Although most mothers may experience the ‘baby blues’ in the first few days following childbirth (a common condition related to hormonal changes that generally passes without need for treatment), Postnatal Depression (PND) is more severe and longer lasting and can adversely impact both mother (e.g. causing decreased enjoyment in life, self-harm) and baby (e.g. causing infant cognitive, emotional and developmental problems).

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Risk Factors

Factors that may contribute to experiencing PND include (but are not limited to):

• History (personal or family) of mental illness

• Difficult pregnancy or birth

• Premature or sick baby

• Challenges with feeding or settling

• Sleep deprivation

• Financial or relationship stress

• Lack of social support

Symptoms

Symptoms of PND may include:

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• Feeling low or numb - some people describe feeling nothing at all

• Loss of confidence, feeling helpless, hopeless and worthless

• Feeling teary and emotional, angry, irritable or resentful towards others

• Changes in sleep - not being able to sleep, even when you have the opportunity to or, conversely, wanting to sleep all the time

• Changes in appetite - accompanied by weight loss or weight gain

• Lack of interest and/or energy

• Difficulties concentrating, thinking clearly or making decisions, which could also result from lack of sleep

• Feeling isolated, alone and disconnected from others

• Having thoughts of harming yourself, baby and/or other children

• Finding it difficult to cope and get through the day

If you are experiencing a number of these symptoms, and these are lasting for two weeks or more in the first year of having your baby, you may be experiencing postnatal depression.

Treatment and prevention

Treatment and prevention strategies for PND vary dependent on the severity of a person's symptoms, their response to treatment and personal preference. It often includes more than one approach (sometimes referred to as adjunct therapy). Options include:

• Psychology/counselling - Support groups, psychotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can all be helpful if you have PND. A great resource to help you find local professional help is the e-COPE Directory. You can also ask your GP to refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist, or you can call the PANDA hotline (1300 726 306) who can put you in touch with counsellors.

• Medication - prescribed by a GP or psychiatrist to ease symptoms of depression and/or anxiety.

• Behavioural strategies - including diet, physical activity (exercise) and sleep (that’s where the FOMOS program can help!)

Support

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Click here for a comprehensive list of mental health organisations and online villages that can provide support for postnatal women experiencing symptoms of postnatal depression.