Postnatal depression

Symptoms of postnatal depression include low mood, finding it hard to enjoy things, difficulty sleeping, and feeling hopeless or worthless.

A GP or health visitor will ask you questions about how you're feeling to help them diagnose postnatal depression.

Treatments for postnatal depression include talking therapies and antidepressants.

Things you can do to help with postnatal depression include talking to someone, getting support with chores or childcare, and exercise.

It's not known exactly what causes postnatal depression. But it's more likely if you've had depression or another mental health problem before.

Symptoms of postnatal depression include:

• low mood
• finding it hard to enjoy anything
• feeling hopeless or that you cannot cope
• feeling guilty or worthless, or that you're a bad parent
• feeling fearful, anxious, or worrying all the time
• feeling restless or irritable
• difficulty sleeping, even when you get time to rest
• difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• difficult feelings about, or difficulty bonding with your baby
• thoughts of suicide, harming yourself or your baby

Symptoms can begin while you're pregnant, soon after birth, or up to a year after your baby is born.

• you think you might have postnatal depression

It's important to get help even if you only have some of the signs. You're more likely to get better with treatment.

If you see a GP, health visitor or midwife about postnatal depression symptoms, they will ask you questions about how you've been feeling. You may be asked to fill in a questionnaire about your symptoms.

If they think you have postnatal depression, they'll talk to you about the treatment and support that's available.

You may be scared that your baby will be taken away if you ask for help or share how you're feeling, but this is very rare. Your care team will give you the support you need to care for your baby.

Postnatal depression can be difficult to cope with, but treatment can help manage your symptoms.

You may get treatment from your GP, a talking therapies service, or from a specialist community perinatal mental health team. Perinatal means the time you are pregnant and up to 12 months after giving birth.

Treatments for postnatal depression include:

• talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• antidepressants

Many antidepressants are safe to use while breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding and they will prescribe you a medicine that's suitable for you.

Postnatal depression usually gets better in 3 to 6 months, but it can sometimes last for much longer. It's more likely to get better with treatment.

Coping with postnatal depression while looking after a baby can be very hard work. But there are things you can do to support your mental health.

• try talking about your feelings to a friend, family member, health professional or counsellor – you could also contact Samaritans by calling 116 123 if you need someone to talk to

• ask for help with practical things like shopping, chores and childcare

• try to get regular exercise, even if it's just a short daily walk

• try going to a local support group or parent and baby group

• try to get as much sleep and rest as you can

• make time to do things you enjoy, however small

• do not use illegal drugs or alcohol to manage your symptoms

If you have postnatal depression you can get support from your GP, health visitor or midwife. They'll also be able to give you information about local support services you may find helpful.

There are also local and national charities that can offer information and support.

Mind

Mind provide information about postnatal depression, including sources of support and how to help someone else.

• Mind: Postnatal depression and perinatal mental health
• Mind: Perinatal mental health support and services
• Mind: How to help someone else

PANDAS (Pre and Postnatal Depression Advice and Support)

PANDAS offer support to families affected by postnatal depression, including online and in-person support groups, a text line and a callback service.

• PANDAS: Support for families affected by a perinatal mental illness

It's not known what exactly causes postnatal depression. The stress of taking care of a new baby, lack of sleep, and hormonal changes in pregnancy may all be involved.

Things that can increase your risk of having postnatal depression include:

• having depression or another mental health condition before or during your pregnancy
• recent difficult life events, such as losing a job, or the death of someone close to you
• having a premature or unwell baby
• not having enough social support
• relationship problems
• experiencing domestic violence or abuse