Becoming a mum is one of life’s most transformative experiences. It’s often a time of joy, love, and excitement, but for many mothers, it can also bring unexpected challenges and emotional struggles. Postnatal depression (PND) is one of those challenges, affecting around 1 in 10 women within a year of giving birth (https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/post-natal-depression/overview/). It’s important to know that PND is not a weakness or failure - it’s a common condition that can happen to anyone, and support is available to help you through it.
What is postnatal depression?
Postnatal depression is a type of depression that occurs after having a baby. While it’s normal for new mums to experience some emotional ups and downs, sometimes referred to as the ‘baby blues’, these feelings usually subside within a couple of weeks. PND is more severe and long-lasting, often impacting a mother’s ability to function day-to-day and bond with her baby.
PND can begin at any time in the first year after childbirth, though it commonly develops within the first six weeks. It’s not just the result of hormonal changes - it can also be triggered by a combination of physical, emotional, and social factors.
Symptoms of postnatal depression
The symptoms of PND can vary from person to person, but common signs include:
· Persistent low mood: Feeling sad, tearful, or emotionally numb most of the time.
· Lack of energy: Struggling with fatigue, even after resting, and finding it hard to get through the day.
· Difficulty bonding: Feeling disconnected from your baby or struggling to enjoy moments with them.
· Guilt and shame: Feeling like a failure as a mother or blaming yourself for how you feel.
· Overwhelm and anxiety: Feeling like you can’t cope, worrying excessively about your baby, or experiencing panic attacks.
· Changes in appetite or sleep: Eating too much or too little and having trouble sleeping.
· Loss of interest: Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy or feeling indifferent about things that once mattered.
These symptoms can make you feel isolated and overwhelmed, but you don’t have to face them alone.
Causes of postnatal depression
PND doesn’t have a single cause - it’s often a combination of factors, such as:
· Hormonal changes: The dramatic drop in oestrogen and progesterone after childbirth can affect your mood.
· Sleep deprivation: The physical and emotional toll of disrupted sleep patterns can lead to exhaustion and irritability.
· Life adjustments: The challenges of adjusting to a new identity as a mum, balancing responsibilities, or coping with unrealistic expectations can be overwhelming.
· Previous mental health issues: A history of depression, anxiety, or trauma can increase the risk of PND.
· Lack of support: Feeling unsupported by your partner, family, or friends can make motherhood feel even harder.
PND can affect any mother, regardless of her circumstances or experience. Recognising the symptoms and seeking help is the first step toward recovery.
How counselling can help
Counselling offers a compassionate and non-judgmental space where you can explore your feelings and work towards healing. Here’s how it can help if you’re struggling with postnatal depression:
· Understanding your feelings:PND can be confusing and overwhelming. Counselling helps you make sense of your emotions and understand why you’re feeling the way you do, giving you clarity and validation.
· Reducing isolation: Many mums with PND feel isolated, as if no one understands what they’re going through. Counselling provides a safe space to share your experiences and feel heard, helping to break the cycle of loneliness.
· Building coping strategies: Through therapy, you’ll develop practical tools and strategies to manage symptoms of PND, such as dealing with anxiety, improving communication with loved ones, and setting boundaries to protect your wellbeing.
· Strengthening the mother-child bond: PND can sometimes make it difficult to connect with your baby. Counselling can help you work through these feelings and rebuild a strong, loving bond with your child.
· Addressing underlying issues: PND doesn’t happen in a vacuum - it may be linked to past trauma, unresolved grief, or relationship difficulties. Therapy can help uncover and address these deeper issues, allowing for lasting healing.
· Encouraging self-care: Counselling emphasises the importance of self-care, helping you prioritise your needs and recognise that taking care of yourself is essential for your overall health and your ability to care for your baby.
You are not alone
If you’re struggling with postnatal depression, remember that it’s not your fault, and you don’t have to face it alone. Many mothers have been where you are and found help, support, and hope through counselling.
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