What is PND?
PND is a common abbreviation for Pre &/Or Postnatal Depression. Pre & Postnatal depression are mental health conditions that effect pregnant and new mothers within the first year of their babies life.
In 2012 when our charity was set up PND was and remains to be the most common mental health condition to affect a pregnant and new mum. However, has time has progressed Research has shown that there are other common mental health illnesses that can affect both parents during and after pregnancy. These include Anxiety, Postpartum Psychosis, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Tokophobia, Birth Trauma, with or without Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Perinatal Mental Health is now commonly used to encompass the emotional and psychological wellbeing of parents from conception, through pregnancy and up to the child’s first Birthday.
Our services support the whole family unit effected by a perinatal mental illness and support parents beyond their babies first birthday.
It is important to reach out to a healthcare professional for help and support if you think that you or someone you know may be struggling with their mental health.
Antenatal & Postnatal Depression
Antenatal is the period of time during pregnancy, postnatal is the period of time after pregnancy, & depression is a mental health condition that can affect the mother/birthing person & the father/partner. Depression is recognised via a series of symptoms that impact a person’s ability to conduct normal daily activities & last for 2-4 weeks or more.
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Dads’ Mental Health
Fathers can also be at risk of struggling with their mental health during the perinatal period (the time from conception until the baby’s first birthday). Having a baby is an emotionally demanding time for all, so it is important to ensure that you care for yourself, too.
Pregnancy, labour and the newborn stage are all demanding times for both mother and father.
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Perinatal mental health
Perinatal mental health covers all mental health problems associated with pregnancy, birth and beyond.
These include Antenatal and Postnatal Depression and Anxiety, Postpartum Psychosis, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Tokophobia, Birth Trauma or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
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Antenatal & Postnatal Anxiety
Antenatal is the period of time during pregnancy, postnatal is the period of time after pregnancy and anxiety is a condition that affects the fight, flight or freeze response within the body.
The body reacts to anxiety in two different ways, causing either psychological or physical symptoms.
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Postpartum Psychosis
Postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious mental health illness that can affect women soon after giving birth. It’s also known as puerperal or postnatal psychosis.
If you are concerned about the safety of your partner or someone you know, contact emergency care immediately, where rapid support and treatment will be offered.
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Birth trauma
Birth trauma is a physical and/or psychological reaction to one single event, or a mixture of experiences through conception, pregnancy, during labour or after the birth.
Birth trauma can be developed by those who experienced the event itself or by those who witnessed the event.
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a term to describe a number of reactions that can occur in parents who have experienced a traumatic event. This may or may not have been perceived as life threatening at the time.
PTSD can also be a more severe reaction to birth trauma.
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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is characterised by recurrent intrusive thoughts, which can lead to repetitive behaviour.
OCD has 3 main elements: obsessions, emotions and compulsions.
rusive thoughts, which can
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Resources
At PANDAS, we want to do all we can to make a difference to the lives of people experiencing maternal mental health problems. Here are some useful links to other support services that offer help and advice on perinatal mental health.
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If you need urgent help….
If you need urgent help or are worried about a loved one, call the Samaritans on 116 123 or the emergency services on 999.