10.03.11
Report shows hidden postnatal depression
Thousands of new mothers suffer from postnatal depression without telling anyone or receiving help, a report published today shows. Many do no speak out as they are scared of what might happen to their children if they admit they are struggling to cope.
The charity 4Children polled 2,000 mothers, and found that 49% did not seek professional help for postnatal depression. Almost a third of women in the survey who had the condition did not realise their symptoms were postnatal depression and 60% did not believe at the time that their symptoms were serious enough to warrant treatment.
Thousands failed to receive prompt treatment due to “serious shortcomings” in the system for referral together with an “over-reliance” on antidepressants and the stigma attached to talking about the condition. This was reflected by the treatments offered to those who did seek professional help: 70% were prescribed antidepressants, and 41% had access to a talking therapy.
Commenting on the ‘Suffering in Silence’ report, Sue Macdonald, education and research manager at the Royal College of Midwives, said: “The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) welcomes the information from this survey in the emphasis it places on the importance of postnatal care and support, and in the range of recommendations made.
“The need to prepare women and their families for the possibility that they may experience postnatal depression and developing strategies for dealing with this is really important.
“The midwife is the key professional to provide this information and support during pregnancy, and during the first month after childbirth, following which the care passes to the Health Visitor.
“Obviously the focus on this report was on health visitor services, as postnatal depression will occur and be detected as the care passes to the health visitor, but it is important to ensure seamless and sensitive care through inter-professional working, to help families to identify when they need help, and access services and treatment that are tailored to the particular needs of the woman and her family.”
According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, 10-15% of women suffer from postnatal depression.
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