Mothers are people too

Dear Madeleine,

You have been pregnant or caring for a child since you were 19 years old. Children under the age of six require tremendous amounts of physical and psychological care. It is probable that it is not the dog or other people who bump into you that you hate. It is more likely that your anger signals a depression based on physical and emotional tiredness. Talk to your GP. You can be referred to a counsellor to help you cope and to avoid this turning into a bigger problem.

Post-natal depression is often more evident in woman having their third (and subsequent) children, particularly when they are fairly close in age. Presumably this is because of the increased workload that three children represent, as well as the physical stress of repeated pregnancies. Your apathy and anger are signs that you need help. You need to consider reorganising the household in ways that allow you to delegate some responsibilities, rather than continuing to do everything yourself. You need time to rest and enjoy yourself. Your well-being is crucial to your family's health.

Although you may feel better soon as your body adjusts to the pregnancy, your tiredness and accompanying anger may return post-natally if you do not address your present need for rest or make secure plans for the future that do not overwhelm you.