Insight into post-natal depression

What is post-natal depression?

Post-Natal Depression (PND) is one of the most common illnesses suffered by women following childbirth. It is not unusual to feel emotional, anxious, depressed or irritable after giving birth. This is often known as the 'baby blues' but these feelings pass in the first couple of weeks.

PND is more severe and continues for a longer period of time. It may develop slowly and appear several weeks after the birth of the baby. You may feel in creasingly low or over-anxious and looking after yourself or the baby might become difficult.

A single cause for PND is not known and many women suffer from PND when there is no obvious reason. However, relationship difficulties, money or housing worries, a sick baby, and previous experience of depression may be contributing factors. There could be increased risk if you have suffered PND before and it can sometimes run in families. The good news is that with support and treatment you will recover and can start enjoying motherhood.

What are the signs?

Many mothers do not recognise they are suffering from PND or that it is treatable. Common signs are:

• Anxiety / panic attacks
• Loss of libido
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of interest in the baby
• Sleeplessness / cannot get enough sleep
• Memory loss or lack of concentration
• Tearfulness and feeling unable to cope

Not everyone has all of these symptoms. Acknowledging them does not mean that you are a bad mother. Anyone can get PND. Rarely, women suffer from puerperal psychosis, which is a very severe condition that usually comes on within days of giving birth. The symptoms can include extreme mood swings, irrational behaviour, severe depression and delusions. It requires prompt medical help and most women are admitted to hospital.

What next?

If you experience some of the above symptoms for more than a short period of time you should talk to your GP, health visitor or community midwife. A combination of support from different people is most effective in tackling PND.

Self-help

Whether or not you are receiving medical treatment there are ways you can help yourself.

• Most important is to believe that you will get better, even though it will take time.
• Talk to other people - being a new mother can feel lonely and frightening. If you cannot confide in those close to you, call a confidential helpline or join a support group where you can meet other mothers.
• Try to rest as much as you can.
• Eat regularly and healthily and exercise.
• Make time to do something for yourself.

Talking or psychological therapies
These involve talking and listening with a trained therapist, who will not judge you. You can ask your doctor for talking therapies regardless of medication or other treatments. Sometimes these are available at your doctor's surgery or health centre. Your doctor may refer you to a voluntary organisation or you can approach one yourself. NHS talking therapies are free, but they may not be available locally or there may be a waiting list. Some people find that talking therapies can be hard work and may raise painful emotions or memories, but over time may feel the benefits. Others find it provides a release and helps to talk.

Complementary or alternative therapies
These cover a range of treatments, some of which may provide benefits in treating PND. Therapies include herbal remedies, yoga, reiki, Indian head massage, homeopathy and reflexology. It is important that you use a properly qualified practitioner. You should always discuss complementary treatments with your doctor and let him/her know if you are using any and the results.

Medication
Anti-depressant drugs are commonly used to treat PND. You cannot become addicted to them but, like other medicines, they may cause unwanted side effects. When choosing an anti-depressant your doctor will take into account if you are breast-feeding and any previous responses to similar medication. They will not work immediately but it is important that you persist with them and do not stop taking them without speaking to your doctor.

Further help

NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Talking Therapies
If you are registered with a GP in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, Huntingdon or Fenland, you can access this service via self-referral or through your GP. Call 0300 300 0055. Lines are open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, excluding Bank Holidays. it offers a range of support to help you make changes in your life to improve your wellbeing and to help you cope with stress, anxiety and depression. This includes self-help reading materials, guided self-help (both over the telephone and face-to-face), one-to-one therapies.
To self-refer or for more information about the service, please see our webpage:   NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Talking Therapies

PANDAS: Pre- and post-natal depression advice and support
Helpline: 0843 28 98 401. 09:00-20:00 every day.
More information is available on their website here: https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/

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