Helping Yourself

What to do if you have postnatal depression:

– Don’t ‘bottle things up’. Talk to somebody about how you feel.

– Remember that depression is an illness and you are not suffering because you are weak or hopeless. Also, remember that it is very common and it will get better.

– Speak to your health visitor or doctor. They will be able to sort out the best way of helping you with your illness.

– Do not worry that you will lose your baby. When mothers have PND they often think that they are poor mothers and that if they speak to somebody like their doctor, they will have their baby taken from them. This will NOT happen. What will happen is that you will get the help you need to get rid of the PND. As result helping you deal better with the stresses of motherhood.

– Having a baby is tiring and stressful for any mother. You will not be able to manage all the things that you did before birth. Reduce your commitments and accept help when offered.

– Take any opportunity you can to get some sleep and remember you are a great mother and doing the best you can!

Visit the website of the postnatal depression society: http://www.pndsa.co.za for help and support