Depression

Post-natal depression can become overwhelming very quickly. The trajectory of depression can differ for each person (some develop symptoms quickly, others more slowly, some develop symptoms during pregnancy or once baby is born) but the effects can be serious, long-lasting and impactful for the whole family. This is especially the case if depression is left untreated- which may lead to very serious consequences like an inability to care for yourself or your baby and thoughts of self-harm or suicide. The statistics in Australia suggest that postnatal depression affects one in seven women after the birth of their baby (https://www.panda.org.au/).

One of the key features of postnatal depression is a loss of pleasure and enjoyment in life and lacking interest in things that you previously enjoyed doing. Other symptoms of postnatal depression include:

• Feeling low in mood and in some cases having very little feeling (numbness)

• Lacking energy to even get through the day

• Feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness

• Anger, irritability, feeling resentful, sensitive, tearful and/or highly emotional

• Changes in sleep (staying awake when you should be sleeping or wanting to sleep all the time)

• Weight loss and/or gain and changes in eating habits

• Problems with concentration, thinking or decision-making

• Feeling isolated and alone.