Surviving Post-Natal Depression

At home, no one hears you scream

Cara Aiken

Cara Aiken has two daughters and suffered post-natal depression after both their births. But this book covers not only her own experience, but the stories of other women who have suffered from this illness. It is salutary to remind ourselves that at least one in ten new mothers experiences post-natal depression. Do not confuse this serious illness with ‘baby-blues' - it is much much more severe than that. Yet, there is still very little help on offer. The cause of post-natal depression is complex and there are many possible factors, all of which are discussed in this excellent book.

How can we best prevent post-natal depression? Aiken lists the following guide lines: screening of vulnerable pregnant women for risk factors who would benefit from pre-natal psychosocial support, education about parenthood, about the need to have help when the baby arrives, and about how to prioritize the demands of family, house, baby and self.

How can we recognise that a new mother needs help? Sadly, post-natal depression is often diagnosed retrospectively which means the mother had no support at the time it was most needed. So whether you are a new parent, a professional, or a caring family member, keep an eye out for the signs that a mother may be struggling to avoid weeping, fatigue, feelings of inadequacy, irritability, acute anxiety, lack of confidence, fear and more. And to round it off, guilt about not being a ‘perfect' mother and attempting to hide these feelings from those around her.

As with so many different cases, a combination of drug treatment combined with counselling - or psychotherapy for those with more severe symptoms - is found to be most effective.

It is tragic to read that so many mothers are very deeply troubled at a time in their lives when they should be filled with love and happiness. So, hopefully this book will sound an alarm which badly needs to be heard.

Jessica Kingsley Publishers 

paperback  £15.95   $23.95     ISBN 1853028614

available  from       and    

Review published 8 December 2003 © Jill Curtis 2003