WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR

Postnatal depression can start any time in the first year after giving birth, and many women don’t realise they have postnatal depression because it can develop gradually. Warning signs include:

A persistent feeling of sadness and low mood

Lack of enjoyment and loss of interest in the wider world

Lack of energy and feeling tired all the time

Trouble sleeping at night and feeling sleepy during the day

Difficulty bonding with your baby

Withdrawing from contact with other people

Problems concentrating and being able to make decisions

Frightening thoughts – eg, about hurting your baby