Time To Talk About Postnatal Depression
Self Help, Medication Or Therapist?
*This is a collaborative post
What Is PND?
Postnatal depression is a specific type of depression that can affect many parents after having a baby.
After giving birth the feelings can be overwhelming, it's such a shock to your life and your body so all sorts of feelings can come flooding out. It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed and overtired,
30-80% of new parents experience low moods or 'baby blues' after bringing home a new baby, but sometimes those feelings develop into something more serious such as postnatal depression.
PND is more common than most people think, approximately 1 in 10 new mums suffer from it, but even dads and partners can struggle with it too. It tends to develop between 0-2 months after giving birth, but in some rare cases it can develop months afterwards.
Seek Help
If you feel unable to cope, or feel like you have any of the symptoms of postnatal depression, you've already taken the first step - which is great. You've recognised the signs. (You can read more about the signs and symptoms here). Be sure to speak to your health visitor/midwife/GP about how you are feeling and they can support you and give you plenty of love and advice. Speak to your loved one and let them know what you are going through, just please make sure you tell someone.
There are 3 main types of treatment for PND - self care, medication or therapy. There are pros and cons for each type of treatment and what works for someone else, might not work for you - so it's important to speak up and talk about what might be best for you. (If you are in the US, BetterHelp can help you find a therapist near you).
Our Experiences Of PND
"I had it very badly after my second. And probably went undiagnosed after my first. I had medication and regular therapy and it helped me no end. Initially I was scared to ask for help as I thought they would take my kids away. I couldn't have been more wrong." - Pink Pear Bear
"I was diagnosed with PND and anxiety when my third was 6 weeks old. I didn't feel I could cope on my own so decided to take the medication route (alongside online therapy). It made a huge difference, and a year on I'm medication free and feeling completely different!" - Emily and Indiana
"..On meds for 6 weeks and just stopped as I didn't really like taking them (I am back on meds now anyway). I just really didn't like my daughter and then I hated myself and all the guilt that came with that". - Isablog
"I had PND with each of my five and was actually hospitalised several times. I just felt so desperately sad and had no idea why. Through medication and a lot of therapy, I am finally in a much better place although nearly 15 years since I was first diagnosed. I still have regular CBT sessions." - Five Little Doves
"I had it with my second child and felt useless and was constantly scared my children would be taken away from me, if I said how I felt and how I was struggling. So I kept quiet and acted as if things were ok whilst secretely living in darkness in my head and by keeping light off and pulling curtains for months. Took me 10 years to finally go and get some medication and then everything got better." - Kate On Thin Ice
Remember postnatal depression is common and it doesn't make you weak or a bad parent. It's so important to seek help and advice as soon as possible as your symptoms could get worse. Please, don't struggle alone. You aren't alone.
PANDAS Foundation is a fantastic support system that are focused on helping and advising any parent who may be struggling with pre or postnatal depression. They can also offer advice to loved ones about how they can support someone who is suffering.
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