You are not alone.
The last thing you may expect when you’re expecting is to feel depressed, anxious or stressed, and those closest to you may find it hard to understand. However, research is telling us that poor mental health in pregnancy is on the increase.
On these pages you’ll find information about symptoms, possible causes and treatments and useful links.
This website was not designed to replace any medical advice you may be receiving from your health care team. It aims simply to help you consider positive ways to manage your mental health during and after your pregnancy. If you have any concerns about your mental health, please speak to your doctor or midwife as soon as possible.
The website has featured in: The Guardian, Pregnancy & Birth, Prima Baby, Daily Express and many more as well as BBC Radio 4 Woman’s Hour. To find out more about me and the work I do, click here.
Does antenatal depression go after birth?
Hi Aisling thanks for your question. At the time of writing there is little evidence to suggest that ante-natal depression becomes post-natal depression; everyone’s different so have a chat with your doctor or midwife if you’re worried. Take a look at the FAQ page http://depression-in-pregnancy.org/frequently-asked-questions/ for more information. ^DE
I had antenatal depression but it disappeared the moment the baby was born! It was a cloud lifting from me and I was ‘me’ again.
I should be happy. The baby is planned. It’s what i’v always wanted. Yet if never felt so low. I could be in a room with a million people and feel alone. I can’t cope. I’m struggling. Why do I feel like this.
There could be any number of reasons why you feel the way you do but the main thing – and the positive thing – is that you’re aware of how you feel. This is the first step for doing something about it. Speak with your Gp or midwife and in the meantime take a look around http://www.depressioninpregnancy.net for answers to what may be your trigger, and how you can help yourself remembering that everyone is different. Take positive, baby steps one day at a time. Keep us posted on how you’re getting on. ^DEE.