Depression Awareness Week: Mum Bravely Shares Experience Of Prenatal Depression | HuffPost Life

'I was shutting myself away from everyone and crying every day.'

By

Life editor at HuffPost UK

A woman who was overjoyed to find out she was going to become a mum had no idea falling pregnant would trigger her depression.

When Kimberley Thursfield, 27, from Bromley, was four months pregnant with her first child, she began to feel down and extremely unhappy about her life.

Initially Thursfield didn't seek help about how she was feeling, because she had no idea prenatal depression "even existed", despite the fact one in every ten women experience it, according to PANDAS.

"Our baby was very much wanted so I didn't understand why I was feeling like this," Thursfield told The Huffington Post UK.

"I was meant to be happy and everyone tells you how amazing it is and how glowing you look, but inside I was hurting so much."

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Kimberley Thursfield and her 17-month-old daughter Alana

"I cried all the time," Thursfield admitted. "It really affected my relationship with my husband and a lot of my friends.

"Nobody really understood, because they all thought I must be so happy to be expecting my first child."

It took three months for Thursfield to have the courage to go to the doctors - by which point she was seven months pregnant.

The doctor immediately signed her off work and told her that because she had suffered with depression in the past, it was likely that her pregnancy had been a huge trigger in it coming back.

Thursfield said the worst part was how alone she felt, having never spoken to other expectant mums in the same situation.

"I had started meeting lots of other pregnant women in the area before, but none of them felt the same as me," she said.

"They were all very happy and cleaning their houses and setting up the nursery.

"I was shutting myself away from everyone and crying every day thinking I'd done something terrible and what an awful mother I was going to be."

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Thursfield decided not to take medication because she was worried about the potential risk to the baby, so was put on an urgent waiting list for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy sessions.

But she said the thing she found most helpful was getting support from others.

She learnt about the charity PANDAS, which supports people with pre- and postnatal illnesses, while watching 'This Morning' and visited the website to find out more.

"I felt so relieved that I wasn't suffering alone," Thursfield said.

"I found their online support on Facebook and started talking to other women who were suffering and felt so much better.

"This was therapy for me."

After Thursfield gave birth to her daughter Alana, now 17 months old, she decided to set up her own local PANDAS support group

"I decided Bromley needed something like this," she added.

"I couldn't find any local support when I needed it, so I wanted to help other ladies in the area - and we have.

"There is too much stigma and people really don't understand just how bad it can be."

What is prenatal depression?

Prenatal depression has only come to light within the last twenty years. Prior to this, postnatal depression was the only ‘depression’ thought to be linked to pregnancy, according to PANDAS.

"Sufferers have often described prenatal (antenatal) depression as a nine month tunnel of doom, anxiety and despair, which makes for a stark contrast to the celebrated and expected joyful, happy time, full of excitement and anticipation," a PANDAS spokesperson told HuffPost UK.

Raja Gangopadhyay, a consultant obstetrician in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH), who is campaigning for reducing stigma and better PMH services said depression and anxiety are the most common psychiatric symptoms during pregnancy.

Cristian Baitg via Getty Images

"Untreated or under-treated depression during pregnancy is the strongest predictor of postnatal depression (PND)," Gangopadhyay told HuffPost UK. "Therefore it is very important to address this during antenatal period."

Common symptoms of prenatal depression:
Chronic anxiety
Guilt
Incessant crying
Lack of energy
Relationship worries: worrying their partner may leave once the baby is born
Conflict with parents: pregnancy can often stir up emotions regarding their own up bringing
Isolation
Fear to seek help
Source: PANDAS Charity

"Symptoms of depression should not be ignored and attributed to ‘normal’ hormonal changes of pregnancy," Gangopadhyay said.

"Sadly due to stigma, mums often hesitate to talk about their feelings during the pregnancy and beyond."

Treatment and support of prenatal depression

Gangopadhyay said correct diagnosis of mental health conditions is very important, escecially during pregnancy.

"If the expectant mother is planning pregnancy and on antidepressant medication, then the dose and type of medication must be reviewed by the GP and if required, a specialist perinatal psychiatrist’s opinion should be sought," he said.

"Mums should discuss the symptoms (of feeling low) to the GP, midwife or obstetrician without delay.

"In many places, there are referral systems in place to mental health services."

PANDAS advise mums-to-be to make sure they take their "own needs seriously".

"Take care of yourself by seeking support early and anticipating your needs with housework,

"Talk through issues with your partner, family or friends as a good source of emotional support."

