Postnatal depression
Postnatal depression (also known as postpartum depression) are negative emotional changes that last longer than two weeks after the birth of a baby. It’s a common condition that affects about 20% of mothers and 10% of fathers. Postnatal depression is more common after a first pregnancy.
How is postnatal depression different to the baby blues?
You may have heard of the ‘baby blues’. Around 80% of mothers experience these symptoms three to five days after having a baby. They include mood swings, difficulty sleeping and feeling teary, overwhelmed, or anxious. It’s not fully understood why the baby blues occur, but it’s thought that rapidly changing hormones are to blame. While it can be a challenging time, these feeling usually pass without the need to be treated.
Postnatal depression is more serious. It can come on anytime within 12 months of having a baby but it usually happens the first few weeks or months. Symptoms last longer than two weeks and are more severe. They often interfere with your ability to function normally, and in some cases, care for your child or other family members. Postnatal depression doesn’t go away on its own and requires treatment.
What are the signs of postnatal depression?
Postnatal depression affects people in different ways, but many have similar symptoms. You may experience any, or a combination of some of the following:
feeling low, sad, or depressed
feeling numb
feeling hopeless, worthless, or inadequate
mood swings
feeling anxious or restless
feeling angry or irritable
having negative thoughts
lack of energy
excessive crying
difficulty concentrating or remembering things
losing interest in usual activities and other people, including your baby
withdrawing from family and friends
feeling life is meaningless
changes in your sleep patterns (either sleeping too much or having trouble sleeping)
low sex drive
change in appetite
weight loss or weight gain
difficulty performing daily tasks
thoughts of harming yourself or your child.
What causes postnatal depression?
There is no one cause of postnatal depression. It’s believed that several factors can increase your risk. These include:
a history of depression prior to, or during pregnancy
family history of mood disorders
age (the younger you are, the higher the risk)
a complicated pregnancy
a traumatic birth
fertility issues prior to becoming pregnant
having twins
having a child with special needs
having premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
living with stressful life events
a history of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
lack of social support
changes in your relationship.
Can men really get postnatal depression?
Men are also at risk of postnatal depression, although the risk is lower than it is for women. Around 10% of fathers experience paternal depression between three and 12 months after the birth. Risk for men is related to:
being older
being a first-time parent
having a small circle of friends and limited social interaction
limited education
living with stressful life events
poor relationship with their partner
history of mental health issues
poor physical health.
How is postnatal depression diagnosed?
If you have any symptoms of postnatal depression, you should see your doctor. They will ask questions about how you’re feeling, what the pregnancy and birth was like, and will probably give you a questionnaire to fill out. Your doctor will be able to diagnose your depression based on your discussion and your answers to the questionnaire.
How is postnatal depression treated?
Treatment for postnatal depression will depend upon how severe your symptoms are. For some people, having extra support from family and friends may be enough. Others may need further treatment. The most common treatments include:
psychological therapies
anti-depressant medications.
How can you look after yourself?
Looking after yourself is very important if you have postnatal depression. You should take care of both your physical and mental health by:
eating a healthy diet
staying active – even if it’s a quick walk around the block
prioritising quality sleep
using stress management techniques
accepting practical help from family or friends
taking time for yourself away from your baby
engaging in your hobbies and interests as much as you can
talking to close friends or family about how you’re feeling
communicating openly with your partner about how you feel and what you need
making connections with other new parents
If you think you have postnatal depression, avoid judging or blaming yourself. Everyone’s experience of pregnancy, having a baby, and being a parent is different. The important thing is to tell a family member, trusted friend or your doctor how you feel and ask for help. There is no shame in asking for help and support if you need it. Doing so can make life a lot easier and happier for you.
Complications of postnatal depression
Postnatal depression that is not treated can interfere with your ability to bond with your baby. It can also last for some time and may turn into a chronic depressive disorder. Without treatment you may also be at higher risk of harming yourself or your child.
Sometimes postnatal depression can be so severe that it’s classified as postpartum psychosis. This is a rare but serious mental illness that can occur after the birth of a baby. Symptoms include:
confusion and disorientation
losing touch with reality
obsessive thoughts about your baby
hallucinations or delusions
severe agitation
disturbed sleep
paranoia
attempts to harm yourself or your baby.
Postpartum psychosis can come on quickly. It’s considered a psychiatric emergency and needs to be treated immediately.
When should you see your doctor?
If you’re feeling depressed, the sooner you get help, the sooner you can begin to feel better. You should see your doctor if you have signs and symptoms of depression and they:
don’t disappear after two weeks
get worse
make it hard for you to function normally
make it hard for you to look after your baby
cause you to have thoughts about harming yourself or your baby.
You can also seek help from:
PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) — 1300 726 306 - www.panda.org.au
ForWhen — 1300 24 23 22 (Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 4.30pm) - https://forwhenhelpline.org.au/
Gidget Foundation — online and telehealth support — 1300 22 4636 - https://www.gidgetfoundation.org.au/
Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636 - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
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Can you prevent postnatal depression?
It’s not always possible to prevent postnatal depression. However, you can take steps to reduce the risk. You should:
tell your doctor if you have a history of depression when you become pregnant
monitor for signs of depression during pregnancy (antenatal depression) as this increases the risk of postnatal depression
be realistic about your expectations for yourself and your baby
accept that you will have good days and bad days
limit visitors in the hospital and when you get home
put support strategies in place before you have your baby (e.g. home help, help with meals, etc.)
learn to actively ask for assistance from others, whether the support is practical or emotional
join a parents’ group to connect with others going through the same experience of having a baby
remind yourself that the challenges of early babyhood do pass.
Your local MediADVICE pharmacist is available to help you manage your health and support you as you go through life changes. We can provide advice on medication and other products that can support you and your family after the birth of a baby. We can also refer you to a doctor if necessary.
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General advice only – this information should not replace the information provided to you by your health care professional. If symptoms are severe or persist, please speak to your health care professional. Information current as of date of publishing.