Antenatal depression

Treatment

If you are feeling depressed, you needn't feel helpless. Although taking drugs isn't desirable, there are some antidepressants that doctors can safely prescribe. 'The benefits may outweigh the risks for women with severe depression', says Dr Evans.Counselling is a very safe option, or simply talking through how you feel with friends and family. Cutting yourself off from the world is not an option, however tempting; it'll make you feel worse. Make the effort to reach out to others and get the help you need.

Symptoms

The symptoms are very similar to any other depression. Mental health charity Mind suggests this checklist:

• feeling low all the time
• having poor self-esteem
• lacking confidence
• feeling numb, empty and despondent
• blaming yourself for the things that seem wrong in your life
• feeling guilty
• finding it difficult to concentrate and make decisions
• being unusually irritable and impatient
• sleep problems
• eating problems
• no longer enjoying normally pleasurable activities
• substance abuse
• wanting to hurt yourself
• suicidal thoughts
• reduced energy
• cutting yourself off from others
• feeling pessimistic and bleak about the future

If you feel that you are slipping into depression, get help fast. Your GP is the first point of call, and he or she will refer you to a specialist or counsellor if appropriate.