Post Natal Depression, what is it?

A Postnatal depression is a depressive illness of mild to moderate severity occurring in the first year after the birth of a baby. It is known to affect 10-15% of women.
The following are some factors associated with postnatal depression:

• Past history of depression
• Life stresses such as moving house, difficulties at work and home, relationship problems, loss of employment and financial problems
• Previous pregnancy losses such as miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death

Discussing the above problems before the birth with the Midwife and Doctor will enable them to be a real source of comfort and support during your pregnancy and following the birth. It will also allow them to make an earlier assessment of how you are feeling following the birth and activate early treatment if necessary.

Postnatal depression presents as a persistent depressed mood or loss of interest in the things previously enjoyed for two weeks or more along with a number of the following symptoms:

• Feelings of guilt
• Disturbed sleep, fatigue (even when baby is sleeping)
• Reduced confidence in self
• Agitation
• Poor concentration
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Reduction in appetite
• Reduced self esteem – feelings of not being good enough
• Worrying excessively about own / baby’s health
• Feeling anxious
• Lack of enjoyment
• If severe may have feelings of self harm, suicide or harming baby.

If you experience any of these, you do require an urgent medical assessment and support.

Postnatal depression is an illness and can affect anyone. It can be treated successfully using a combination of treatments depending on its severity. An assessment with a GP is essential to decide on the correct course of treatment. It is a good idea to write a list of all the feelings and the symptoms you are experiencing before going to see your GP.

Treatments for postnatal depression:

• See your Doctor and Health Visitor to get the help and support you need
• Antidepressant medication may be prescribed
• Regular support visits from a Health Visitor giving the mother the opportunity to talk and to be listened to have been shown to be helpful.
• Counselling
• Attending a local support group
• Baby massage has been shown to improve the mother / baby relationship during the illness
• Enlisting and accepting help from family and friends
• Enlisting and accepting help from voluntary agencies such as Home Start
• Making time to relax
• Some mothers find it helpful to talk to a mother who has recovered from postnatal depression.

The Association of Post-Natal Illness offers this service. They can be contacted at 145 Dawes Road, Fulham, London SW6 7EB. Helpline 0207386 0868 web sitewww.apni.org email info@apni.org

Frances Byatt-Smith RN RHV BA (Hons) Psychology

Reference: Perinatal Mental Health – Integrated Care Pathway – NHS Lothian

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