Understanding
Post-Natal Depression
Post-natal depression affects new mothers through persistent sadness, anxiety, and overwhelming feelings that significantly impact bonding, daily functioning, and family wellbeing.
Understanding
Post-Natal Depression
Post-natal depression affects new mothers through persistent sadness, anxiety, and overwhelming feelings that significantly impact bonding, daily functioning, and family wellbeing.
Understanding
Post-Natal Depression
Post-natal depression affects new mothers through persistent sadness, anxiety, and overwhelming feelings that significantly impact bonding, daily functioning, and family wellbeing.
What does post-natal depression feel like?
Experiencing post-natal depression means feeling overwhelmed, sad, and anxious during what's supposed to be a joyful time, often accompanied by guilt about not feeling the expected happiness about motherhood. The condition goes far beyond typical "baby blues," involving persistent low mood, exhaustion that sleep doesn't relieve, and difficulty bonding with the baby. Many mothers describe feeling like they're failing, being trapped, or wondering if they've made a terrible mistake, whilst simultaneously loving their child but struggling to feel connected.
The experience often includes intrusive thoughts about harm coming to the baby, difficulty making decisions, and a sense of being completely overwhelmed by basic daily tasks. This creates a cycle of shame and isolation, particularly when comparing oneself to other mothers who seem to be coping better, leading to withdrawal from support systems at a time when connection is most needed.
Common Symptoms
Persistent sadness and tearfulness
Severe exhaustion and fatigue
Difficulty bonding with baby
Overwhelming anxiety about baby's wellbeing
Feelings of guilt and inadequacy as a mother
Loss of interest in activities and relationships
Intrusive thoughts about harm to baby
Sleep problems beyond normal newborn disruption
What does post-natal depression feel like?
Experiencing post-natal depression means feeling overwhelmed, sad, and anxious during what's supposed to be a joyful time, often accompanied by guilt about not feeling the expected happiness about motherhood. The condition goes far beyond typical "baby blues," involving persistent low mood, exhaustion that sleep doesn't relieve, and difficulty bonding with the baby. Many mothers describe feeling like they're failing, being trapped, or wondering if they've made a terrible mistake, whilst simultaneously loving their child but struggling to feel connected.
The experience often includes intrusive thoughts about harm coming to the baby, difficulty making decisions, and a sense of being completely overwhelmed by basic daily tasks. This creates a cycle of shame and isolation, particularly when comparing oneself to other mothers who seem to be coping better, leading to withdrawal from support systems at a time when connection is most needed.
Common Symptoms
Persistent sadness and tearfulness
Severe exhaustion and fatigue
Difficulty bonding with baby
Overwhelming anxiety about baby's wellbeing
Feelings of guilt and inadequacy as a mother
Loss of interest in activities and relationships
Intrusive thoughts about harm to baby
Sleep problems beyond normal newborn disruption
What does post-natal depression feel like?
Experiencing post-natal depression means feeling overwhelmed, sad, and anxious during what's supposed to be a joyful time, often accompanied by guilt about not feeling the expected happiness about motherhood. The condition goes far beyond typical "baby blues," involving persistent low mood, exhaustion that sleep doesn't relieve, and difficulty bonding with the baby. Many mothers describe feeling like they're failing, being trapped, or wondering if they've made a terrible mistake, whilst simultaneously loving their child but struggling to feel connected.
The experience often includes intrusive thoughts about harm coming to the baby, difficulty making decisions, and a sense of being completely overwhelmed by basic daily tasks. This creates a cycle of shame and isolation, particularly when comparing oneself to other mothers who seem to be coping better, leading to withdrawal from support systems at a time when connection is most needed.
Common Symptoms
Persistent sadness and tearfulness
Severe exhaustion and fatigue
Difficulty bonding with baby
Overwhelming anxiety about baby's wellbeing
Feelings of guilt and inadequacy as a mother
Loss of interest in activities and relationships
Intrusive thoughts about harm to baby
Sleep problems beyond normal newborn disruption
History of Post-Natal Depression
From hysteria theories to modern understanding of maternal mental health
Ancient Times
Historical medical texts described "puerperal mania" and melancholia following childbirth, though these were often attributed to moral weakness or spiritual failing rather than medical conditions requiring treatment.
1858
French physician Louis Victor Marcé published the first comprehensive clinical study of postpartum psychiatric disorders, establishing the foundation for understanding maternal mental health as a legitimate medical concern.
1980s
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was developed, providing the first standardised screening tool and revolutionising early identification and treatment of postnatal mental health conditions worldwide.
Present
Post-natal depression is recognised as affecting 10-20% of new mothers, with evidence-based treatments including therapy and medication providing effective support whilst reducing stigma around maternal mental health.
History of Post-Natal Depression
From hysteria theories to modern understanding of maternal mental health
Ancient Times
Historical medical texts described "puerperal mania" and melancholia following childbirth, though these were often attributed to moral weakness or spiritual failing rather than medical conditions requiring treatment.
1858
French physician Louis Victor Marcé published the first comprehensive clinical study of postpartum psychiatric disorders, establishing the foundation for understanding maternal mental health as a legitimate medical concern.
