How do you know if you have postnatal depression

[L3tsD0Th1S2020]

Or if you're just feeling down and exhausted

[Londonmummy66]

PND tends to last a long time and you feel down even if you aren't tired. You may well cry for no reason (although not necessarily). If you are feeling down and have done so for 3 or 4 weeks then I'd chat to your Health Visitor or GP and see what they say.

I'm sorry if you're feeling miserable and would recommend that you ask for help as untreated PND is the pits as it sucks all the joy out of having children.

[EmbarrassingMama]

How old is your baby OP? I felt really down at about 3 weeks post birth which was a hormonal blip (baby blues) but it picked up within a week or two.

Is it your first baby? I found the adjustment huge and remember realising the gravity of the change around that time too ("there's no going back!"). Again, these feelings went away over time and it felt better and better with each 'reward' (smile, giggle) from the baby.

Hope you're OK.

[TheLovleyChebbyMcGee]

I wasn't diagnosed till DS was 10 months. I though I was just tired from lack of sleep, and then from returning to work, but after those things settled and I still couldn't see a way forward, there was no joy in life and I just didn't have anything to look forward to. I got put on medication and it really helped.

[thelegohooverer]

It isn’t always depression. And it isn’t always postnatal. It can also take the form of anxiety or rage.

And sleep disruption makes everything worse.

There is no shame or stigma though. I think that’s important to remember. No one will take your baby away (that worried me).

[Notavegan]

For me it was insomnia and all consuming negative thoughts. Not suicidal, just no joy.