Call for ‘Baby Blues’ to be Taken More Seriously
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October 4, 2011 TheFreshOutlook  |
New study reveals thousands of mothers across England and Wales are suffering from postnatal depression and are leaving it untreated.
A study, undertaken for the charity 4Children, has revealed that as many as half the women suffering from postnatal depression are leaving it untreated.
The survey conducted by the parenting club, Bounty, has revealed that as many as one in 10 women suffer from postnatal depression across England and Wales, but with heavy stigmas still attached to the condition, many are still not speaking up to receive help.
Commonly mistaken for the ‘baby blues’, which on average eight out of 10 women usually experience, postnatal depression is a form of clinical depression which requires medical treatment to be resolved.
However, with many different symptoms and different levels of severity, many people remain unsure as to what postnatal depression is.
As defined by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), common symptoms for postnatal depression include: low mood/feeling miserable most of the time, constantly exhausted, feeling unable to cope, feeling overwhelming anxiety about the baby, feeling tearful for no reason, having difficulties bonding with the baby and withdrawing from family and friends.
It is advised that any new mother suffering from three or more symptoms should seek medical help as it suggests that they are suffering from some level of postnatal depression, and leaving it untreated could lead to severe repercussions, including: older siblings stepping in to look after babies, relationship breakdown, and even children living with the long term consequences of poor early bonding.
Whilst referring to the NICE’s guidelines on postnatal depression, which were first implemented in 2007, Dr Dave Tomson commented: “Treating mental health problems during and following pregnancy is as important as treating physical problems such as high blood pressure, so healthcare professionals should be asking women about mental health as standard.”
Currently, as recommended by the NICE, new mothers should be regularly assessed to detect any mental health disorders using three guideline questions:
1. During the last month, have you often been bothered by feeling down, depressed or hopeless?
2. During the last month, have you often been bothered by having little interest in pleasure in doing things?
3. Is this something you feel you need or want help with?
However, the 4Children’s report revealed that even when women seek medical help they are still not being given access to the psychological therapies that the NICE recommends, resulting instead in many having an over reliance of antidepressants.
A spokesperson from the Department of Health commented: “We take depression very seriously. That’s why we’re prioritising talking therapies - the treatment NICE recommends - and we’re putting £400m in to this treatment.”
Any new mother who is unsure of whether they are suffering from postnatal depression is urged to contact their GP or medical health official.
By Laura Beard
[Image Courtesy of bbaunach]
