Recognising Postnatal Depression

A handbook for mothers

The journey to motherhood is sometimes clouded with unrealistic expectations and society's unfair judgement of any woman who isn't immediately blissfully happy with her new baby. Giving birth is a major life adjustment and rite of passage for all mothers. This book is for anyone who is struggling or has struggled on that journey, who may be grappling with confusion, anxiety, fear or anger. It offers hope, support and comfort and a clear path out of what may feel like a bewildering or overwhelming situation. Postnatal depression affects around 30 per cent of mothers, but partners, children, extended family, friends and colleagues all feel its ripple effect, and many mothers do not know, or do not wish to acknowledge, that this misunderstood illness can be treated just like any other. Written by a medical doctor, a clinical psychologist and their patient, a writer, each author contributes her own personal experience and expertise in the area of postnatal depression to an open and enlightening discussion of just what this illness is, how to recognise it and ways to achieve recovery of body, mind and spirit. They call on health care professionals and society at large to respond timeously, knowledgeably and with empathy to what is, for many mothers, a medical emergency. Women from different walks of life agreed to share with the authors, and now with the reader, their tough yet transformational experiences of postnatal depression, offering hope and encouragement and revealing the power of healing through openness and the telling of their stories.