What is Postnatal Depression? Could I have it? The arrival of a new baby is meant to usher in a new world of joy, fulfillment and wonder. For many, this is the experience of early mothering, but for many others, the birth of the baby sets the new mother on a journey into a world of confusion, chaos and sadness. Most expectant mothers attending antenatal classes are told that the majority of mothers who have just given birth, become weepy, agitated and generally emotional for a few days after the birth. This is what is commonly known as ‘The Baby Blues’. Typically, this distress lasts only a day or two, at the most, a fortnight, and the new mother then recovers her equilibrium and feels steady enough to cope with the enormous adjustments involved in accepting her new baby into her life. Over and above ‘The Baby Blues’ which characterise the first few days after the birth, the early months certainly leave most new mothers feeling tired. Life seems chaotic. Most mothers are shocked at how such a small person can create such a huge impact. There is little time for oneself, or for the baby’s father, and it can often take quite some time to establish a routine. Many mothers wonder whether they will ever have a life of their own again. During this time it is quite normal to be fairly anxious, to feel more dependent, and to feel incompetent. However, as the weeks go by, the new mother ought to feel as though she is learning to manage more and more. But sometimes things don’t work out this way. ‘The Blues’ of the first few days don’t go away, they get increasingly more overwhelming. The mother gets sucked into a downward spiral, feeling more and more unhappy, or anxious and panicky, and less and less competent. Unfortunately, most mothers believe that this experience is rare, and that somehow they are to blame for the way in which they feel. Instead of sharing their despair and seeking help, their sense of shame keeps them silent and alone. It is therefore imperative that mothers, fathers, grannies, aunts, friends, doctors … and more… know that Postnatal Depression is real !!!   It affects 1 in 10 women and is blind to religion, race and class. What are the symptoms of Postnatal Depression (PND)? A woman suffering with PND would describe experiencing some or all of the following feelings: I feel depressed all of the time  I feel so empty inside  I feel irritable and confused  I feel like crying for no reason  I feel exhausted all of the time  I feel helpless, inadequate and unable to cope  I feel worried all the time … especially about the baby  I feel scared and panicky  I feel ashamed and guilty  I feel as if I don’t know who I am anymore  I have no interest in anything  I don’t sleep the way I used to I don’t love my baby the way I should  I don’t want sex anymore  I sometimes think of hurting the baby or myself  I can’t concentrate on anything – I can’t read anymore  I feel so desperately alone A mother experiencing some or all of the above symptoms for at least two weeks is suffering from PND.      What causes PND? PND is thought to be the result of a combination of biological, social and psychological factors. Here are some of the factors that would put a woman at risk: Loneliness and having no help with the baby – an inadequate support system  Being a high achiever, a perfectionist, who has to be in control  Being depressed during pregnancy  A traumatic birth experience  Previous episodes of depression  Depression in close family members  High levels of stress during and after pregnancy  A history of sexual abuse  Unhappy relationships with one’s own mother and/or father  An unhappy relationship with the baby’s father  Being unrealistic about how the baby will affect one’s life  Being disappointed in how one managed labour and/or breast feeding Memories of unresolved past losses and sad events,  bereavement, miscarriage, abortion, giving up a child for adoption, etc….  What should you do if you think you have PND? Nurture yourself – experiment until you discover what makes you feel good, whether it be a cup of tea, a bath, or a walk outside, and give yourself daily access to this. Take time out from the baby – sleep deprivation has an effect on the brain’s chemistry and can certainly intensify a depression  Eat sensibly – don’t try to lose the weight gained during the pregnancy now  Exercise even if you don’t feel like it. Exercise increases the levels of brain chemicals that elevate one’s mood and combat depression  Lower your housekeeping standards Delegate – accept offers of help, avoid trying to ‘do it all’  Share feelings with people you can trust  Avoid spending time with people who make you feel anxious or unhappy  Develop a support system – fight the impulse to withdraw. Stay connected to loving others  Trust that you will recover – take one step at a time and set small, achievable goals  If you do not get better alone – GET HELP!!   Untreated, PND can continue for years. You do not need to suffer through this experience alone. Tell your baby’s father, the sister at the clinic, your midwife, your family doctor, a helpful friend, and/or make contact with the Postnatal Depression Support Association.  What is the Postnatal Depression Support Association (PNDSA)? PNDSA is non-profit organisation committed to educating the lay and professional public about PND and providing support to women suffering from PND through offering group support, assessments and appropriate referrals. The approach to treatment is multi-modal: we believe that a combination of individual therapy, group support and medication (where indicated) affords the most effective outcome. Call their Helpline at: +27-11-440-3307 or 082-659-9471 (Gauteng) or Liz at 082-882-0072 (National) Email this article to a friend Back to Articles on Child Care...