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Cymorth

Post-natal depression

There's no doubt that having a baby can be an emotional time for all concerned, and it's quite common for mothers to feel a bit tearful and low for a while, which can last anything from a few days to a few months. There are three main forms this can take:

  • 'The baby blues', which are the most common and which usually start about the third day after the birth and disappear by about the tenth. Mothers can feel tearful and low, but usually there's no need for treatment.
  • Post-natal depression: If the above feelings persist, they can develop into a depression. This means that you can feel like this most of the time, without any sign of getting better. Usually, this is noted within the first 4-6 weeks after the birth, though in some cases, it can take a few months for this to develop. This will usually need treatment.
  • Post-natal psychosis:This is very rare, but considerably more serious. Symptoms include unrerasonable behaviour, confusion and suicidal feelings. This will usually mean specialist psychiatric treatment.

Post-natal depression can put a lot of strain on relationships, even lead to parents braking up, so it's important to recognise the symptoms early and get help.

Useful contacts

  • Patient.co.uk

    Extensive, good quality health information usually provided by GPs and nurses during consultation.

  • APNI - Association for Post Natal Illness

    If you feel down after recently becoming a mum, help can be found through APNI. On the website, there's a lot of advice not only for mothers in this situation, but their partners and families too, with further links to more help.

  • MAMA - Meet-A-Mum Association

    MAMA aims to try and help mothers who feel depressed and isolated when their babies are born. There are no local groups in Wales, but you can use the helpline and the website.

  • National Childbirth Trust

    NCT offer help and support through pregnancy, birth and early days of parenthood including antenatal and postnatal courses, local support and reliable information for all parents.

  • PNI-UK

    Information and support about any depression that can happen around a pregnancy, including pre-birth depression. Message boards and chatrooms available on the site so you can contact people with similar experiences.

  • Royal College of Psychiatry

    The Royal College of Psychiatry website has detailed, up-to-date information available about all types of depression and other mental illness, including symptoms and the best treatment options available.

  • Mind Cymru

    Mind Cymru has 20 local groups across Wales, and can give you high standard information about your local services and any help available connected to mental health in your area. Go to their website for good, up-to-date information about any aspect of mental health or phone the MindInfoLine.

    • Address: MIND Aberystwyth The Mill Riverside Terrace Mill Street Aberystwyth Ceredigion SY23 1JB SY23 1JB
    • Telephone: 0845 766 0163 (9.15am-5.15pm, Monday to Friday)
    • Visit website

  • Journeys

    Sometimes the best way to way to work through depression is to share feelings with other who are trying to come to terms with it. Journeys, which was previously known as the Depression Alliance, has 25 self-help groups across Wales.

    • Address: London House Alban Street Aberaeron Ceredigion SA46 0AJ SA46 0AJ
    • Address: MIND Aberystwyth The Mill Riverside Terrace Mill Street Aberystwyth Ceredigion SY23 1JB SY23 1JB
    • Address: Twyn Community Centre Caerphilly CF83 1JL CF83 1JL
    • Address: Caerdydd - Adamsdown Meteor Street Centre 42 Meteor Street Adamsdown Caerdydd CF24 0HX CF24 0HX
    • Address: Caerdydd - Canton Ty Canna (behind Chapter Arts Centre) Market Road Canton Cardiff CF5 1RZ CF5 1RZ
    • Address: Caerdydd - Prifysgol Caerdydd Gareth Edwards Room, 4th floor, Students Union, Prifysgol Caerdydd CF10 3QN CF10 3QN
    • Address: CAVS The Mount 18 Queens Street Caerfyrddin SA31 1JR SA31 1JR
    • Address: Darran Las Community Building Aberdare Road Mountain Ash CF45 3HD CF45 3HD
    • Address: Deeside Community Hospital Connah's Quay CH5 1XS CH5 1XS
    • Address: Glyncoch Community Centre, Poacher Avenue Glyncoch Pontypridd CF37 3AJ CF37 3AJ
    • Address: Ty Teifi Station Road Maerdy CF43 4BE CF43 4BE
    • Address: Hafod Mental Health Resource Centre Beechwood Road Rhyl LL18 3EU LL18 3EU
    • Address: Danygraig Church Hall Tredegar Street Risca NP11 6BW NP11 6BW
    • Address: Four Seasons Activity Centre 33 Heol y Glyn Tonyrefail CF39 8LL CF39 8LL
    • Telephone: 029 2069 2891
    • Visit website

  • CRY-SIS

    Cry-sis offers support for families with excessively crying, sleepless and demanding babies. Practical advice on the website and the helpline is staffed by trained volunteers, often with personal experience.

  • BACP - British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists

    For theraputic help for your condition, or if in need of help in a relationship, go to the BACP site to find out about your local qualified therapist, as well as the types of therapy available.

  • NHS Direct Wales

    NHS Direct Wales is a 24 hour helpline, which can give advice about health and health services across Wales. It is staffed by experienced nurses specially trained to give advice over the phone and provide information about all your local services.

© 2012 S4C
O Gymru / Made in Wales