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0203 326 9160 0203 761 7026 0203 761 7027 0203 761 7029Approximately 1 in 71 women suffer from postnatal depression. Successful treatment is available and seeking help is nothing to be afraid of. We can help.
Postnatal depression, also known as postpartum depression, is a serious mental health condition that can occur in the following situations:
Postnatal depression is sometimes referred to as the ‘Baby Blues’ – however the symptoms of postnatal depression are much more severe than the baby blues – which is often a short period many women (about 75%) will go through in the first few weeks following the birth.
Symptoms of postnatal depression usually start within the first 2 weeks post-delivery but can also start later than this. Baby blues usually occur within the week after the baby is born but should not last longer than a fortnight. If symptoms persist longer than 2 weeks, then this could be postnatal depression.
The key point about postnatal depression is that it can have a much greater impact on the woman and her family than depression experienced at other times in her life.
This is because of the strain it can put on relationships and family life, the mother – infant bond and even to later child development.
The ‘baby blues’ and postnatal depression can often be confused, which can prevent or delay parents from seeking the help they need, early on, before symptoms become severe.
New parents and mothers in particular, may feel under a lot of pressure – to fall instantly in love with their child, to cope and to ‘enjoy’ parenthood.
However, postnatal depression is a diagnosable mental health condition, sadly very common, but also treatable.
Baby Blues
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There are several factors that could cause postnatal depression to develop in mothers:
2https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/genetic_predictors_of_postpartum_depression_uncovered_by_johns_hopkins_researchers
Postpartum psychosis or puerperal Psychosis (PP) is the most serious mood disorder following child birth but is also thankfully the rarest, occurring in about 1 in 10003.
Mania, severe depression, persecutory beliefs about the child, delusions and confusion are prominent symptoms of postpartum psychosis. Puerperal psychosis seems to be highly heritable, with 10–25% of relatives of women with puerperal psychosis having some kind of severe psychiatric disorder.
Most importantly, for its correct management, it also tends to recur, with a chance of about 1 in 4 in each subsequent pregnancy. Treatment should be sought as soon as possible if a mother starts experiencing symptoms of low mood post delivery.
At a time when we needed to see an expert in postnatal depression, Clinical Partners were there. We were desperate for some help and the clinician was able to offer an effective treatment plan that has helped no end. Thank you.
Carla, Mansfield
It is important to seek professional help and postnatal depression support as soon as possible as early treatment for postnatal depression can help resolve the problem.
Not only can postnatal depression put huge pressures on the family, but it can have lasting implications for the wellbeing of the child. For instance, studies4 have shown that infants who have a parent who has postnatal depression may have slower developmental rates.
If left untreated the symptoms of postnatal depression can last for a significant length of time, becoming more severe and, for some, developing into puerperal psychosis.
Medical professionals are much more aware of the postnatal depression than they were 30 years ago – postnatal depression and postnatal psychosis are taken seriously, and treatment is available and can be effective.
Postnatal depression isn’t just something that affects the mother – fathers or partners can also develop postnatal depression. Exhaustion, a difficult or traumatic birth, changes in hormones (yes – they affect men as well) and financial pressures can all cause male postnatal depression.
Risk factors for developing postnatal depression:
The signs of postnatal depression differ in men; often fathers may turn to alcohol or drug use, become angry or aggressive, withdraw from social situations and feel hopeless about the future.
It can be much harder for men to come forward and see help for postnatal depression, however, left untreated the symptoms of postnatal depression can escalate and, as with mothers, are likely to impact on the development of the child.
The depression test is an easy and anonymous way of finding out if the symptoms you are struggling with and how you are feeling is a result of depression. Your results may indicate wether you might benefit from treatment from one of our friendly clincians.
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If you're struggling with an emotional or mental health problem, call us now to make an appointment face-to-face or online - and take the first step in getting the support you need.
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