Having a baby should feel like a gloriously happy time for you, your friends and your family. But for about 15 per cent of women, giving birth is the beginning of what can be a harrowing few months of depression, anxiety and confusion.
There is no sense in thinking you can be ‘Super-mum’, along with ‘Super-wife’, ‘Super-girlfriend’, ‘Super-daughter’, ‘Super-friend’ and everything else you’re super at…
Post-natal depression is an illness and you need to give yourself TIME to recover.
Even Super-mums need time to themselves…
Post-Natal Depression – The Information
The Causes:
The birth experience did not match your expectations
Biological factors-you may be vulnerable to the change in hormones
Change of lifestyle
Change in relationships
Stress/Anxiety
Personal history of mental illness
Motherhood is not what you had imagined…
The Symptoms:
Irritability
Anxiety
Panic attacks
Sleep problems
Tiredness
Obsessive behaviour
Concentration
Tearfulness
Appetite
Lack of concentration
Remember to chat with friends and family…
Help Yourself:
If you have the slightest suspicion you are depressed, get medically checked
Rest
Exercise, take long walks
Accept help
Eat well and drink lots of water (Don’t go for long periods without food because low blood sugar levels can make you feel much worse)
Don’t drink too much alcohol because heavy drinking can make you feel worse.
Talk about your feelings to family and friends, it’s okay to have a good cry
Go out and meet people
Make lists of the things you need to do, and do them one by one
If you don’t get everything done, never mind, you did your best
Find out about support groups in your area
Getting support from your GP, midwife and other healthcare professionals during pregnancy will help reduce your risk of developing postnatal depression.
You mightn’t want sex, but just a hug and some affection with your partner can really help…
Some More Advice:
Don’t try to be a superwoman
Don’t blame your partner
Try and avoid moving house when you are pregnant or just after giving birth
For More Information, Check Out:
www.pnd.ie (021 4923162) (You can chat with other mums on the discussion forum)
www.aware.ie (1890 303 302)
GloHealth members who have the Enhanced Maternity Personalised Package can claim up to a total of €40 back each year (€20×2 visits) for Post-natal Depression Counselling. For more information on this package see GloHealth.ie.
