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Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners
How long will my postnatal depression last?
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After giving birth, I was crying for weeks and my doctor finally told me I was suffering from postnatal depression. How long will I feel this way? I'm sure it varies person to person, but is there an average timeframe? -
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Thanks
Dr Melanie Strang
Counsellor
You are absolutely right! The duration of postnatal depression is quite variable. Left untreated the illness can linger on for years.The good news is that If help is sought from your GP and a psychologist recovery will occur.
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Brigitte Safrana
Counsellor, Hypnotherapist
I created Surfing The Blues and Surfing The Baby Blues Counselling & Hypnotherapy services in order to help individuals and couples restore balance in their … View Profile
Hi there,
it is not unusual to have crying fits after giving birth as your homones keep fluctuation and have a big impact on your moods, sleep deprivation would have also a massive impact as well as your complete change of routine. Usually the “baby blues” can last up to 3-4 months, any longer and combined with some serious symptoms such as feeling overwhelmed, disorganised or disoriented among others and it is considered as postnatal depression and can last up to 2-3 years if left untreated. I recommend group therapy as well as one on one if you feel that it is becoming really serious. Get yourself a female doctor if you can or go to a baby clinic, they will have all the info you need. All the best.
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Beverley Aronstan
Psychologist
I am a registered psychologist with many years of counselling experience in the field of relationships and fertility issues. In particular my focus is on … View Profile
Post natal depression is not that uncommon but unfortunately it is often a condition that goes unrecognosed by family and health professionals. They might think the mother is feeling blue or teary as a lack of sleep or not coping with a crying baby. However, any syptoms like crying, apathy, eating and sleeping difficulties as well as low mood or inability to engage with others or do anything that gives them pleasure for more than 2 weks needs to be carefully assessed. Post natal depression is easily treatable with the help of your GP, psychologist and in some instances psychiatrist.
With the right intervention and coping and mangement techniques it should resolve within a few months. Sometimes it is necessary to take medication and your GP will advise which are the safe ones to take if you are breastfeeding or there is an organisation Mothersafe that specialises in the efficacy of medication during the pre and post natal period.
I guess the main thing is for partners and family to recognise that you ned support and this is not a condition that just goes away although after a number of months it can resolve without treatment but at the cost of the impact of emotional unwellness for you and your baby and family. You do not have to cope with this alone. Good organisations are beyond blue and the Black dog instituteReport this post
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Margie Ulbrick
Counsellor
I am a Melbourne Relationship Counsellor and Family Lawyer who is skilful in helping people get out of the pain of relationship distress and create … View Profile
I am sorry to hear you are in this position. However, the good news is that PND is treatable! I cannot say how long it will last, just like noone can say how long depression or grief will last but good help and support is available. The most important thing is that you find someone with whom you feel comfortable and then you can start working collaboratively as soon as is practicable. it may even be that you develop some skills and strategies that you can use throughout your life and although it does not feel like it now, this period could be one that offers you some pearls of wisdom for your life from here on in. Getting the right help now will also benefit your parenting. Good luck.
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