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Mental Health Information: 
 
This page contains detailed information about: 

Post Natal Depression
 
This can be treated by our specialists. Please feel free to print out a copy for your personal use. 
 
Post Natal Depression: 
 
 
Post natal depression is a term used to describe mood disorders occurring to women in the first year after birth of a child, there may be a fine line between what is considered normal and abnormal. There are 3 different postnatal disorders that can appear: 
 
  • THE BABY BLUES - In the first week after the birth of a baby, up to 80 percent of all women will experience a period of mild depression commonly called the baby blues. This is usually a time of extra sensitivity and symptoms include tiredness, anxiety, tearfulness, insomnia and mood changes that tend to peak between 3-5 days. 
  • POST PARTUM PSYCHOSIS - Post partum psychosis is the least common of postnatal disorders. This condition usually appears within the first few months following childbirth and may occur in mothers with a personal or family history of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder (manic depression). 
  • POSTNATAL DEPRESSION - Postnatal depression has a much slower insidious onset. It is most likely to occur between the 3rd and 9th month after the birth of the baby. It is not a transitory condition and it may persist for 6-15 months or longer. Experiences vary considerably but usually include several of the following symptoms. Some symptoms may not indicate a severe problem. However, persistent low mood or loss of interest or pleasure in activities, along with four other symptoms occurring together for a period of at least two weeks indicate clinical depression and require treatment. 
    •  
    The symptoms are very like those felt with general depression feelings such as exhaustion, emptiness, hopelessness and panic (fear of rejection by their partner). Behavioural elements are also important pointers to diagnosis; these include insomnia or excessive sleep, changes in eating patterns, withdrawal from social contact, poor self care,the inability to cope with routine tasks. Our Godden Green clinic in Kent has a dedicated mother and baby unit . 
     
    What support is available? 
     
    There are several treatment options for postnatal depression including medication, counselling, group therapy and self-help support groups, depending on the woman’s needs. Medication alone is never sufficient and should always be accompanied by counselling or other support services.  
    Specific treatment include:- individual counselling, relationship counselling, psychotherapy including cognitive behavioural therapy and antidepressant medication. 
     
    Self- help techniques are also important:  
     
    Make each day as simple as possible. Avoid extra pressures or unnecessary tasks.  
    If you have a partner, involve them in the care of the baby from the beginning.  
    Discuss with your partner how you can equally share the household chores and responsibilities.  
    Accept all reasonable offers of help, especially in the first few weeks.  
    Don’t spend time with people who lead you to feel worse about your self or your mothering  
    Find someone you feel comfortable with (or maybe other mothers in your area ) to share your feelings and concerns.  
    Maintain an active social life - have ‘time out’ each day 
    Try to sleep and eat regularly  
     
     
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