Introduction:

Welcome to Benefit Mankind’s Postnatal Depression Support page. We understand that postnatal depression (PND) can be overwhelming, but you’re not alone. This page is dedicated to providing resources, information, and a supportive community for individuals and families affected by postnatal depression.

What is Postnatal Depression?:

Postnatal depression (PND) is a common mental health condition that affects new mothers and fathers after the birth of a child. It is characterized by feelings of sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that can interfere with daily functioning and bonding with the baby.

Our Mission:

Our mission is to provide compassionate support, education, and resources to individuals and families affected by postnatal depression. We aim to create a safe and understanding environment where individuals can find healing, hope, and recovery.

Support Services:

Online Support Groups: Join our online support groups to connect with others who understand what you’re going through. Share your experiences, offer support, and find solidarity in a non-judgmental community of individuals working towards recovery from postnatal depression.

One-on-One Counseling: Access confidential counseling sessions with trained professionals who specialise in treating postnatal depression. Our counselors can help you navigate the challenges of parenthood, explore coping strategies, and provide support tailored to your individual needs.

Parenting Workshops: Attend parenting workshops focused on topics relevant to postnatal depression, such as stress management, self-care, and building healthy parent-child relationships. Learn practical skills and strategies to support your well-being and the well-being of your family.

Resource Library: Explore our resource library for articles, books, videos, and other materials related to postnatal depression. Find information about treatment options, self-help techniques, and supportive resources for individuals and families affected by postnatal depression.

Helpline: If you’re in crisis or need immediate support, our helpline is available 24/7 to provide assistance. Our trained volunteers are here to listen, offer guidance, and connect you with additional resources as needed.

Symptoms of postnatal depression

Many women feel a bit down, tearful or anxious in the first week after giving birth. This is often called the “baby blues” and is so common that it’s considered normal.  The “baby blues” do not last for more than 2 weeks after giving birth. If your symptoms last longer or start later, you could have postnatal depression. Postnatal depression can start any time in the first year after giving birth.

Signs that you or someone you know might be depressed include:

a persistent feeling of sadness and low mood

lack of enjoyment and loss of interest in the wider world

lack of energy and feeling tired all the time

trouble sleeping at night and feeling sleepy during the day

finding it difficult to look after yourself and your baby

withdrawing from contact with other people

problems concentrating and making decisions

frightening thoughts – for example, about hurting your baby

Many women do not realise they have postnatal depression because it can develop gradually.

Non-urgent advice:Speak to a GP, midwife or health visitor as soon as possible if:

you think you may be depressed

Many midwives and health visitors have been trained to recognise postnatal depression and have techniques that can help.

Remember that:

a range of help and support is available, including talking therapy

depression is an illness like any other

it’s not your fault you’re depressed – it can happen to anyone

being depressed does not mean you’re a bad parent

it does not mean you’re going mad

your baby will not be taken away from you – babies are only taken into care in very exceptional circumstances

Treatments for postnatal depression

Postnatal depression can be lonely, distressing and frightening, but support and effective treatments are available.

These include:

self-help – things you can try yourself include talking to your family and friends about your feelings and what they can do to help, making time for yourself to do things you enjoy, resting whenever you get the chance, getting as much sleep as you can at night, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet

talking therapy – a GP may be able to recommend a self-help course or may refer you for a course of therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

antidepressants – these may be recommended if your depression is more severe or other treatments have not helped; your doctor can prescribe a medicine that’s safe to take while breastfeeding

Local and national organisations, such as the Association for Post Natal Illness (APNI) and Pre and Postnatal Depression Advice and Support (PANDAS), can also be useful sources of help and advice.

Causes of postnatal depression

The cause of postnatal depression is not completely clear.

There are a number of things that may make you more likely to have postnatal depression. These include:

a history of mental health problems, particularly depression, earlier in life

a history of mental health problems during pregnancy

having no close family or friends to support you

a difficult relationship with your partner

recent stressful life events, such as a bereavement

physical or psychological trauma, such as domestic violence

Even if you do not have any of these, having a baby is a life-changing event that can sometimes trigger depression.

It often takes time to adapt to becoming a new parent. Looking after a baby can be stressful and exhausting.

Preventing postnatal depression

There are things you can do during pregnancy to help you keep well, such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle and having someone you can talk to and turn to for support.

Going to antenatal classes and making friends with other pregnant women or new parents can also be helpful.

If you are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant, talk to a GP or your mental health team if:

you have a history of depression or mental health problems

someone in your family has had mental health problems after childbirth (for example, your mother or sister)

This is so they can offer you appropriate treatment.

You can also talk to a midwife, who can support you or refer you to specialist mental health services if needed. If you have had a mental health problem while pregnant, your doctor should arrange for you to be seen regularly in the first few weeks after birth.

The mental health team, maternity team and GP will work closely with you during your pregnancy and after you have given birth.

Myths about postnatal depression

Postnatal depression is often misunderstood and there are many myths surrounding it.

These include:

postnatal depression is less severe than other types of depression – in fact, it’s as serious as other types of depression

postnatal depression is entirely caused by hormonal changes – it’s actually caused by many different factors

postnatal depression will soon pass – unlike the “baby blues”, postnatal depression can persist for months if left untreated and in a minority of cases it can become a long-term problem

postnatal depression only affects women – research has actually found that up to 1 in 10 new fathers become depressed after having a baby

These factors are equally true of antenatal depression.