Becoming a parent involves a roller coaster of emotions such as excitement, joy, stress, anxiety and apprehension. Emotional distress, also known as the ‘baby blues’, is common during the first few days after giving birth, causing new mothers to feel overly sensitive, teary, overwhelmed and moody. For most women, this experience is a normal part of the process and should dissipate within a few days. If these feelings are affecting your day-to-day functioning or have still not lifted after a few weeks, it is worth speaking to a trusted healthcare professional about support that is available.
Seeking support early is important, as postnatal depression and anxiety can impact not only your mental wellbeing, but also your relationship with your partner and your baby. Plus, it can be an extremely overwhelming and isolating experience as you try to cope with your own symptoms as well as adjusting to and caring for a new baby (and sometimes other children). Postnatal depression is nothing to be ashamed of and there is nothing “wrong” with you. It is important to remember that postnatal depression is a temporary medical condition and fortunately, with the right support, it is treatable.