Mental Health

Postnatal depression (PND) is estimated to affect at least 10-15% of mothers during the first year of having given birth. Here’s how to know if you’re experiencing PND and what help and treatment is available.  

The birth of a baby is an emotional time and it’s normal for a new mom to feel a mixture of joy and anxiety. But childbirth can also result in unexpected depression. Postpartum or postnatal depression (PND), not to be confused with shorter-lasting “baby blues”, is a condition that can prevent you from bonding with your child, have a long-term effect on your mental health, and that requires professional treatment.

Baby blues

The baby blues or three-day blues, commonly starts on day two or three after giving birth. Many moms have mood swings, feel emotional, tearful, anxious, irritable, and can’t sleep. However, these feelings generally resolve within 10-14 days. PND is a much deeper, more long-term depression.

Symptoms of PND

  • Sadness
  • Mood swings
  •  Tearfulness
  • Feeling of hopelessness or guilt
  • Insomnia
  • Obsession with lack of sleep
  • Changes in appetite
  • Extreme loss of energy
  • Loss of interest in things around you
  • Lacking interest in your baby and yourself
  • Thoughts about death, suicide or harm to yourself or others.

When to see a doctor

If the above feelings don’t improve after two weeks, or they’re making it difficult to care for your baby and do your everyday tasks, reach out to your GP, obstetrician-gynaecologist, or other healthcare professional as soon as possible – immediately if you have thoughts of self-harm or harming your baby.

Remember that PND is an illness and these feelings are symptoms of it. They don’t make you a bad mother or a weak person and there’s no need to feel embarrassed or guilty about how you’re feeling.

Once you’ve been diagnosed and have a counselling and treatment plan in place, it will become easier to cope with your PND symptoms, bond with your baby, and start your healing process.

What help and treatment is available for PND

  • You may be referred to a psychiatrist for antidepressant medication
  • It’s often recommended that you receive therapy from a qualified counsellor or clinical psychologist in conjunction with medication
  • Group therapy with other women who are grappling with the same issues can be a huge support
  • Reach out to friends and family for support. Explain to them what you’re going through. You may be surprised to find that some suffered with PND symptoms in the past, either without realising it, or when appropriate treatment was unavailable
  • Call the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) 0800 567 567 for advice and to find out if there is an appropriate local support group near you.

To find a mental health professional near you, go to www.mediclinic.co.za