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.
MYTH: Everyone will judge me and think I’m failing as a mum.