| Foreward from NCT Book of Postnatal Depression: "Anyone reading this [book] who has suffered from postnatal depression will know what a frightening and debilitating illness it is. I myself suffered severe depression when my son Matthew was born nine years ago and although I can’t prevent it happening to others, I can talk about my own experiences and where I found the most help. Postnatal depression can manifest itself in many ways and some symptoms are harder to detect than others. The worst thing a woman can do is to remain silent about how ill they feel. Postnatal depression is the major maternal illness and we must all help to remove the stigma that is still attached to any form of mental illness. It is not your fault. You should not feel guilty. You must seek help. My own illness began with a series of panic attacks which were incredibly frightening and were completely alien to me. Then, over the next two days (this is all in the first week after delivery), the most terrible black depression descended on me. I lost all interest in the baby. I lost all sense of reality. I had a desperate childlike need for my mum. I basically had what was a nervous breakdown. I also had a beautiful baby, a lovely home, money in the bank and a supportive husband, so let no-one tell you that depression only affects women living alone in a tenement block. It doesn’t care who it hits. I had the most wonderful pregnancy. I was healthy, happy and flowing with excitement and anticipation. If it can happen to me it can happen to anyone. However, if you are reading this while suffering from postnatal depression or you are close to someone who is, remember – you will get better. Those around you need to tell you that every day. Don’t be afraid of anti-depressants. They are non-addictive and they help you to see the light at the end of the tunnel. If you feel a lack of emotion, particularly toward your child, don’t worry: your natural feelings will return. Postnatal depression in a family is incredibly frightening – both for the woman suffering and for those who love her. But with medical care and a supportive family, she will get better. It does take time and there are many different treatments but you will find something that works for you. I found that talking to other women who had suffered and recovered was a huge help to me: there are organisations all over the country that will help you make those contacts. Thank goodness for books such as this that will help increase awareness of the illness and will be a huge comfort to those women who are suffering and those people who are caring for a loved one who is ill." Denise Welch (Natalie Horrocks of Coronation Street) |
