It’s OK not to be OK “I should be happy… but I’m not.” MORE THAN THE BABY BLUES? 38% OF NEW FATHERS ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR MENTAL HEALTH 1 10 in DADS HAVE POSTNATAL DEPRESSION z z z Lack of energy Feeling tearful or low Extreme changes in appetite Feeling worthlessness, guilty or emotionally numb Lack of sleep or too much sleep Lack of interest in sex Difficulty concentrating Lack of interest in baby May include the following: SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS HELP AND SUPPORT FOR MEN AND WOMEN: Some medication is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Your doctor or psychiatrist can advise you regarding this. § Take time to do something you enjoy § Exercise has been proven to help relieve feelings of depression § Join a local support group or an online community § Talk to your partner or someone you can trust § Discuss your feelings with your midwife, GP or Health Visitor § Join a local support group such as Mind Talking Therapies Medication Self Help You could be experiencing Perinatal Depression… Don’t be frightened. Help and support is available. Antenatal Birth 2 weeks after birth 3 months 6 months + Baby Blues Antenatal Depression Postnatal Depression In the UK, it is common to believe that perinatal depression is just about women, but it’s not. “REAL MEN DON’T CRY” THE PEAK TIME FOR PATERNAL POSTNATAL DEPRESSION IS 3-6 FOLLOWING BIRTH months NOT SURE WHERE TO TURN? BETWEEN Baby Blues is a normal emotional state following childbirth that is caused by your changing hormones. It is mild and lasts no longer than 2 weeks. Perinatal Depression is not normal, and although common, it is more severe. It can be experienced during pregnancy, and up to 1 year after birth. 1 7 in WOMEN HAVE postnatally DEPRESSION Poster produced by: Donna Collins, Fiona Drayton, Elisabeth Fisher, Safiyyah Khan and Crystal Lenford If your symptoms are severe, seek urgent care. CALL 999 OR ATTEND A&E PANDAS – www.pandasfoundation.org.uk Helpline: 0843 28 98 401 MIND – www.mind.org.uk Helpline: 0300 123 3393 50% Approx. of these episodes started during pregnancy