Post-natal depression is a mood disorder or form of depression that occurs after childbirth. Its acronym, which is used by the vast majority, is PND. It affects both sexes but it is more prevalent amongst women and it affects at least one in every eight new Mums. This may result in the Mother being unable to look at herself or to take charge over simple menial tasks, for either her and her baby. It mostly affects mum within the first few weeks but it can come at any time within the first year after giving birth. Sometimes, Mum’s life with her newborn baby will start off taking shape, but after a while, the ailment may gradually catch up with the new Mother.

Some of the symptoms include low moods and a general lack of joy in one’s life. Irritability is also a major symptom. The Mother becomes very thin-skinned and can feel very over-sensitive. The affected Mum can also have a tendency of feeling lethargic and visibly tired, coupled with a feeling of desperation and also anxiety.

Her anxiety could be based on a couple of factors, such as her worry that her baby may not be healthy enough and is possibly not hitting the intended or desired scale of weight based on how old baby is. The anxiety could also stem from the fact that the Mother feels like she could possibly never improve or get better, hence worrying that she is not coping with taking care of her baby.

Sleeplessness is also another issue. The affected Mum may feel like an insomniac with a tendency to wake up at night despite feeling tired. Some women also lose their appetite and find that they are only eating only for survival, whereas others overeat as they seek refuge or comfort in food. Ultimately, they end up feeling bad about their subsequent weight gain.

The Mother could also lose her interest in sex due to the resulting pain after childbirth or caused by a general lack of desire. There can also be an influx of negative energy and thoughts and a complete dip in confidence. She may also feel like the love she tries to show to her baby is not reciprocated, which may leave her feeling unloved.

All these symptoms can be experienced singularly or simultaneously. Suicidal thoughts can also be a factor, even including psychotic tendencies, such as hearing voices. Naturally, this is frightening for the woman affected, which can trigger a desire to seek safety. A lack of focus and concentration can be other symptoms experienced by women suffering from post-natal depression. Depending on the severity of the condition, women may feel one or more of these symptoms at a given time.

It is still not crystal clear as to some women suffer from post-natal depression, and others don’t. Its causes are most likely due to a combination of several factors. These elements can include a pre-existing cause for depression, which can be related to some aspects of the Mother’s lifestyle. For example, post-natal depression can be more prevalent in women who may be experiencing social difficulties, perhaps in some of their important relationships, or financial issues. However, there are many other possible factors.

Also, it is not unusual for an expectant mother, to have big expectations of how her newborn baby is going to change her life, but of course, the day to day reality of coping with motherhood may come as a shock, possibly triggering post-natal depression.

Some women could be more susceptible and prone than others based on various factors. This includes whether one has previously experienced mental health issues before, whether the baby was born healthy and if her baby is thriving and developing well, or not. Additionally, the woman’s support system is very important. Like other major life changes, it becomes clear at a time like this, how a person’s support system is. While some women may be disappointed and shocked to observe that their support system is weak, others may be nurtured by a strong, loving support system. Without a good support system, people often lack the positive feedback that they require to thrive, so this factor can easily shift the balance if a woman is already feeling vulnerable.

These days there is a better degree of openness about mental health issues of all types, yet depending on your circle of friends, family and acquaintances, there can still be some stigma surrounding post-natal depression, or any form of depression. As a woman going through this, it can be almost automatic to desire to conceal your post-natal depression to others, especially as you already feel very sensitive and possibly ashamed of your situation and/or mothering abilities. Although it may seem hard to digest, particularly when you are feeling low, there is nothing at all to be ashamed of, or feel the need to hide. In fact, the sooner you can seek support, the better, both for you, baby, your partner and others close to you.

For women who are more open about what they are experiencing, it will be likely that those who care about you, will realise that you are suffering from some form of depression. This is better than hiding how you are feeling, as you then have the chance to seek understanding and help

Although a number of medical studies have been carried out around this topic, as yet there is no concrete evidence about methods to prevent post-natal depression. Especially if you have been prone to mental health issues previously, or there is a family history of depression or mental health issues, then special attention should be focused on having a very healthy and positive lifestyle. This should include a healthy diet, sleeping patterns and having a strong support network. If you are hoping to become pregnant or already pregnant, all of these aspects of life should be analysed and planned to ensure you have the best outcome.

Preparation with prevention in mind is undoubtedly the best strategy. For example, this medical study, which had the objective of, “evaluating the effectiveness of continuous midwifery care in reducing the rates of postnatal depression in women with histories of depression,” concluded that, “While continuous midwifery care had no impact on the psychiatric outcome, it was highly successful at engaging women in treatment and therefore has an important contribution to make in the care of child-bearing women with mental health problems.”

Treatments for postnatal depression are normally based on the severity of the case. The main treatments are medication, self-help and psychological. Each treatment modality has its own pros and cons, but when you speak to your doctor, you can make an educated decision together. When possible, psychological treatments are the first choice.