The truth is, welcoming a baby into the world is a huge life event and brings with it a whole range of feelings - some good, some difficult to manage.
Up to one in seven women in Australia will experience postnatal depression (PND) after the birth of their baby. It's important that parents are aware of the signs and symptoms, and that they know when and how to seek help if it's needed.
In this guide, we'll cover what postnatal depression is, what symptoms you should look out for, and how it can be treated.
What is postnatal depression?
Postnatal depression (also referred to as postpartum depression) is a common form of depression that occurs after a person has had a baby. It's different from the post-birth 'baby blues' that people talk about that affect up to 80% of new mums.
It can develop suddenly, or gradually over time which can make it tricky to identify and can be mild to very severe.
Many people are so wrapped up in caring for their newborn that they don't stop to check in with themselves, so understanding postnatal depression is an important step in being able to take the best care of yourself and your baby.
How long does postnatal depression last?
Because every situation is unique, there's no definitive timeline for how long postnatal depression lasts. It can start anytime within a year of a baby's birth. It is important to recognise that depression also starts in pregnancy for up to one in ten women.
Postnatal depression is different from the 'baby blues' in that it can last for an extended period if not treated, and does not go away on its own. In some of cases, it can become very severe and impact on your ability to function and care for your baby - so it's important to seek help early and not wait until things get worse.
What causes postnatal depression?
There's no clear cause for postnatal depression, but there are some factors that can make it more likely that you'll experience postnatal depression. These include:
- Having a family history of mental health problems after childbirth.
- Dealing with anxiety or depression while pregnant or if you were already managing mental health issues before becoming a parent. If you have a history of depression or mental health problems and are thinking about getting pregnant it's a good idea to speak to your GP so that they can support you and offer you appropriate, safe treatment.
- Experiencing a stressful event after the baby arrives such as moving house, a relationship breakdown, or the death of a loved one.
- Having twins. Mums of multiple births can be more at risk.
- Lack of support from a partner, close family, or friends.
- Experiencing domestic violence or trauma.
Having a baby is a life-changing event that can sometimes trigger depression, even if none of the above points apply to you.
Common postnatal depression symptoms
Unfortunately, postnatal depression often goes undiagnosed because people either don't recognise that they have it, or they overlook their symptoms because they're worried about judgement from others.
It's important to know that PND is common, and you'll never be judged for speaking out about how you're feeling. Being aware of and spreading knowledge about the symptoms of postnatal depression is an important step in raising awareness and reducing the stigma around it and helping more parents get the support they deserve.
Signs that you or someone you know might be depressed that people should be mindful of include:
- A feeling of sadness or a low mood that doesn't go away
- Lack of interest or enjoyment in things that once brought joy
- Avoiding contact with others and withdrawing from social situations
- Trouble sleeping in the evening
- Feeling tired or lacking energy during the day
- Finding it difficult to take care of the baby or yourself
- Problems with decision-making and concentration
- Under or overeating
- Thinking that you're a bad parent
- Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or guilty
- Lacking confidence or feeling low in self-esteem
- Having concerning or intrusive thoughts about things like hurting the baby or yourself
If you are struggling to get through the day, care for yourself or your baby, thoughts of suicide or harming yourself or your baby you should seek help right away. Start by asking your GP to arrange for you to see a mental health professional that day or going to your local Emergency Department.
