Depression

Perinatal depression can be caused by lots of different things – the stress of so much change, feeling unsupported, things not being as you expected they might be, having memories from the past stirred up, struggling with grief or conflict, financial stressors, and sleep deprivation. The symptoms of antenatal or postnatal depression are the same as depression at other times. Depression in the perinatal period may creep up on you gradually or hit you suddenly.

Some common symptoms of depression may include:

  • Depressed mood, such as feeling sad, empty, or tearful
  • Feeling less interest or having less pleasure in activities you normally enjoy
  • Feelings of worthlessness, or blaming yourself for things not feeling right
  • Feeling guilty
  • Felling hopeless about the future
  • Appetite or weight changes
  • Difficulty sleeping, insomnia or wanting to sleep more than usual
  • Trouble making decisions, or trouble thinking or concentrating

Depression in the perinatal period is treatable and, in the section, below, we outline the help and range of support that you can access.

Very occasionally, more severe depression can develop. Symptoms of particular concern are:

  • Feelings of incompetence as a mother for example feeling that you are not a good enough mother or cannot parent your baby or infant
  • Thoughts of wanting to harm yourself or violent or suicidal thoughts
  • New feelings that you are not connected or bonded with your baby

Having thoughts of suicide or thoughts to harm your baby does not necessarily mean you will act on these thoughts. Having such thoughts does mean you need some extra support so tell a health professional who can support you and your family. If you ever feel you are at risk of acting on these thoughts or you are worried about someone, it is important you seek urgent help.

You can call NHS 111 Mental Health if you need urgent mental health support (such as feeling mentally unsafe or severely distressed).

Phone 111 – and select mental health option 2.

Other ways to contact NHS 111:

  • Text relay Call 18001 111 using text relay, 24 hours a day.
  • Signvideo for British sign language (BSL).
  • Help in other languages Call 111 and ask for an interpreter.

Your local NHS 111 Mental Health team is for people of all ages. It’s available 24/7, free of charge and you can call for yourself or someone else.

A practitioner will listen and help you get the urgent support you need. With your permission, they can access your notes if you’ve previously received mental health support. This will reduce you having to repeat information and allow our team to provide better support.

NHS 111 Mental Health is not an emergency service. If you are ever thinking you are at immediate risk or someone you know is then it is important to go straight to the nearest Accident and Emergency department, using a 999 ambulance call to get there if needed. Asking for help is a responsible thing to do and the clinician you meet will support you to find a safe way forward for you and your family.