David Walliams health: Comedian’s ‘terrible elemental sadness’ about his condition
This Morning: Dr Chris reveals symptoms of his depression
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The father-of-one penned: “It was not just the terrible elemental sadness I felt, but fear. Fear of death, fear of life, fear of love, fear of everything.” Committed to speaking more openly about mental health, David shared that there have been periods of his life where he has been “very, very down”. In an episode of Bear’s Mission, David elaborated: “It’s been very long lasting.
“I don’t really like being alone with my thoughts for very long… when you’re writing you’re not alone.”
The creator of Gangsta Granny Strikes Again, David has been able to pour his energy into writing children’s books.
In addition, David has found that becoming a father has put him “in a better place”.
The 50-year-old said: “Your whole life starts revolving around them and you do stop dwelling on your own problems so much, because you don’t have time to.”
For some people, however, having a child can be the beginning of postnatal depression.
The NHS said: “Postnatal depression is a type of depression that many parents experience after having a baby.”
Postnatal depression can affect more than one in 10 women within a year of giving birth.
“It can also affect fathers and partners,” the health body added.
For mothers, the “baby blues” can lead to a woman feeling a bit down, tearful, or anxious in the first week after giving birth.
While the baby blues do not last for more than a fortnight, any lingering symptoms could be a sign of postnatal depression.
Signs of postnatal depression may include:
- A persistent feeling of sadness and low mood
- Lack of enjoyment and loss of interest in the wider world
- Lack of energy and feeling tired all the time
- Trouble sleeping at night and feeling sleepy during the day
- Difficulty bonding with your baby
- Withdrawing from contact with other people
- Problems concentrating and making decisions
- Frightening thoughts – for example, about hurting your baby.
“Many women do not realise they have postnatal depression, because it can develop gradually,” the NHS stated.
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People experiencing postnatal depression are advised to make time for yourself to do things you enjoy.
Other self-care measures also include resting whenever you get the chance, getting as much sleep as you can at night, and exercising regularly.
Eating a healthy diet is also recommended, as well as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
The NHS said: “A GP may be able to recommend a self-help course or may refer you for a course of therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).”
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There are helpful resources for people struggling with postnatal depression.
Examples include the Association for Post Natal Illness (APNI) and Pre and Postnatal Depression Advice and Support (PANDAS).
“Going to antenatal classes and making friends with other pregnant women or new parents can also be helpful,” the NHS added.
David Walliams will be a guest on The Jonathan Ross Show, Saturday November 20, at 9.30pm.
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