may be more severe
• usually interfere with your ability to function normally

Unlike 'baby blues', postnatal depression doesn't usually go away on its own. This can be especially tough to cope with when you are recovering from birth and have a new baby to look after.

It can be hard to know if what you're feeling is normal or might be the start of something more serious. If you're not sure, it's a good idea to check in with your doctor or child health nurse.

Both anxiety and depression are more common after the birth of a baby. Many people who have postnatal depression will have anxiety at the same time.

Some symptoms are similar, but anxiety and depression are different conditions that may need different treatments. Postnatal anxiety can cause feelings of worry or fear that are difficult to control. In both conditions, you may struggle to cope with your daily activities.

There are some factors that can increase your chance of developing postnatal depression. These include:

• a history or family history of mental illness
• a lack of social support
• previous trauma or a history of physical, sexual or emotional abuse
• current or recent stressful life events
• previous pregnancy losses
• a difficult pregnancy or birth
• a baby who is unwell or difficult to settle

Having one or more of these risk factors does not necessarily mean that you will develop postnatal depression.

If you have any of these risk factors, make sure you have enough practical and psychological support during your pregnancy and after your baby's birth. This can help to reduce your chance of developing depression and help you to cope better if you do become unwell.

If you notice symptoms of postnatal depression, talk to your:

• doctor
• midwife
• child health nurse

They may:

• ask about how you have been feeling
• give you a questionnaire to complete
• ask to speak with your partner, if you have one
• do a physical examination

Try to be as honest as you can. This will make it easier for the doctor or nurse to give you the treatment and support you need. Remember, postnatal anxiety and depression are extremely common. There's no need to feel ashamed.

There are several treatments for postnatal depression. Your treatment will depend on your symptoms and how severe they are.

Treatments include:

• psychological therapies
• antidepressant medicines
• self-care measures

Your doctor will discuss with you the benefits and disadvantages of any treatment. This includes the impact of any medicines on breastfeeding.

Psychological therapy

Psychological therapy or counselling can help in the treatment of depression. Therapy aims to give you support, education and information on how to understand and cope with depression.

Therapies may include:

• cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT)

Medicines

In some cases, your doctor may prescribe antidepressant medicines to help treat depression.

Self-care measures

You can help improve your symptoms by:

• getting practical help and emotional support from family and friends
• eating a healthy diet
• keeping active with physical activities you usually enjoy
• planning for regular, quality sleep
• using stress-management techniques, such as muscle relaxation and deep breathing

It can be difficult to establish and maintain a healthy lifestyle while recovering from birth and looking after your new baby. There is no shame in asking for and accepting help from family and friends.

Self-care is important to keep yourself physically and mentally healthy. Remember that looking after yourself benefits your whole family, especially your new baby.

If you or someone you know is showing signs of postnatal depression, anxiety or both, see your doctor. It's important to seek help early. Help is available.