Post natal depression

Post natal depression or PND is more pervasive than baby blues and the symptoms last a lot longer.

Symptoms may include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, guilt, blame, fear and overwhelm. Some may have ‘scary thoughts’, thoughts of harming themselves or the baby.

The severity of the symptoms vary from one person to another. It can affect fathers too. The thoughts you may have does not make you a bad person and does not mean you will act on them. The important thing is to recognise them and inform someone close to you or your GP.

PND is relatively common, affecting 1 in 10. As doctors we want to know if you are struggling so that we can support you in any way we can. For some, counselling, talking therapy or lifestyle changes may be enough to help. For others they may need medication and for a very few, may need further input from perinatal mental health teams.

Having mood difficulties before does increase your risk. Isolation, such as many have experienced this year will also have a big impact.

Here are a few things that may help to prevent PND:

• Eat nourishing food with lots of vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats like avocados and nuts

• Take a high quality omega 3 and vitamin D supplement.

• Gentle exercise – preferable outdoors to get some sun and Vitamin D and taking small slices of the day to care for yourself.

• Take Time -When the baby is resting take 5 minutes as a minimum, make yourself your favourite drink and do something for YOU.

Most importantly – please seek support if you are concerned.