Low mood after child birth

While everyone thinks having a baby is an incredibly happy time, the vast majority of mothers – and some fathers – go through a short, emotional period known as the baby blues. Sometimes, however, mothers experience much stronger feelings of sadness and depression over an extended period of time. This low mood is sometimes referred to as postnatal depression.

Am I suffering from a low mood after childbirth?

There are a number of signs that suggest you are suffering from a low mood after childbirth, but you may not experience all of the following:

  • Feeling hopeless about the future
  • Being upset for no apparent reason
  • Being hostile or indifferent to your partner
  • Being hostile or indifferent to your baby
  • Having disturbed sleep
  • A lack of interest in sex

What causes my postnatal low mood?

There are a number of differing opinions as to the cause of a low mood after childbirth. Some believe it is caused by the biological changes that happen in your body after childbirth, including hormonal changes. Others believe that the condition is caused by external factors that can include:

  • Previous mental health problems – any mental health problems that you have experienced in the past could reappear after childbirth
  • Low confidence – if you lack confidence you may doubt your ability to care for the child or believe you have done something wrong if the baby cries
  • Experience of abuse – if you’ve experienced abuse in the past, you may find it difficult to relate to other people, including your own child
  • Poverty or poor living conditions – the thought of bringing up a child with little or no money could cause you to feel stressed about the situation or even resent your child
  • Significant life experiences – if you’re experiencing a major life event at the same time as having a baby, all of the stress can begin to add up

How can therapy treat my postnatal low mood?

Therapy For You can offer you a range of interventions to help manage this type of problem. But our psychoeducational courses can help you to learn more about the condition, discover the underlying reason of your low mood and explore methods and techniques that can help you cope and overcome your low mood.

The service has helped me immensely and got me feeling positive about myself again. Thank you.

David, 35

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