Post Natal

Postnatal Depression is a depressive illness which affects between 10 to 15 in every 100 women having a baby. The symptoms are similar to those in depression at other times. These include low mood and other symptoms lasting at least two weeks.

Post Natal Depression is a depressive disorder which affects between 10 to 15 in every 100 women who have a baby. The symptoms are similar to those in depression at times but can be a lot more subtle too. Depending on the severity, you might find that you are less able to cope with demands of your baby and of your home. You may even find simple tasks difficult to manage.

Sometimes there is an obvious reason for Post Natal Depression, but not always. You may feel distressed or unable to cope, therefore you may feel guilt as you expected to be happy about the arrival of your baby. However, Post Natal Depression can happen to anyone and through no fault of their own. No one really knows the causes of Post Natal Depression, some relate Postnatal Depression to the change in hormones, but then we understand that only 10-15% of women suffer from Post Natal Depression. Its also known that men can suffer quite highly from Post Natal Depression, who are not going through hormonel changes. This doesn’t meen of course that the changing of hormones dont play a part in Postnatal Depression but theres clear evidence to rule out that thier directly related.

Symptoms of Post Natal Depression are:

  • Thoughts of harming yourself or the baby
  • Persistent crying
  • Preoccupation with death of the baby
  • Over vigilance with baby (Obsessing about small things)
  • Sleeplessness
  • Sleeping too much
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Loss of apetite
  • Loss of interest in sex
  • Irritability
  • Empty feeling
  • Feeling worthless

Some syptoms are are lot less obvious than these, symptoms such as low self-esteem, being easily frustrated and increased anxiety are also telling signs of Post Natal Depression.

It’s never too late to seek help. Even if you feel like your depression has been with you for a while, you can still get better. The help you need depends on the severity of your depression. I help treat mums in the areas of Stockport, Manchester and Cheshire to recover from their Post Natal Depression. I use a combination of methods to help you overcome this problem, one of which is the very effective CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy).

“My post natal depression turned what should have been a joyful time into a scary nightmare. Regular sessions with Dawn helped me to make sense of the depression and I am now fully recovered. I didn’t want to take anti depressants as I was breastfeeding, so my therapy was a miracle to me. I can’t thank her enough xxx” – Sarah, Bramhall

So remember, it doesnt matter how long your Post Natal Depression has gone on or how severe it effects you, theres always a way out. If you have any queries about your symptoms or you feel like Post Natal Depression is effecting you please call us for more information.