10 steps to recover from a postnatal depression

Post-natal, Depression, Antidepressant, Medication

Could you have postnatal depression?

If you feel something isn't right and maybe hasn't been right for some time, be prepared to look at whether you may have postnatal depression. The first step is allowing yourself to admit something isn't right. There are no prizes for suffering in silence and there is lots of help available.

See your doctor or health visitor

Go and see your doctor or health visitor and tell them everything about how you are feeling. Remember postnatal depression is a treatable illness and that is, after all, what doctors are there for.
Advice on seeing your GP

Medication?

If your doctor suggests antidepressant medication, don't be afraid of it. Treatment for postnatal depression has come a long way from the days of heavy tranquilisers. A course of antidepressants may be what you need to take the edge off your symptoms and give you back the energy you need to take control of your life again.
More information about antidepressant medication

Tell your family and close friends

Everyone needs to lean on the people close to them at some time in their lives...this is the time for you to stop being the one everyone else leans on and allow your partner, family and close friends to support you for a while. Talking about your feelings is really important - it is part of the cure. So hand them a glass of wine or a cup of tea, tell them you read more