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Your questions answered by Elaine Hanzak of Greatvine.com

I can’t stop crying and am scared I’ve got PND. Are there any pills for it?

Postnatal depression is a difficult term because it can mean many things, from being a bit tearful to feeling suicidal.

If you are having clinical symptoms of depression, such as poor appetite, sleep and concentration, medication can often help to reduce these and speed the process of recovery. However, it is not the answer for everyone as there may be other reasons, e.g. problematic relationship, which may be the biggest cause of concern and needs other steps to address it such as counselling.

Self-help strategies

You may choose to try other self-help strategies initially such as making sure:

1. you have a good support system around you
2. that you are getting enough rest
3. that you are eating and exercising well.

Visit your GP

The above techniques should be used with or without medication as part of a holistic approach to recovery. However, your GP is the person to consult who will take account of your previous medical history and discuss which treatment may be best for you. If you are prescribed medication, this will take time to take effect and you will need close monitoring to assess their effects with changes and adjustments to the dose as appropriate.

Medication

Some women worry about the stigma attached to taking antidepressants but you need to remember that postnatal depression is an illness and that the chemical imbalance needs to be adjusted. People take medication for many reasons for a physical illness without worrying, so there should likewise be no concerns on this matter.

Others worry that they may be addicted to the medication and stay on it for years – antidepressants are not addictive and over time your symptoms will subside and with guidance from the GP you can gradually come off the medication. Like any medication there are possible side effects but these should pass and then you will feel the benefit. There are recommended drugs for those who are breastfeeding and are not known to have any effect on the baby.

Medication is just one way to help and should be part of a holistic approach to treatment. Postnatal depression can be very scary but remember that it is not your fault, you are not alone and you will get better.

Elaine Hanzak

Following her own painful experience and recovery from the most severe form of post-natal depression, Elaine Hanzak advises mothers, health professionals and family support groups worldwide regarding principles of care for sufferers and approaches to treatment for post-natal depression. Elaine’s empathy and practical techniques have helped hundreds of women on the road to recovery. For individual advice and support from Elaine, book a private call at www.greatvine.com/elaine_hanzak

* The information in these answers is not a substitute for examination, diagnosis or treatment by a Health Care Professional. If you are worried, please consult your HCP.

Greatvine.com offers individual advice, by phone, direct from the country’s best parenting experts.