DEPRESSION

LEARN / PARENTS / MENTAL HEALTH / DEPRESSION

HAVING A BABY IS A LIFE CHANGING EVENT THAT CAN IMPACT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH AND TRIGGER STRUGGLES HOWEVER WITH SUPPORT AND APPROPRIATE TREATMENT IT CAN IMPROVE

It is not your fault that you’re depressed and being depressed does not mean you’re a bad parent. There is a range of support and treatments available including free support services at the bottom of the page. Seeking support does not mean your baby will be taken away as this only happens in very exceptional circumstances.

SYMPTOMS

Feeling low for more than 2 weeks
Lack of energy and feeling tired all the time
Difficulty bonding with your baby
Not wanting to eat or eating more than usual
Feeling guilty, hopeless or blaming yourself
Problems concentrating or making decisions
Trouble sleeping and feeling sleepy during the day
Withdrawing from the world and other people
Negative thoughts – such as feeling like you are not good enough or about hurting your baby