Postnatal Depression
Postnatal depression, commonly known as PND, affects between 10 to 15 in every 100 women after having a baby. More often than not there is an obvious reason for PND.
You may feel irritated, guilty, angry, short tempered or emotional. This is a time when you would expect to be happy. But if the right support is not offered or expectations are not met, then it is quite easy to slip into PND without realising.
PND can happen to anyone and it is not your fault.
Symptoms of Postnatal Depression to look out for:
These symptoms may vary for each individual and may include:
- Feeling sad, angry or confused
- Feeling more emotional than usual
- Experiencing fatigue or low mood
- Lack of appetite, or overeating
- Difficulty bonding with your child
- Lack of connection
- Lacking concentration
- Insomnia or nightmares
- Withdrawing from your friends or family
- Worrying all the time
- Short tempered or easily irritated
Postpartum Depression
Common signs of PND can appear anytime after giving birth. It is more common to notice signs one to two months after your baby is born. However, this doesn’t mean that PND can’t start months down the line. You can suffer PND at anytime after having your baby.
The best support you can get is turning to friends and family. Be honest how you are feeling. There are support groups that offer PND support, or local supporting community companies like Mothers Matter. Or call your GP.
If you have been feeling a black fog following you or you feel short tempered, but it has been months since you had your baby, it is not too late. Do not ever feel it’s too late to seek support. You can message us anytime or seek some advice from your GP or health visitor.
Mothers Matter offer local support to mothers during pregnancy through to motherhood
Some ways to support your health and wellbeing include:
Listening Opportunities
Counselling
Local Groups
Online Forums
Befriending Services
Pregnancy Hubs
Antenatal Classes
Workshops
- Practising Self Care - some actions which may help include going for a walk, reframing thoughts and behaviours, putting aside time for you, spending time with friends and family
- Medication - if you have exhausted other options first, and its safe for you to take.
Contact Mothers Matter
If you feel you may benefit from any of our services, then please contact Mothers Matter:
Mothers Matter
Unit 2 Crown Buildings,
Tonypandy CF40 1QF
Monday – Friday 9.30am – 5.30pm
Saturday 9.30am – 2pm
Call: 01443 548590
How can we help?
Feel free to ask a question or simply leave a comment.