As many as one in 10 women experience postnatal depression. So what happens when you’re in the midst of it, or recovering, and you’re due to return to work? We look at your options and share tips on handling the transition
Going through postnatal depression (PND) is stressful, overwhelming and scary. And, if your maternity leave is coming to an end and you’re scheduled to return to work, it can seem even more challenging. However, there are lots of things you can do to try to ease any worry or concerns.
As difficult as it may be when you’re going through PND, you may find that keeping in touch with your employer and colleagues helps you feel less anxious about returning to work.
Sybille Raphael is Head of Legal Advice Services at Working Families, an organisation specialising in work-life balance, and she has the following advice:
‘It usually helps to have regular contact with your employer, allowing you to explain your worries and your wishes, so you can prepare for your return to work together.’
You can come to work – and be paid – for up to 10 Keeping in Touch (KIT) days without maternity leave or pay ending.
There’s also no substitute for talking. ‘Emails, or what feels like a suspiciously long silence, can be misinterpreted.’
‘So it’s often better to take the bull by the horns and suggest a quick chat, in person or by phone,’ says Sybille.
It’s completely up to you whether or not you want to disclose your PND to your employer. You are not legally obliged to do so.
However, informing them might mean they’re better able to understand and support you.
‘It might also help you negotiate whatever you think might help, or diffuse any tensions before they arise,’ says Sybille.
Laura Clark is mum to Edward and founder of The Butterfly Mother blog about mental health, emotional wellbeing and self care for parents. Because she was starting a new job she didn’t feel able to disclose her PND, but in hindsight she says it might have helped.
You’re not obliged to tell anyone about your PND if you don’t want to
‘When I had a relapse of anxiety around two years later I was forced to tell my boss and she was absolutely incredible. Most companies have a mental health policy and sometimes mental health champions to support you.’
She adds: ‘If you’re returning to your previous job, and feel comfortable doing so, try to have a frank discussion with your manager – maybe they can find a way to ease you back in, such as a phased return.’
If you’ve decided to disclose your PND, telling your employer or colleagues something so personal can feel very daunting.
So it’s worth working out what you’re going to say. You can tell them as much or as little about your experiences as you feel comfortable with.
Also think about how you’d like them to respond – are you asking for any specific help or support when you return to work, or do you need to delay your return to work?
Write it down and bring notes with you if you feel it will help.
Sybille advises: ‘Consider your situation and try to put forward the best proposal you can. So, instead of arriving with a problem, you will be a problem-solver.’
Being proactive and trying to plan for your return to work is always sensible – and hopefully it will make the process smoother.
‘If there’s anything specific that you’re worried about, face the problem head-on and try to find solutions,’ says Sybille.
‘Be positive. Try to plan ahead and be prepared to suggest ideas to get around any issues. For instance, if you think you’ll find it difficult to leave your baby, suggest a phased return to work or that you start work a bit later so that mornings aren’t so hectic.’
‘Or, if you’re worried about having to do overnight travel, think carefully about how your manager could reallocate your responsibilities.’
Sybille’s advice is to prepare thoroughly before all meetings with your employer.
‘Think about what you need from the discussion with your boss or colleague. Make sure you know what you’re asking for and make sure to ask for it.’
She adds: ‘It’s a good idea to keep notes of your meetings and of anything that is agreed along the way.’
You may feel like the clock is ticking and your return to work is looming, yet you’re just not ready because of your PND.
If this is the case, try to have a discussion with your partner about what options might be open to you as a family. For example, would your finances allow you to request a change in working hours? It may help you cope emotionally if you know you’ll be working fewer hours.
Or, would it be financially viable to delay your return to work? You are legally entitled to 52 weeks of maternity leave (although the last 13 weeks are unpaid) and some further time off might help your recovery.
Many women don’t realise that they accrue holidays while on maternity leave so you could ask if this can be added onto the end of your maternity leave to buy you some more time to recover.
