My daughter has postnatal depression and we don’t know how to help her

DEAR DEIDRE: MY daughter has postnatal depression.

She recently gave birth to my grandson but it was a traumatic delivery.

She has since needed the crisis team to see her because she feels like a burden.

I’m her mum, in my 50s. My daughter and her partner are in their 20s.

We were always close but I can’t seem to get through to her.

I’ve stayed with her and my son-in-law to help her get a good night’s sleep and have persuaded her to see her GP.

But our GP surgery is useless.

I’m terrified for her welfare and I don’t know what else I can do except continue to reassure her that life will get better.

DEIDRE SAYS: Depres­sion is a scary and tough condition to live with.

To try to help your daughter, read my support pack on depression.

Keep talking to her and offering your support.

You will ultimately get through to her. She may also find it helpful to look at the Birth Trauma Association site (birthtraumaassociation. org). It supports parents in her situation.