The symptoms of postnatal depression

Mental health is an issue that affects many of us, but women in particular can be vulnerable to issues: the most recent figures from the NHS show that one in five women in the UK have reported a mental illness in recent years, compared to one in eight men.

While the symptoms of postnatal depression can be complex and vary widely between different people, doctors have said that the most common is that “you feel increasingly depressed and despondent. Looking after yourself or your baby may become too much.”.

Other symptoms include:

Loss of interest in the baby
Feelings of hopelessness
Not being able to stop crying
Feelings of not being able to cope
Feelings of guilt and self-blame
Not being able to enjoy anything
Memory loss
Feeling unable to concentrate
Low self-esteem
Excessive anxiety about the baby
Panic attacks
Sleeplessness
Extreme tiredness
Aches and pains
Feeling generally unwell
Anxiety
Loss of appetite

There are many other symptoms of postnatal depression and you’re unlikely to experience all of them at once.

If you or someone you know would like advice on postnatal depression, visit the NHS website here or Mind's website here.

Images: Rex Features

Sarah Michelle Gellar opens up about her struggle with postnatal depression