It can help to figure out what your options are – so you don’t feel like you’re pressured into following a path that could set your recovery back.
Be realistic in your goals and don’t be afraid to ask for help and support
It’s very tricky when you have lots going on in your personal life but you’re still expected to perform at work.
Sybille has the following tips: ‘Think of the resources you need and ask for them. Clarify mutual expectations and priorities.’
She adds: ‘Communication is key. If you’re going to miss deadlines, raise your hand early on.’
‘Come prepared to present your boss with potential solutions to show that you have the same sense of urgency as they do about projects. And be sure to flag your successes for your boss.’
Many employers prove understanding and sympathetic towards women experiencing PND, but unfortunately this isn’t always the case.
Sybille says: ‘If your manager does not support you, the next step is probably to seek help elsewhere. Raise the matter with HR or a superior informally first. If this does not get you anywhere, ultimately you can complain about it in writing through a grievance.’
However, Sybille does caution about raising a grievance before you’ve explored other options.
‘It is almost always better to be clear about what you need in terms of support and raise it informally first.’
Try to take it slow and give yourself time to get used to the new routines and arrangements
Returning to work after having a baby is difficult enough, even without PND thrown into the mix.
Laura says: ‘This is not just a tip for returning to work but for handling PND in general. During those first few weeks I had several moments when I felt completely overwhelmed and I questioned whether I could do it at all.’
‘This usually occurred when I let my mind run away with me and focused too much on the future. If you take your job literally one task at a time everything feels a lot more manageable.’
Laura explains how important it is to feel happy with the childcare arrangements you’ve put in place.
‘Focusing at work can be challenging when you’re still in recovery – even without the distraction of worrying about your little one.’
‘So finding childcare that you’re comfortable with is vital and it’s the first step you should take especially since some nurseries and childminders have waiting lists.’
PND affects 10 to 15 in every 100 women having a baby*.
In a study by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists 81% of women surveyed had experienced at least one episode of a mental health problem during or after their pregnancy**.
Remember there are so many other people in the same boat as you.
You are far from alone. PND can happen to anyone and it does not mean you’re a failure, a bad parent or that your child will be taken away from you.
Don’t suffer in silence – talk to your partner, family, friends, other new parents, your GP or health visitor.
There is so much help available for you. And, with the right support, you can and will recover.
When you’re recovering from PND and feeling fragile, a big change might feel like the last thing you need.
But actually it’s worth thinking about the benefits of work and what you enjoyed about your career before your maternity leave.
Laura says: ‘I craved the normality that had been missing since my son’s arrival but at the same time I was utterly terrified.’
‘But you may end up finding your return to work is really helpful to your recovery.’
Going back to work may help you establish your new identity
She explains: ‘It may help you build your confidence back up as you transition into familiar tasks; it might help combat isolation and loneliness; and it helps to focus your mind or distract you from intrusive thoughts’.
Most importantly of all, keep in mind that you can and you will recover. And that no matter how overwhelming returning to work and handling PND might seem, with the right help and support, you will get through this.
Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700.
NCT information on PND
NCT information on returning to work
Your rights when you have PND
Working Families legal advice helpline: 0300 012 0312
Or email advice@workingfamilies.org.uk
Association for Post Natal Illness (APNI): helpline 0207 386 0868
Or email info@apni.org
Pre and Postnatal Depression Advice and Support (PANDAS): helpline 0843 28 98 401
Mind, the mental health charity, infoline: 0300 123 3393
Or email info@mind.org.uk
Maternal Mental Health Alliance
You can search for local support groups and find details of national telephone or email support lines
Butterfly Mother blog
* Woody CA, Ferrari A, Siskind D, Whiteford H, Harris M. A systematic review and meta-regression of the prevalence and incidence of perinatal depression. J Affect Disord. 2017; 219: 86-92.
Available from here
(Accessed 6 February 2019)
** Survey published by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and supported by the Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA).
Available from here
(Accessed 6 February 2019)
