What causes postnatal depression?
The cause is not clear. Any mother can develop it. Some studies suggest that depression after childbirth is no more common than at other times (depression is common). However, it is thought that women are more prone to develop depression just after childbirth. The main cause seems to be stressful events after childbirth such as feelings of isolation, worry, and responsibility about the new baby, etc. In addition, you are at greater risk of developing postnatal depression if you have any of the following:
- Mental health problems in the past (usually depression or a previous postnatal depression).
- Depression during the pregnancy.
- Marital or relationship problems.
- No close friends or family around you.
- Money troubles.
- Physical health problems following the birth (such as anaemia, urinary incontinence, etc).
In many cases, there is no apparent cause. The normal change in hormones after the birth is not thought to be a cause.
How is postnatal depression diagnosed?
The diagnosis is usually made by a doctor based on what you, and those who know you, tell him or her. You may not recognise that you are depressed. However, your partner will probably have noticed that you are different, and may not understand why. A friend or family member may suggest that you see a doctor.
Sometimes your doctor may do a blood test to make sure that there is not a physical reason for the symptoms such as an underactive thyroid or anaemia.
In one study, only 1 in 4 women with postnatal depression sought any help. Therefore, a short questionnaire has been designed to help diagnose postnatal depression. This is called the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and has 10 simple questions. Your doctor or health visitor may ask you to fill it in if they suspect that you have postnatal depression.
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Where to next?
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Depression: Help and advice
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What are the treatment options for depression?
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What are the treatment options for SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)?
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Depression
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What is meant by postnatal depression?
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More about light therapy for SAD
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Seasonal affective disorder and how to fight it
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Some particular features of SAD
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Under the microscope: Depression
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What are the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder?
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What is seasonal affective disorder?
LOU, about 1 year
I have worked as an Aromatherapist for nearly 30 years and have found that their is a common profile for post natal depression and its the following: under weight at the time of delivery, vegetarian or low 1st class protein intake, GIVING BIRTH TO A BOY, very tired and under nourished after birth , low blood count and if breast feeding this seemed to make it worse. I didnt find that it was clients that had depression before especially but i did find that if left untreated it didnt always go away. I have successfully advised many a post natal depressed women and have worked to improve nutrition and encourage then to eat foods and herbs that stimulate the endocrine and female hormones, lots of sleep and getting a good idea of what constitutes a supportive diet for recovery.Its vitally important to get hormones re balanced and a good eating plan, hope this is of interest
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