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Postnatal Depression

A very real problem for many women after the birth of their baby. This section covers ways of identifying Postnatal Depression and how to seek help.

If after giving birth the feeling of tearfulness hasn't cleared up within a few weeks, talking to your midwife or GP can help.
 
As many as eight out of 10 women get what's known as the 'baby blues'. It normally begins within a few days of the birth, and common symptoms include bursting into tears for no reason, or feeling fantastic one minute and miserable the next. Fortunately, the symptoms only last for a short time.

If you become more unhappy or upset, or if your low mood lasts longer than a week, you might have postnatal depression.

Postnatal depression affects one in 10 new mums. You're more likely to develop postnatal depression if:
  • you’ve been depressed in the past,
  • there's a family history of postnatal depression or depression during pregnancy,
  • you've had a difficult pregnancy, or problems with your baby’s health,
  • you feel isolated, with nobody close to talk to,
  • you've had a recent bereavement,
  • you have little money or nowhere settled to live, or
  • you have twins or triplets, mainly because of the additional stress of caring for more than one baby.  
But postnatal depression can happen to anybody, no matter what your circumstances, and no matter how much you love your baby.

If you’re feeling low, talk about it. Tell your partner, a friend or anyone you’re close to who’s a good listener. In milder cases, which are common, just having someone to talk to can often make you feel better.

Signs to look out for:

Most cases of postnatal depression start within six months of the birth, but can occur any time within a year. You can feel overwhelmed by hopelessness. You may feel angry, or too exhausted to be angry or to do the simplest tasks.
Symptoms can include:
  • crying a lot,
  • difficulty sleeping,
  • thinking you’re a bad mother,
  • not being able to cope, and blaming yourself,
  • anxiety and panic attacks,
  • being overwhelmed by even the smallest tasks,
  • feeling anxious or guilty,
  • feeling tense and irritable,
  • an inability to make decisions, and
  • poor concentration.

 

Getting help

If you or your family think you might be suffering from depression, it’s important to get help as soon as possible. Talk to your midwife or health visitor and explain how you're feeling. Don't wait for them to visit you. They will be able to assess and advise you. If you can't contact your midwife or health visitor, talk to your GP.

You may not be suffering from depression. Some women have postnatal anxiety, and might have horrible thoughts about their baby’s safety. Talk to your midwife, health visitor and doctor about this, too.

What can they do?

Your health visitor may be able to make extra visits, so that you can talk. Some of them run groups where mums who've had depression can get together and make new friends.

You can see your GP.  Guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) state that you may be offered an exercise programme, psychological therapies, counselling or an antidepressant. It depends on the severity of your depression and whether you've had depression before.

There are antidepressants that are safe for breastfeeding mums. Over time, with the right support and, if necessary, treatment, you'll recover.

Guernsey Postnatal Depression Support Group is looking for Team Leader to reactivate the Group.  We think that this is an invaluable service to have on Island.  If you are interested in the position click here for more information.

HSSD are currently running a group to support mothers who are experiencing post-natal depression or who want to learn more about it. The group is headed by clinical psychologist Dr Sara Johnson who can be contacted on 725241 extn 3368
 
Other sources of help and information include:

www.get.gg - offers self-help information, resources and tools for depression and other mental health concerns.

Please feel free to contribute to this article by contacting us. Or share any advice or experience on this subject.  CLICK HERE to join the Guernsey Grapevine.



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