Postnatal depression is a type of depression that parents experience after having a baby. It’s usually known to affect new mothers but it can also affect partners and fathers. 

It is common for new parents to feel down, tearful or anxious in the first few weeks after the birth of their child. This is known as the “Baby blues”. However the “Baby blues” do not last for more than two weeks after birth. If your symptoms last longer or start later you could have postnatal depression. Postnatal depression develops gradually.

Symptoms

Here are some symptoms of postnatal depression: 

• Persistent feeling of sadness or low mood
• Loss of interest in the world around you 
• No longer enjoying things
• Lacking energy or feeling tired all the time  
• Sleep issues resulting in feeling sleepy during the day
• Difficulty bonding with the baby 
• Withdrawing from interactions with other people
• Issues with decision making and concentration 
• Frightening or intrusive thoughts e.g.hurting your baby. 

Treatment

With treatment, most people can make a full recovery from postnatal depression. The clinicians at The Other Clinic can help you through this period using therapy methods like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Find out more about Dr Ronina Stevens, who has experience in helping with this.