Postnatal Depression: What You Need to Know (And Why It’s Not Your Fault

Tolu
Jun 20
2 min read

Spoiler alert: Postnatal depression (PND) isn’t just “baby blues” — it’s real, it’s common, and it affects 1 in 7 mums globally (and up to 1 in 3 in low-income countries)! 🌍

But here’s the good news: we’re learning more every day about why it happens — and how we can help prevent and treat it. Let’s break it down!

🧠 What Is Postnatal Depression?

PND is a type of clinical depression that starts anytime within the first year after childbirth— usually around 4–6 weeks postpartum. Symptoms include sadness, anxiety, loss of interest in the baby, sleep issues, and even thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby. And nope, it’s not something you just “get over.” It needs support — fast.

🧬 Why Does It Happen?

It’s not just hormones (though they play a role). PND is complex and has multiple causes:

- Biological: Hormonal changes, vitamin D deficiency, gestational diabetes

- Psychological: Past depression, anxiety during pregnancy, stress

- Social: Lack of spousal or family support, financial struggles

-Cultural: Gender preference bias, immigration status, isolation

💡 Top Risk Factors You Should Know

1. History of depression – The strongest predictor by far.

2. Low support from partner/family – Feeling alone makes everything harder.

3. Gestational diabetes – Linked to increased PND risk.

4. Negative birth experience – Trauma matters.

5. Poverty or low education – Makes access to care and coping harder.

6. Abuse or violence – Emotional and physical trauma increase risk.

7. Immigration status – Especially when combined with language barriers and isolation.

👶 And It’s Not Just Mums Who Struggle

Dads and partners can also experience perinatal depression — and their mental health matters too. Supporting both parents means better outcomes for the whole family.

💔 The Real Cost of Ignoring It

Left untreated, PND can last months or even years. It affects bonding, parenting, child development, and even increases the risk of malnutrition and developmental delays in babies. 😢

🌈 But There’s Hope!

Most women recover within a few months with the right support — therapy, community, nutrition, and sometimes medication. Screening tools like the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)are helping catch symptoms early.

And guess what? Prevention works. From prenatal check-ins to post-birth support groups, we have the tools — we just need to use them more widely.

💬 Let’s Talk More, Judge Less

Many women feel ashamed or guilty about feeling low after having a baby. But PND is not a failure — it’s a signal. A sign that something needs attention, love, and care.

So let’s keep breaking the silence, supporting all parents, and making sure no mum feels alone.