Following Adele’s heart-breaking interview revealing her struggles with post-natal depression, we bust 10 myths about the baby blues
New mums often fall into the trap of believing common medical myths which cause more harm than good
SHE has laid bare her life in her lyrics but Adele has made her most honest confession yet – about her fight with post-natal depression.
The singer, 28, mum to four-year-old Angelo, admitted she “felt like I’d made the worst decision of my life” after he was born. But Adele based her feelings on common medical myths.
Here, Cara Aiken, author of Surviving Post-Natal Depression, debunks ten of them.
MYTH: Having post-natal depression (PND) is your fault.
You haven’t done anything wrong.
PND affects approximately three in ten mothers, according to current statistics.
Any woman can be hit with the condition. A sufferer should see the GP and never blame themselves.
MYTH: I’ll have to go on anti-depressants if I get PND.
They are often prescribed for PND but talking therapy and family support can be excellent alternatives.
Lots of rest is essential. You are entitled to a second opinion if you are not satisfied with your GP’s advice.
MYTH: It’s hereditary.
A variety of factors can contribute to the onset of PND, it is not a condition that is passed down through your family.
There can be many psychological complications including a difficult birth or inability to breastfeed, and there may also be no reason at all.
MYTH: You can easily tell if someone has PND.
If anything, mums with PND try to prove they are keeping on top of everything and doing just fine.
It is not an easily detectable illness and it is invisible.
MYTH: Women with PND are sad and cry constantly.
The pressure to appear “fine” can mean mums constantly present themselves with a smile.
If you suspect someone is suffering, let them know you are there for them.
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MYTH: Everyone will judge me and think I’m failing as a mum.
We create our own guidelines to being the “perfect” mum but it’s important to know that behind the perfect Facebook family posts everyone is fighting their own battles.
PND is an illness, it does not mean you are anything less than a great parent.
MYTH: My baby will be taken away from me if I admit I’m struggling.
This is a very sad and common myth. The sooner you seek help, the easier and more enjoyable motherhood will be.
No official body would want to break up a family home.
MYTH: PND only occurs within the first few months of childbirth.
There is no set timescale. Most women tend to recognise their symptoms within a short period of time post-childbirth, but you can have PND any time in the first year.
MYTH: There’s nothing I can do to help a parent with PND.
The biggest misrepresentation of all. There are so many things you can do. Perhaps give the mum some time off.
Let her catch up on some sleep, talk and support her by sharing your own experiences.
MYTH: I’ll never be able to have another child after suffering PND.
This is your choice. You shouldn’t be frightened to give your baby a sibling, as you will not necessarily experience PND again.
In fact, the second time around you will have adapted to being a parent.
For more information on mental health problems and PND, head to or call Mind’s infoline on 0300 123 3393.