Women Share What It Feels Like To Have Postnatal Depression In Moving Video

Women Share What It Feels Like To Have Postnatal Depression
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In this heart-wrenching short video by filmmaker Jill Krause, women talk candidly about their experiences of postnatal depression and how they overcame their problems to become 'warrior mums'.

According to the NHS, one in ten new mothers will be affected by postnatal depression after having a baby, but despite being so common, it's rarely talked about.

Krause, who suffered with postnatal depression herself, told Buzzfeed: "I knew this would be a powerful experience before I started, but I was surprised by how truly honoured I felt listening to these women."

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One of the mothers in the video said: "I really wanted to act out this anger on inanimate objects and my husband and it was such a weird feeling.

"My stomach always felt like when you miss a step when you're going down the stairs, that's how I felt all the time."

The mothers featured in the video all went on to get professional help.

"At the first appointment, it was reassuring the first time that she told me it wasn't just me. A weight was really lifted from my shoulders," said one mother.

Another added: "You will get better. You feel like now that you're going to feel like this for the rest of your life, but it does get better."

Ways To Protect Against Postnatal Depression
How To Protect Against Postnatal Depression(01 of09)
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(credit:Alamy)
Talk To Like-Minded Women(02 of09)
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Make friends with other women who are pregnant or have just had a baby. It may be more difficult to make new friends if you get PND. (credit:Alamy)
Contact A Support Group(03 of09)
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Do find someone you can talk to. If you don't have a close friend you can turn to, try the National Childbirth Trust or MAMA. Their local groups are very supportive both before and after childbirth. (credit:Alamy)
Go To Antenatal Classes(04 of09)
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If you have a partner, take them with you. If not take a friend or relative. (credit:Alamy)
Slow Down(05 of09)
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Don't try to be 'superwoman'. Try to do less and make sure that you don't get over-tired. (credit:Alamy)
Discuss Medication(06 of09)
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Don't stop antidepressant medication during pregnancy without advice. Around seven in 10 women who stop antidepressants in pregnancy relapse if they stop the medication. You need to discuss the risks and benefits of continuing treatment in pregnancy and breastfeeding. (credit:Alamy)
Talk To Your Doctor(07 of09)
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Keep in touch with your GP and health visitor if you have had depression before. Any signs of depression in pregnancy or PND can be recognised early. (credit:Alamy)
Seek Treatment During Pregnancy(08 of09)
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Do make sure that you have treatment for depression during pregnancy, whether this is a talking therapy or medication. (credit:Alamy)
Seek Support(09 of09)
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Don't feel ashamed about accepting offers of help from friends and family. be ashamed (credit:Alamy)