Causes of postnatal depression
Signs of postnatal depression
Recognising postnatal depression
Partners, relationships & depression
Professional help and treatment
What the woman can do
What partners can do
Natural therapies for depression
Postnatal depression (also known as 'postpartum depression') is a condition that affects about 15% of women at some time during the year following the birth of their child. It is estimated that between 40 to 70% of women who experience postnatal depression, will start to notice signs before their baby is 3 months old. However, postnatal depression can start at any time up until the baby is 12 months old, and in some cases the signs of depression can start in the weeks before the baby is born.
Postnatal depression usually lasts for many weeks, with most resolving within 3 to 6 months. About 25% of women will experience various degrees of unpleasant emotions for more than 6 months. About 15-25% of women will experience depression for as long as 1 year and a few women will continue to be depressed for more years following (called 'chronic depression').
Postnatal depression should not be confused with other psychological reactions that can occur after the birth of a baby. These can include:
'The blues'
Postnatal psychosis
Reactions to the death of a baby
Reactions stemming from sexual abuse or assault
Postnatal anxiety
Post-traumatic stress
'The blues'. 'The blues' is a term often used to describe a range of emotions that up to 80% of women will experience during the first week after giving birth. This is most commonly around the 3rd to 5th days and is due to a sudden hormonal shift, compounded with the physical recovery and all the adjustments that come with caring for a new baby. 'The bIues' is also known as the '3rd day blues' and will usually pass after a day or two. If 'the blues' continue for more than 2 weeks, this could indicate postnatal depression. You can read more in 'The blues'.