What is depression?

Depression is more than just feeling sad or unhappy for a few days.  It can make you feel miserable or down for weeks or months.  Depression can happen during pregnancy (known as antenatal depression) or after giving birth (known as postnatal depression).

People have depression in different ways. It can be mild, moderate or severe.

It is important for your midwife, health visitor or family nurse to know if you’re feeling low during your pregnancy or after your baby is born. Don't struggle on alone. Getting support when you need it will help your and your baby's wellbeing. Women and birthing parents who manage depression during their pregnancy are less likely to have it after the baby is born.

How will I know I have antenatal or postnatal depression?

Signs and symptoms of both these kinds of depression include:

• loss of interest in the world around you and no longer enjoying things you used to like
• lack of energy and feeling tired all the time
• trouble sleeping at night and feeling sleepy during the day
• feeling you're unable to look after your baby
• difficulty concentrating and making decisions
• loss of appetite or an increased appetite (comfort eating)
• feeling agitated, irritable or very apathetic (you can't be bothered)
• feelings of guilt, hopelessness and self-blame
• difficulty bonding with your baby 
• thinking about suicide and self-harm.

Postnatal depression can start at any point in the first year after giving birth and may develop suddenly or gradually. Many women and birthing parents feel a bit down, tearful or anxious in the first week after giving birth. This is often called the baby blues and is so common that it’s considered normal. The baby blues don’t last for more than 2 weeks after giving birth. If your symptoms last longer or start later, you could have postnatal depression.

These symptoms can affect your day-to-day life and your relationships with your baby, family and friends. Getting the right support and treatment can help you recover. 

How will antenatal or postnatal depression be identified?

Your healthcare professional will offer you a questionnaire that asks about your current mood. They will discuss the answers with you so you can both have a good understanding of your needs.

Your healthcare professional will complete the questionnaire with you early in your pregnancy and at least one more time. They will do this again 6-12 weeks after you give birth, then at least once more  in the first year after your baby is born.

If you have thoughts of harming yourself or suicide, your healthcare professional will work with you and your wider family to make sure you are safe. Help is available immediately if you are in crisis.