Reasons for postnatal depression

There can be many different reasons for getting depressed after the birth of your baby. Here are some factors that have been found to contribute. But remember that if you had some of the following you will not necessarily develop postnatal depression. It may mean that you are more vulnerable and need to make extra arrangements to look after yourself.

Physical reasons
You may suffer from lack of sleep, low levels of thyroid hormone or anemia. You had a difficult pregnancy and birth, which left you feeling shattered and unsure of yourself as a parent.

History of depression
You may have a history of depression in the family, or you have had depression yourself in the past. You suffer from low self esteem and don’t feel good about yourself.

Ghosts from the past
You had traumas in your past, which you may have buried. Troubling memories are surfacing now; this could be past losses, like prior pregnancies, or the loss of a loved one.

Expectations
The pregnancy had been planned for a very long time, needed IVF or egg donation, and now the present does not match up to your hopes. You may have unrealistic expectations of yourself and your surroundings.

Guilt
The pregnancy may have been unwanted and now you feel guilty for having considered an abortion.

Disappointment
You may have experienced a disappointment, such as having a caesarean birth, when you wanted a natural childbirth, a sense of feeling out of control during the birth and with your new baby.

Conflict
You feel torn between how you were parented and what kind of parent you would like to be.

Isolation
What makes things worse are major changes in your social circumstances, such as a recent house move and being a long way from family and friends which can contribute to you feeling alone and isolated.

Relationships
Relationship problems with your partner can become another obstacle at times when you feel you need support, help and understanding. It may be difficult to communicate changed needs and concerns. Problems with the parents’ generation, who as grandparents now take on a different role in your family, can also influence how you feel, wanting to please, wanting to be different, feeling criticised etc.

Other changes such as loss of career, financial independence, activities, friends, interests can also contribute to you feeling low.

What is postnatal depression?
Do I have postnatal depression?
Coping Strategies
Parent-Infant Counselling
Useful contacts

Consultations with Monika