Don’t suppress your depression

Postnatal depression (PND) is a common problem. It affects approximately 13% of all new mothers. Not sure if it’s depression or just the blues? Here are the differences in its symptoms, and how it can be treated.

Experiencing more downs than ups lately?

Postnatal depression (PND) is a common problem. It affects approximately 13% of all new mothers. Not sure if it’s depression or just the blues? Here are the differences in its symptoms.

Postnatal depression

• a sense of hopelessness

• guilt

• exhaustion

• get irritable

• tearful

• feeling of loneliness

• anxiousness

• thoughts of suicide

Baby blues

These symptoms usually occur a few days after giving birth; triggered by major hormonal changes in your body.

• Emotional

• Weepy

• Tired

• Tensed

Now that you can distinguish the two, there is an important thing to note. Baby blues and post-natal depression are common. However, post-natal depression needs to be treated.

What causes post-natal depression?

That’s the same question we all ask. No one knows for sure, but there are some plausible causes that trigger the depression in you.

• Having experienced depression before (and during) pregnancy, or other mental health problems

• Not feeling supported by your partner, family or friends

• Have had a recent stressful event such as death of a loved one, relationship problems or losing a job

Treat it right

Braving through post-natal depression alone might not be the solution to fix it. Take the initiative to talk to your partner, or your friends about it. Even if they don’t understand you, at least you are offloading those thoughts and feelings, which can help.  If the depression still lingers, it’s best to consult your doctor or a psychotherapist.