What is meant by postnatal depression?
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Having a baby is a very emotional experience. You may feel tearful
and your mood may feel low. There are three causes of low mood after
childbirth:
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'Baby blues'. This is so common that it
can be considered normal. Symptoms include being weepy, irritability,
anxiety and feeling low. It usually starts around the 3rd day, but
usually goes by the 10th day after childbirth. It does not usually need
any medical treatment. 'Baby blues' is not discussed further in this
leaflet. -
Postnatal depression. This occurs in about 1 in 10 mothers.
It usually develops within the first four weeks after childbirth.
However, it can start several months or even up to one year following
childbirth. Symptoms, including low mood, last for much longer than
with baby blues. Treatment is advised. Most of this leaflet is about
this common form of depression. -
Postnatal (puerperal) psychosis. This is an uncommon, but
severe, form of depression. It develops in about 1 in 1000 mothers. It
is discussed briefly at the end of this leaflet.
Sometimes postnatal depression can also affect a father after the birth of their child.
- What causes post-natal depression?
More on post-natal depression
- Read Amanda's story of how she dealt with her depression
- A midwife's advice on how to deal with post-natal depression
- Tips on dealing with the baby blues
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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?
