Postnatal Depression

​Postnatal depression is a type of depression that many parents experience after having a baby.

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It's a common problem, affecting more than 1 in every 10 women within a year of giving birth. It can also affect fathers and partners, although this is less common.

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It's important to seek help as soon as possible if you think you might be depressed, as your symptoms could last months or get worse and have a significant impact on you, your baby and your family.

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Common symptoms of postnatal depression

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The main symptoms include:

• a persistent feeling of sadness and low mood

• loss of interest in the world around you and no longer enjoying things that used to give you pleasure

• lack of energy and feeling tired all the time

• trouble sleeping at night and feeling sleepy during the day

• feeling that you're unable to look after your baby

• problems concentrating and making decisions

• loss of appetite or an increased appetite (comfort eating)

• feeling agitated, irritable or very apathetic (you "can't be bothered")

• feelings of guilt, hopelessness and self-blame

• difficulty bonding with your baby with a feeling of indifference and no sense of enjoyment in his or her company

• frightening thoughts – for example, about hurting your baby; these can be scary, but they're very rarely acted upon

• thinking about suicide and self-harm

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These symptoms can affect your day-to-day life and your relationships with your baby, family and friends.

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If you think you may be depressed, contact info@beibeihaven.org as soon as possible so you can access the support you need.

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Don't struggle on alone and hope the problem will go away. It can continue for months or years if not addressed.