Postnatal depression is a condition that women can develop after giving birth, usually in the first four to six weeks, but sometimes the symptoms cannot appear for many months. Many women are not even aware they are suffering from the condition, as the symptoms can often be similar to those shared by many, healthy new mothers, tiredness, lack of sleep and feeling low. However, it is important that friends and family monitor the mental health of new mums, to make sure that they are not struggling with postnatal depression. It is quite a common condition, with one in ten mothers in the UK suffering from PND at some point after giving birth and even new fathers can be affected too.
Causes and symptoms
Postnatal depression is more likely to occur in women who have had stressful pregnancies or deliveries, though researchers are not sure why this should be. Other factors that can induce postnatal depression can include concerns about coping with the baby, money problems, lack of support at home and previous mental health conditions. Genetics are also thought to play a part in the development of postnatal depression, if you or someone in your family, have suffered from the condition before, then you are more likely to have similar symptoms again. The symptoms of postnatal depression are similar to regular depression, such as low mood, feeling irritable and tearful, panic attacks and difficulty sleeping. As well as these signs, women or men with postnatal depression may also feel unable to cope, overwhelmed by their new responsibilities and show little or no interest in their new baby. In some severe cases, women may have thoughts about harming their baby or themselves. In these situations, it is important that medical attention is sought as soon as possible.
Diagnosis and treatment
The only way to diagnose postnatal depression is by talking to your GP and having him ask you questions about how you are feeling and how you are coping with the baby. Your doctor may decide to carry out some simple medical tests to rule out other physical conditions, like an under active thyroid or anaemia. Women may be reluctant to seek medical help, as they might worry that they will be seen as a bad or unfit mother. Partners or families must do their best to reassure them that seeing their doctor is the best thing for both them and their baby. The most important element in the treatment of postnatal depression is plenty of support for the new mother or father from their friends or family. Your family doctor may decide that some counselling would be a good idea, and in some severe cases they may also decide to prescribe an anti-depressant. According to research, tricyclic anti-depressants are the safest type of tablets for breast feeding mothers to take.
