Dos and Don'ts

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Don't bottle things up and 'go it alone'. Try and tell people who are close to you how you feel. It is not weak to cry or admit that you are struggling.
Don't despair - most people with depression recover. It is important to remember this.
Do try and distract yourself by doing other things. Try doing things that do not need much concentration but can be distracting such as watching TV. Radio or TV is useful late at night if sleeping is a problem.
Do eat regularly, even if you do not feel like eating.
Don't drink too much alcohol. Drinking alcohol is tempting to some people with depression as the immediate effect may seem to relieve the symptoms. However, drinking heavily is likely to make your situation worse in the long run.
Don't make any major decisions whilst you are depressed. If at all possible you should delay any major decisions about relationships, jobs, or money until you are well again.
Do tell your doctor if you feel that you are getting worse, particularly if suicidal thoughts are troubling you.

Will it happen again?

If you have an episode of postnatal depression you have a greater than average chance of it happening again if you have another baby. About 3 in 10 mothers who have postnatal depression have another episode of depression if they have another baby. However, you and your doctor are more likely to be aware of the possibility in future pregnancies. This means that you are more likely to be diagnosed and treated promptly should it recur.
What is postnatal psychosis?

Postnatal psychosis is an uncommon, but severe, form of depression that can occur after childbirth. As well as symptoms of severe depression, there are also other serious symptoms such as delusions (false beliefs), hallucinations (such as hearing voices), odd behaviours, and irrational thoughts. Affected mothers may not recognise that they are ill.

If you are a relative or friend of a mother who appears to be acting strangely, then do alert a doctor or health visitor. There is a risk of harm to both mother and baby in this uncommon, but serious, mental illness. But note: the vast majority of women with postnatal depression do not develop this severe form of depression.
Further help and information

See you health visitor for further advice. The following may also be of help:

Association for Post-Natal Illness  145 Dawes Road, Fulham, London, UK, SW6 7EB Tel: 020 7386 0868 Web: www.apni.org Aims to help women who suffer from postnatal depression.

PNi-SHA - PostNatal illness-Support & Help Association PO Box 7066, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 1JQ Web: www.pnisha.org.uk A charitable organisation which is dedicated to offering information, emotional support and practical help to women and their families, affected by any type of antenatal and postnatal illness.

MAMA (Meet-A-Mum-Association) Helpline: 0845 120 3746 (7pm - 10pm weekdays Only) Web: www.mama.co.uk. Services includes advice and support for mothers with postnatal depression. © EMIS 2009 Reviewed: 3 Jul 2009

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