Post-Natal Depression also called Post Post-Partum Depression (PPD) is a relatively common condition that occurs following the birth of a baby it is estimated that it occurs in approximately 10-15% of women; the severity of the condition can vary from mild depressive episodes commonly termed the “baby blues” through the spectrum to a very rare condition called “postnatal psychosis”.
The symptoms of PPD are like those which occur in ‘ordinary’ depression. These include:
- Feeling ‘low’, ‘miserable’ and tearful with no apparent reason. The feelings are present for most of the time, though they may be worse at certain times of day, particularly the morning.
- The inability to enjoy yourself. It is particularly prominent in new mothers who feel they aren’t enjoying having a new baby in the way they expected to. Which can lead to feeling of guilt which can compound the problem
- You may become irritable this could be with other children, the new baby and particularly with the partner.
- Disturbed sleeping patterns are a part of looking after a new baby. Mothers with PPD may find the additional problems of finding it hard to go to sleep even though you are tired, or waking early in the morning. In addition the lack of energy may be worse if you have PPD
- A decreased appetite can be another symptom of PPD which can become a problem since new mothers need all the energy they can get to look after their babies.
- Anxiety is a frequently occurring symptom in PPD. It can take many forms from being tense and ‘on edge’ all the time. The normal concerns any mother feels for a new baby may become overwhelming. Also some mothers report that they experience ‘panic attacks’ which are episodes lasting several minutes when they feel as if something catastrophic is about to happen – such as collapsing, having a heart attack or stroke.
- Feelings of being ‘worthless’ and ‘hopeless’. These are common in PPD. All mothers are faced with new and sometimes difficult problems with a new baby. However, mothers with PND feel all the more ‘not able to cope’ and unable to see a way through their difficulties.
Nobody knows what causes PPD; although it is likely that there are several factors. Following childbirth the hormone levels change combined with the stress of looking after a new baby and disturbed sleep. Mothers who have previously had mental health problems most commonly depressive episodes or if there is a family history of depression. Studies have also shown that significant life events during pregnancy, unplanned pregnancies and babies who are born with some kind of defect can also mean that the mother is more likely to develop PPD.
PPD is very treatable and is treated using the same methods as “normal” depression (antidepressants, therapy).Getting extra support and help with looking after the baby is also important. In instances where antidepressants are necessary it can cause problems with breastfeeding, since some drugs get into breast milk, however there are drugs that are safe. You should remember that the most important thing both from the baby’s and your point of view is to get better as quickly as possible. There are a few things that you are able to do to help. Depression is an illness and you are not suffering from it because you are weak or hopeless. Also remember that it is very common and that it will get better. Don’t worry that you will lose your baby. When mothers have PPD they often think that they are poor mothers and that if they speak to somebody like their GP, they will have their baby taken from them. This will NOT happen. What will happen is that you will get the help that you need to get rid of the PPD. Having a baby is tiring and stressful for any mother, you will not be able to manage all the things that you did before the birth. Reduce your commitments and accept help when it is offered. It is important that if you have a partner that you involve your partner. Having a young baby will be difficult for him too and he will be concerned about your illness. Encourage him to speak to your health visitor or GP so they can understand the illness you have, it is also important that you make time for yourself and with your partner. I can’t stress enough that if you have PPD it is NOT your fault and that with support it will help end the episode of illness as quickly as possible.
Mothers with PPD often worry about harming their babies, or not looking after them properly; generally they look after their children at least as well as other mothers. Unfortunately mothers and other family members do sometimes harm babies (battered babies). Very rarely a mother with postnatal psychosis may harm her child, this may be because she is suffering from false beliefs (delusions) such as that the child is terminally ill. Another option is that mothers may kill their babies before committing suicide themselves thinking that it is better for both of them to be dead. It is important to stress that cases are very rare and that PPD and postnatal psychosis are treatable illnesses and the sooner they are treated the better. If you have any worries that you may harm your baby, or you have worries that a mum you know may harm their child, speak to a health visitor or doctor as soon as possible. Due to the current system health professionals monitor the situation very closely however they are not mind readers if you feel that you may be experiencing PPD it is important to express these concerns to your health visitor.
Having suffered from PPD myself I can’t stress the importance of getting help as early as possible and it is NOT your fault and there is nothing you can do to prevent PPD and it is possible to have a normal life after the illness is treated and cured. My daughter is now 2 and we have a happy and healthy relationship