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Receive our newsletterElaine Hanzak advises mothers, health professionals and family support groups worldwide regarding principles of care for sufferers and approaches to treatment for postnatal depression. Here she answers some of your questions about both recognising and coping with PND.
Becoming a mother is a huge role change even if everything meets your expectations. People often comment that few babies sleep well which adds to the feeling you are doing things wrongly. With sleep deprivation tasks become like mountains to climb and symptoms of postnatal depressions can begin to appear – exhaustion, loneliness, aggression, irrational thoughts, neurotic behaviour and feeling emotional are just some of the signs.
You are not alone. Studies show that up to 70% of new mothers feel their mental health is affected after giving birth. The good news is that with help you can get better. Postnatal depression is a term used to cover a range of mental illnesses identified during the first 12 months after becoming a mother and can range from the baby blues, to mild/moderate depression up to severe depression and puerperal psychosis.
Do not suffer in silence. Talk to someone about how you are feeling – your GP, health visitor, family, friends, on-line support. If they are not as empathetic as you feel they should be do not give up, talk to someone else.Ask for and accept help for practical and emotional support. Most people around you will only be too pleased to help shop, cook meals, play with baby whilst you rest or have some ‘me time’. Be kind to yourself and try not to do too much other than care for your baby and you – let delegation be your new skill and suggest someone else makes that cup of tea for you.
Many studies show that those suffering from postnatal illness who have a strong support network and close relationships tend to recover quicker than those without. However, part of the illness affects your moods and personality in such a way that it is easy to alienate others, for example, being short-tempered! You are likely to put up many barriers to resist help such as feeling that you should be able to manage yet by reaching out others will only be too happy to help. Decide together what you need and delegate the tasks. Try to keep calm using relaxation techniques, explain as clearly as you can what needs to be done and take a deep breath before you may be tempted to criticise anything which isn’t exactly as you wanted – there is more than one way to change a nappy! Show gratitude – and remember that one day you will be well enough to reciprocate.
A depressive illness at any stage in life is often hard to understand but following the birth of a baby everyone’s expectations are high and postnatal depression shatters them for all concerned. One approach is to work as a team to help no-one feel isolated or alone. All of you need to get information and advice about the illness to increase understanding of it and accept it is not a personal vendetta!
Communication is the key – expressing respective needs, listening and learning when the best time to approach things is. Avoiding blame and criticism and accepting you all need space and time to relax are also crucial. Pride often has to take a back seat in preference of the main focus upon helping the new mother to recover with as much support around her as possible for a speedier recovery.
Medication often can help to reduce the symptoms of postnatal depression and ease the process of recovery by helping to regulate the low mood you are suffering from. However, it is not the answer for everyone as there may be other reasons, e.g. self esteem problems, which may be the biggest cause of concern and needs other steps to address it such as counselling. You may choose to try other self-help strategies initially such as making sure you have a good support system around you, that you are getting enough rest and that you are eating and exercising well. These techniques should be used with or without medication as part of a holistic approach to recovery. However, your GP is the person to consult who will take account of your previous medical history and discuss which medication may be best for you. They will take time to take effect and you will need close monitoring to assess their effects with changes and adjustments to the dose as appropriate.
Some ladies worry about the stigma attached to taking antidepressants but you need to remember that postnatal depression is an illness and that a possible chemical imbalance needs to be adjusted. People take medication for many reasons for a physical illness without worrying, so there should likewise be no concerns on this matter. The latest drugs are not addictive, some are possible to take whilst breastfeeding and overtime your symptoms will subside and with guidance from the GP you can gradually come off the medication. Postnatal depression can be very scary but remember that it is not your fault, you are not alone and you will get better.
To speak with Elaine for individual expert advice on postnatal depression call her on 09056754612 or view her profile.
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