1980s
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was developed, providing the first standardised screening tool and revolutionising early identification and treatment of postnatal mental health conditions worldwide.
Present
Post-natal depression is recognised as affecting 10-20% of new mothers, with evidence-based treatments including therapy and medication providing effective support whilst reducing stigma around maternal mental health.
History of Post-Natal Depression
From hysteria theories to modern understanding of maternal mental health
Ancient Times
Historical medical texts described "puerperal mania" and melancholia following childbirth, though these were often attributed to moral weakness or spiritual failing rather than medical conditions requiring treatment.
1858
French physician Louis Victor Marcé published the first comprehensive clinical study of postpartum psychiatric disorders, establishing the foundation for understanding maternal mental health as a legitimate medical concern.
1980s
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was developed, providing the first standardised screening tool and revolutionising early identification and treatment of postnatal mental health conditions worldwide.
Present
Post-natal depression is recognised as affecting 10-20% of new mothers, with evidence-based treatments including therapy and medication providing effective support whilst reducing stigma around maternal mental health.
Take our free self-test
Take our free self-test
Take a short self-test to see if counselling might make a difference.
Take a short self-test to see if counselling might make a difference.
Instructions
Answer the questions based on the last few weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.
This short self-test explores whether therapy could be helpful for you right now. It isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you decide next steps.
Instructions
Answer the questions based on the last few weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.
This short self-test explores whether therapy could be helpful for you right now. It isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you decide next steps.
Instructions
Answer the questions based on the last few weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.
This short self-test explores whether therapy could be helpful for you right now. It isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you decide next steps.
How therapy can help
Therapy for post-natal depression focuses on addressing the unique challenges of new motherhood whilst treating underlying depression and anxiety symptoms. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) are particularly effective, helping mothers develop coping strategies, challenge negative thought patterns about motherhood, and improve relationships with partners and support networks. Therapists provide a non-judgmental space to explore difficult feelings about motherhood whilst developing practical skills for managing daily challenges.
Specialised approaches often include addressing sleep strategies, bonding difficulties, and relationship changes that accompany new parenthood. Many therapeutic programmes offer flexible scheduling and childcare considerations, recognising the practical barriers new mothers face in accessing treatment.
Benefits of Therapy
Improved mood and reduced anxiety
Better bonding with baby
Enhanced coping strategies
Reduced guilt and self-criticism
Better sleep and energy levels
Stronger support relationships
Increased confidence as a mother
Prevention of depression recurrence of phobias from becoming more severe or generalised
Frequently Asked Questions
Addressing common concerns about post-natal depression and motherhood
How is post-natal depression different from the "baby blues"?
Will post-natal depression affect my ability to care for my baby?
Can I take medication while breastfeeding?
Will post-natal depression happen again with future pregnancies?
How therapy can help
Therapy for post-natal depression focuses on addressing the unique challenges of new motherhood whilst treating underlying depression and anxiety symptoms. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) are particularly effective, helping mothers develop coping strategies, challenge negative thought patterns about motherhood, and improve relationships with partners and support networks. Therapists provide a non-judgmental space to explore difficult feelings about motherhood whilst developing practical skills for managing daily challenges.
Specialised approaches often include addressing sleep strategies, bonding difficulties, and relationship changes that accompany new parenthood. Many therapeutic programmes offer flexible scheduling and childcare considerations, recognising the practical barriers new mothers face in accessing treatment.
Benefits of Therapy
Improved mood and reduced anxiety
Better bonding with baby
Enhanced coping strategies
Reduced guilt and self-criticism
Better sleep and energy levels
Stronger support relationships
Increased confidence as a mother
Prevention of depression recurrence of phobias from becoming more severe or generalised
Frequently Asked Questions
Addressing common concerns about post-natal depression and motherhood
How is post-natal depression different from the "baby blues"?
Will post-natal depression affect my ability to care for my baby?
Can I take medication while breastfeeding?
Will post-natal depression happen again with future pregnancies?
How therapy can help
Therapy for post-natal depression focuses on addressing the unique challenges of new motherhood whilst treating underlying depression and anxiety symptoms. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) are particularly effective, helping mothers develop coping strategies, challenge negative thought patterns about motherhood, and improve relationships with partners and support networks. Therapists provide a non-judgmental space to explore difficult feelings about motherhood whilst developing practical skills for managing daily challenges.
Specialised approaches often include addressing sleep strategies, bonding difficulties, and relationship changes that accompany new parenthood. Many therapeutic programmes offer flexible scheduling and childcare considerations, recognising the practical barriers new mothers face in accessing treatment.
Benefits of Therapy
Improved mood and reduced anxiety
Better bonding with baby
Enhanced coping strategies
Reduced guilt and self-criticism
Better sleep and energy levels
Stronger support relationships
Increased confidence as a mother
Prevention of depression recurrence of phobias from becoming more severe or generalised
Frequently Asked Questions
Addressing common concerns about post-natal depression and motherhood
How is post-natal depression different from the "baby blues"?
Will post-natal depression affect my ability to care for my baby?
Can I take medication while breastfeeding?
Will post-natal depression happen again with future pregnancies?
