Post-natal depression: let your voice be heard
Posted by: Uticopa in postnatal depression on Feb 06, 2009
We've all read about celebs who talk about suffering from post-natal depression (PND). In the old days, women in the news were often reluctant to discuss such problems, fearing they would be branded weak in a macho, male-dominated world. However, in recent times some well-known celebrities have spoken openly about their own PND. The list includes Sadie Frost (actress), Natasha Hamilton (former Atomic Kitten singer), Elle Macpherson (model), and TV presenters Melinda Messenger, Katie Price (aka Jordan) and Gail Porter. Additionally, American actress Brooke Shields has written a book about her own experience with PND. It's called ‘Down Came The Rain: A Mother's Story of Depression And Recovery'.
By speaking out, what all these women have done is help to lift some of the stigma associated with PND. Let's get a few facts.
What exactly is PND?
Post-natal depression or PND is the name given to depression that develops between one month and up to one year after the birth of a baby. It affects many women and can begin suddenly or develop gradually. However, it is important to distinguish postnatal depression (PND) from 'baby blues' and postnatal psychosis.
What it isn't
‘Baby blues' occurs between three and 10 days after giving birth. 'Baby blues' are much more common than PND and affect around 80 per cent of women. Women with 'baby blues' feel tearful and overwhelmed, due to an overwhelming decline in pregnancy hormones following childbirth. It leaves women feeling sensitive, weepy, vulnerable and very emotional. ‘Baby blues' are common and to be expected following the birth of a baby, usually disappearing within a few days without any treatment other than personal support.
Postnatal psychosis, however, is less common than either ‘baby blues' or PND and much more serious. It affects one in 500 women in the first week or so after childbirth. It involves having difficulties thinking clearly (thought disturbance), seeing or hearing things that are not there (hallucinations), feeling everyone is against you (paranoia) and powerful delusions. This is a medical emergency and if you think you have this, a doctor should be contacted immediately.
If I'm diagnosed with PND, what should I do?
Sometimes a new mum may begin to feel overwhelmed by the sheer changes that have occurred in her life. She feels weighed down with the responsibility of caring for a dependant new baby. She may feel she simply can't cope. And she may even find herself having severe mood-swings, self-harming or suicidal thoughts, trouble bonding with her baby or being overly protective of the baby. About one in ten mums suffer from PND although many never discuss it openly. And PND can strike long after the baby's birth; sometimes mums are not diagnosed for up to 18 months or longer. It also tends to get worse with each subsequent pregnancy, so it is vital to seek medical advice.
Discuss your symptoms with your doctor or health-visitor so that you can be treated appropriately. Remember that, if left untreated, PND can get worse. Sometimes a partner, friend or relative may notice changes in a mum's personality and they may urge her to seek help. In most cases a course of mild antidepressants, counselling and more free time may be all that is required. Going out for a brisk walk, with or without the baby, and a brief sleep at some point during the day can help immensely. However, if your doctor feels that medication is necessary remember to tell her that you are breastfeeding.
Coming soon: a PND Questionnaire
We will shortly be publishing an on-line PND questionnaire, produced by a team of Edinburgh doctors, for you to fill in. Rather like those pregnancy test-kits that you can buy over the counter, this is a way for you to find out in complete privacy whether or not you have PND symptoms and the likely severity of it.
Above all, remember that no woman should feel isolated and alone after giving birth. In past centuries, doctors and nursing staff would deal with births in a cold, clinical fashion, completely ignoring a new mother's feelings. But no longer! It is a major event in your and your baby's life, and it's time all mothers made their voices heard.
