The NHS describes symptoms of postnatal depression as including, but not limited to:

a persistent feeling of sadness and low mood
lack of enjoyment and loss of interest in the wider world
lack of energy and feeling tired all the time
trouble sleeping at night and feeling sleepy during the day
difficulty bonding with your baby
withdrawing from contact with other people
problems concentrating and making decisions
frightening thoughts – for example, about hurting your baby

We need to talk more openly about mental illness in all forms, but as women we face a unique but uniting situation in the way we are affected psychologically by childbirth. Although this example of taboo erosion is admirable, it’s not for everyone – so if you’re suffering with feelings of anxiety and depression, try and speak to someone you trust or a GP about it.

You can find out more information – including approved self-care tips – on the Mind website.

Images: iStock

Woman addresses the postnatal anxiety that society isn't talking about