Other Mental Health Conditions

Postnatal mental health conditions are very common. After the birth of your baby you are more at risk of developing a mental health condition than at any time of your life, whether you are a mother or a father. It is well known that depression and anxiety are common in this post-partum period, but you might also be at risk of developing other conditions too, or you might see a resurgence of previous symptoms. It is important to keep track of any symptoms that develop as many people just put it down to be tired and adjusting to new baby.

Having a new baby increases the stress and pressure in your life in so many ways (fatigue, financial stress, relational stressors etc). Stress can be a risk factor for developing mental health conditions along with:

• A personal or family history of mental health problems

• Lacking practical, social and or emotional support

• Current drug and/or alcohol problems

• History of abuse (physical, sexual or emotional)

• Having an anxious or perfectionist personality.

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If you have a number of these risk factors you could be at risk of the development of a mental health condition (remember, they are only risk factors however, they do not mean you WILL get a mental health condition).