CAMAF Member Option Guides & Info

If your depression lasts longer than a fortnight at most, you should discuss your feelings with your doctor. If possible take your partner, friend or relative with you. Before you see the doctor write a list of all the symptoms that you are suffering from. you should not go on with depression symptoms in the hope that it will go away. Postnatal depression is a real illness and it can be treated successfully with a variety of techniques. MEDICAL TREATMENT Any mother who thinks she may be suffering from postnatal depression should see her doctor as soon as possible. try to tell the doctor all the symptoms which are troubling you, as this will help him/her correctly diagnose the illness. though forms of drug treatment vary, they usually involve the use of antidepressant medication. Certain medication can make your mouth dry and you may feel rather drowsy, but these feelings wear off as you continue to take the medication. if you have taken your medication for several weeks and you still do not feel better, consult your doctor as you may need a stronger dose or an alternative drug. these drugs do work gently and improvement is gradual so try not to be impatient. When you find a drug which helps you, do not try to persuade your medical advisor to cut the length of the treatment short. Although you may start feeling better quickly when you take the medication, remember that depression is an illness, and give yourself plenty of time to make a full recovery. COUNSELLING Professional counselling may be very beneficial if you are depressed. Cognitive behavioural therapy is a very helpful form of therapy to hasten a recovery from depression. it teaches the mother coping skills which may be useful after she has recovered. Cognitive behavioural therapy helps mothers change many of the negative feelings or thoughts that they may have towards themselves and others. For more information and referrals please contact the Emotional Wellness Case Manager on 0860 100 544. Many women find that their depression becomes worse just before, or during their period. if this is so, you can ask your doctor to consider progesterone therapy to help prevent this severe form of pre-menstrual tension. WHO ELSE CAN HELP? After you have seen the doctor, you may find it helpful to talk to an understanding and sympathetic member of your family or a friend. if your friend understands that you will recover completely and be your old self again when you are better, then he or she can be a real source of comfort and reassurance to you during the time of your illness. trying to deal with your pain on your own can only perpetuate your feelings of aloneness. Share your feelings with others rather than bottling them up. Some mothers find it helpful to talk to a mother who has had and recovered from postnatal depression. if you feel that this is appropriate for you, contact the Emotional Wellness Case Manager who will assist you in locating a support group close to your home. CHAPTER 3: trEAtMEnt oPtionS 12

• Cover