Feeling Blue?

Feeling blue?
 
It’s normal to feel some anxiety when you are expecting your baby. After all, it is a life changing event. But sometimes because of the fear and stigma around mental health many women choose not to disclose their fears or anxieties to their midwife or physician for fear of their baby being taken away, the negative perceptions around them as a mother, embarrassment or fear of being judged or labelled.
 
Did you know what around 10-15% of women experience depression and anxiety in early pregnancy? It’s higher than you think and you are not alone. If left untreated, antenatal anxiety can turn into depression and can trigger postnatal depression. In our society many women move away from the larger families and can feel isolated and unsupported. Social pressure to have the perfect pregnancy and birth and be a Yummy Mummy can heighten the stress levels more. Combined with the roller coaster of hormones of pregnancy and the postnatal period, it’s difficult to know which feelings are caused by your ever changing hormones and which are caused by other factors.
 
Some of the main indicators of depression in pregnancy and postnatal are:
 

• Feeling anxious for no reason
• Crying unexpectedly
• Losing interest in daily activities
• Not caring for yourself during your pregnancy
• Not caring for your baby
• No interest in being as physically active as you used to be
• Unable to talk to a family member, close friend or your partner about your feelings
• Depression or other mental health issues in your family?

 
What can I do to help myself?
 

• You can talk to your midwife or physician if you feel they are supportive and understanding
• Take good care of yourself, eating healthy foods and giving your body the rest it needs
• Take some gentle exercise such as swimming or walking or classes with a qualified exercise professional. These classes will put you in touch with other mums who may be having similar feelings
• Seek emotional support from people who know and love you
• Eat nutritionally rich foods that will support your mood and mind 

 
You can also seek advice from PANDAS, the leading UK charity supporting families suffering from antenatal and postnatal illnesses. Call PANDAS Help Line (0843 28 98 104) for a confidential and friendly way to talk about your feeling and any concerns or http://www.pandasfoundation.org.uk
 
Don’t delay; seek the support you and your family deserve. Change your life for the better.
© Rachel Rafiefar 
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"If you would like to donate to PANDAS Foundation ensure they can continue to help support families affected by both pre & postnatal mental illnesses please text PANDAS £3, £5 or £10 to 70660 or visit their website for further information and support. 
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