// BBC HEALTH NEWS — SALUTE
'The veil of shame around postnatal depression needs to go'
"Women, since the beginning of time, have birthed and looked after children and I just couldn't be bothered. I thought I was lazy."
Those are the words of Laura, 45, from Cheltenham, in Gloucestershire, who weeks after undergoing an emergency Caesarean section struggled so much with postnatal depression that she needed psychiatric care.
The NHS says postnatal depression, external, also known as postpartum depression, is a "common" mental health condition that can happen after having a baby.
"Postnatal depression can happen to anyone and this is why the veil of shame needs to come down, through education or through listening to people," said Laura.
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Laura began to suffer from postnatal depression about two months after her son was born
Symptoms can include feeling fearful, anxious or irritable, alongside difficulty concentrating and sleeping.
It can also be accompanied by suicidal thoughts and struggling to bond with your baby.
An NHS spokesperson advised seeking support from your GP, health visitor or midwife if these symptoms persist, in addition to charities such as Mind and PANDAS.
According to the NHS, the condition affects about one in 1,000 new mothers and can include symptoms such as hallucinations, paranoia and depression.