For further support, call the PANDAS charity helpline or find people to talk to online.

SEE ALSO:
The Trials and Tribulations of Antenatal Depression
Yoga During Pregnancy Can Reduce Anxiety And Depression In Expectant Mothers
An Open Letter From the Bathroom Floor: My Prenatal Depression Experience

15 Facts About Depression

It's Not Just About Being Sad (01 of15)

There’s more to depression than just feeling sad all the time, says Dr. Prakash Masand, a psychiatrist and president of Global Medical Education. Symptoms of depression can include psychomotor (cognitive functions and physical movement) activity changes, trouble sleeping, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, feelings of guilt or hopelessness, decreased energy, trouble concentrating, appetite changes, while others may also have suicidal thoughts or attempts.

It Doesn't Mean You Can't Live Your Life(02 of15)

Being diagnosed with depression doesn't have to stop you from living your day-to-day life or seeking professional help. Most people would never guess celebrities like Brad Pitt, Oprah Winfrey, Billy Joel and J.K. Rowling all battled depression.

It Can Be Expensive (03 of15)

In Canada, one 2012 report found depressed workers who take a leave of absence or schedule in doctor or therapy appointments during work hours, can cost an employer up to $18,000.

New Moms Can Get Hit (04 of15)

Masand says one in 10 new mothers will develop postpartum depression. "This is by no means a character flaw or weakness. Symptoms of depression or the 'baby blues' can occur in many women." Mothers who feel like they do have symptoms should seek treatment and not put it off.

Women Are More Likely To Be Depressed (05 of15)

Masand says women are twice as likely to develop depression as men, and although depression can strike at any age, the average age of onset is 32.

You're More Likely To Have A Heart Attack(06 of15)

Patients with depression are also more likely to have heart attacks and strokes compared to non-depressed individuals, Masand adds. Researchers note some symptoms of depression can reduce your overall physical and mental health, which increases your risk of heart disease or make symptoms of heart disease worse.

It's Not Just Adults (07 of15)

One out of 10 adolescents will have depressive disorder by the time they're 18, Masand says. "Compared to adults, children with depression may be more likely to present temper tantrums, somatic complaints, social withdrawal and mood liability."

It Doesn't Always "Go Away" (08 of15)

If you are seeking treatment or taking antidepressants, Masand adds it's not as simple as being symptom-free in a few weeks. "Medications take time to work, and a 10 to 12 week trial is necessary to achieve remission," he says. He also adds cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy are good options to moderate depression.

Depression And Bipolar Disorder Are Not The Same (09 of15)

Sometimes, people are misdiagnosed or use the two conditions interchangeably. Masand says healthcare professionals should also ask about the history of a patient's experience with hypomania and mania — both of which are linked to being bipolar.

Sometimes Being SAD Is More Than Just SAD (10 of15)

Many patients with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is winter depression, have undiagnosed bipolar disorder, Masand says. Again, this can be tracked by looking at the patient's medical history, and experience with hypomania and mood levels. Often, professionals (and patients) wait around for the weather to get better to feel better.

Exercise And Yoga Can Help(11 of15)

Masand says studies have shown exercise and yoga can be very helpful with patients with depression. "When you exercise, you release endorphins, a chemical in the brain that brings about a positive feeling over the body." The benefits of exercising in general include longer and deeper sleep, improved self-esteem and confidence, reduced stress and alleviated depression and anxiety.

How Is It Diagnosed? (12 of15)

There are no laboratory tests or brain scans that can diagnose depression, Masand says. Instead, doctors talk to patients about family history, look for depression symptoms and at the same time, rule out other conditions to narrow down depression.

Hidden Causes (13 of15)

Masand says many medications like steroids or isotretinoin have been linked to causing depression. If you recently started taking a new medication and are feeling the symptoms of depression, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about potential side effects.

The Link Between Antidepressants And Suicidal Thoughts (14 of15)

Antidepressants don’t usually increase suicidal thoughts and suicidal tendencies, Masand says, but some studies have shown a correlation with an increased risk in some patients. In particular, children, teens and those under 24 tend to have a higher risk of having suicidal thoughts. In this case, anyone under 24 should be monitored extra carefully for any suicidal behaviour.

Resiliency Can Be A Good Thing (15 of15)

People with the resiliency trait are less likely to develop depression. "The reason for this isn’t totally understood, but resilient people typically have a stronger belief in themselves, don’t let adversity bring them down and are more confident," Masand says. He adds these types of behaviours are also taught in therapy.

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