If you are suffering from any of the symptoms associated with postnatal depression it is important that you see your GP as soon as possible.
It may help to take your partner or a close friend or family member with you, but if you are not up to leaving the house you can request a health visitor comes to your home. The GP will make a diagnosis based on what you tell them about your symptoms. If you take someone with you it can often be beneficial as they may have noticed your behaviour so they will be able to give the GP more information.
Your GP might decide to do a blood test to make sure the symptoms are not caused by something else, such as an underactive thyroid or anaemia.
A study carried out into postnatal depression showed that only one quarter of women sought any help when they suspected they were affected. A questionnaire known as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale has been developed to enable GPs to diagnose the condition. Some doctors use this questionnaire while the woman is still pregnant to try to determine the likelihood of them developing PND.
June 2011 | 
What is Post Natal Depression?
