Recognising Post Natal Depression Symptoms
A baby is a major life-changing event. It is essential to recognize the symptoms of depression or anxiety during the perinatal period and seek treatment as soon as you notice them.
Many people experience the 'baby blues' within the first few days following the birth. Postnatal depression is more severe and requires medical attention.
1. The bonding between your baby and you can be a challenge.
Most new parents will feel depressed at some point following the birth. If you are depressed for the majority of days and it lasts more than two weeks, you could be suffering from postnatal depression (PND). PND is more serious than the "baby blues" that many people experience during the week after the birth of their child. But it is very treatable and most recover with the support of family members, whanau, friends and professional support services.
It can be difficult to connect with your baby if you are feeling depressed, as your emotions can interfere in the way you interact. It can cause you to be irritable towards your child, and you could even be angry or irritable when they cry or need comfort. It can also affect how you look after your child and make it difficult to feed, change or dress them.
People with PND may lose interest in everyday activities, such as sleeping or eating and their energy levels will decline. They might become withdrawn from their whanau, and have irrational fears about the health of their baby or think they are causing harm to it. Some people develop symptoms of anxiety like panic attacks or fears of losing control.
Speak with a healthcare professional if you're having difficulty connecting with your child. They can offer suggestions on how to deal with the issue and can refer you to treatment, including psychotherapy or medication. They can inform you if your depression is normal or not, and what you can do to improve your condition. If you're experiencing severe depression, your doctor might be in a position to refer you to a community perinatal mental health team that specialises in treating new mothers.
2. Feeling devalued or feeling guilty
Post-natal depression is usually characterized by feelings of worthlessness or guilt. This is because people who are experiencing this condition tend to blame themselves for all the negative events that occur in their lives. This could be due to previous events where someone has been abused, neglected or felt inferior. This can lead to a lack of self-esteem and low confidence which makes it more difficult to handle daily activities.
Having children is a huge responsibility that can be difficult for parents who are new. It is important to seek assistance in the event that you or someone you love, is experiencing this. This can reduce the symptoms and make you feel better.
It is crucial to keep in mind that depression and feeling low are not indications of weakness. It is a medical condition that can be treated, and there are numerous services available for new mothers. If you suspect that you may have this illness, it is essential to talk to your GP or Well Child Tamariki ORA nurse.
Postnatal depression can affect anyone, regardless of their age or number of children. It can also occur during pregnancy (this is known as antenatal depression). If you or someone you know is feeling down you can encourage them to visit their GP or health visitor and don't be afraid to seek help. Most people recover from PND with the proper support and treatment. Maintaining contact with family and friends can also be helpful, as this helps keep the person feeling positive and avoid isolation. This can be especially helpful in cases where the symptoms are more severe or persistent.
3. Inattention loss in normal activities
Many women suffering from PND lose enthusiasm for their hobbies and friends. They may not like spending time with their child and are unable to make decisions. They're usually exhausted but struggle to sleep because they cannot relax or go to an enveloping, restful sleep. They might also feel less hungry and eat less. Sometimes they gain weight and feel ashamed.
If the symptoms last for more than two weeks or are severe, seek medical attention. The majority of the time, the problem is caused by hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and after birth. They can be caused by stress in a relationship, or other life circumstances.
It is possible to experience depression at any time. It is more prevalent in the first year following the birth of a child. It can affect new and existing partners as well as fathers. Depression can also cause issues for children, like emotional and behavioral issues.
Depression can be treated with therapy and support. Talking therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy can be highly efficient, however it is also normal for antidepressants to be prescribed. Some are better suited to certain individuals than others. It's a matter of trial and error.
It is important to have the support of family members as well as friends, and health care professionals. Some mothers with PND withdraw from their partners, which can strain relationships. Many of these relationships will recover once the mother's depression is treated. Depression can cause number of other issues like anger, suicidal ideas and anxiety.
4. Change in appetite
The emotional and physical stress of having a baby can be overwhelming. The baby blues is a term used to describe the feelings of sadness and anxiety that many women experience after having a baby. The feelings of anxiety and sadness are normal, but should be short-lived. If they are present for a week or more this could be a sign of more serious mental health problem such as post-natal depression.
The hormone levels that rise during pregnancy and then drop dramatically after delivery can cause depression. This condition is also associated with an increase in appetite. New mothers may not feel hungry or experience an appetite that is less than normal and can be made worse by sleep deprivation and fatigue.
A lack of appetite could lead to nutritional deficiencies and weight issues and may affect breastfeeding as it could decrease the amount of milk produced. In this regard, when a mother-to-be is not eating enough she is advised to seek assistance from her doctor (doctor) or a midwife Well Child Tamariki Ora nurse (through Plunket).
If you have been supporting women who are pregnant or postpartum and you notice any of the symptoms above it is essential to discuss with them how they are feeling. If they're hesitant to talk to you, help the woman to book an appointment with their GP or Plunket Health Visitor. You can also call the PANDA Helpline at 1300 726-306 if they are reluctant to speak with you. Don't criticize or offer to help her lose weight or suggest that she consume more. Encourage and support them by offering positive feedback.
5. Physical slowing or agitation
Postnatal depression can affect the family as in general. The sufferer of PND may not feel capable of taking care of her child and may withdraw from whanau and friends. She may be overly worried about the physical health of her child, and may worry that there is something wrong with them. This can lead to excessive guilt and the feeling that you are not a good parent.
Women with PND are often able to access family, spousal, and support person assistance, which includes counsellors or other professional assistance. These services are crucial to the process of recovery from PND.
severe depression and anxiety symptoms who have never experienced mental distress before can develop PND or PND, and people who have suffered from depression or another mental illness may experience it after having a baby (as as well as during pregnancy). It is an untruth that only bad mothers suffer from postnatal depression. Even women with a stable relationship and lots of support may be affected. It is believed that anxiety and stress can increase the chance of developing depression following the birth of the child.
The primary treatment for postnatal depression is psychotherapy (talking therapies) however, sometimes medication is prescribed in addition. A combination of treatments is commonly utilized and it is crucial to consult with your GP about the pros and cons of different options.
It is essential to seek help if you are worried about the way you are feeling. Talk to your doctor or midwife about your symptoms. They will inquire about your medical history, fill out an assessment questionnaire and conduct an exam. It is important to be honest, as it will help them give you the best treatment and support.