Is it psychologically difficult for you during the pregnancy or after the birth?
Postnatal depression may affect both men and women. About 10% of all women giving birth - and about 6% of all fathers - experience postpartum depression.
If you notice your joy disappearing during pregnancy or after giving birth, you may be experiencing a postnatal depression or a baby blues reaction. Your health visitor can help you determine which it might be.
Postnatal reaction
More than half of new mothers feel sad, anxious, or unsettled a few days after giving birth. This is called a baby blues or postnatal reaction and usually lasts from a few hours to a few days.
Around 2–3 months after birth, your health visitor will offer you a check-in to discuss how you are feeling. Before the session, you will complete a questionnaire. Based on your responses, your health visitor will assess whether you need extra support or may be at risk of postnatal depression.
Getting help
If you are experiencing postnatal depression, you will be offered visits from a specially trained health visitor. Together, you will decide whether a group programme through the health visitor service is suitable, or whether a referral to other professionals is needed.
What is postnatal depression?
A postnatal reaction is different from a postnatal depression. A postnatal reaction appear within a few days of giving birth and usually last only a few hours or days. Postnatal depression can be more persistent and requires support.
Symptoms of postnatal depression can include:
- Feeling down, sad, or tearful
- Lack of interest or pleasure in your surroundings
- Low energy and extreme tiredness
- Trouble sleeping
- Reduced or increased appetite
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Low self-esteem
- Feelings of guilt or self-blame
- Irritability or outbursts of anger
- Immersing yourself in work
- Fear of not being a good parent
- Anxiety about being alone or going out
- Fear of harming your baby
- Thoughts of suicide
Several factors can contribute to the development of postnatal depression, including:
- Family history of depression
- Hormonal changes
- Previous episodes of depression
- Fatigue due to lack of sleep
- Setting very high standards for yourself
- Relationship difficulties
- Poor relationship with your own parents
- Separation from your baby, e.g., if the baby is hospitalised
- Negative experiences during pregnancy or childbirth
- Multiple stressors occurring at the same time
Talk to your family, GP, friends, or trusted people. Accept practical help whenever possible:
- Let the other parent care for the baby as much as possible
- Ask someone to help with household chores
- Go outside each day and meet other people
- Attend your postnatal/maternity group
Postnatal depression can be treated effectively and does not last forever.