Recognising Post Natal Depression Symptoms
Being a parent is a major change in your life. It is important to recognize the symptoms of depression or anxiety perinatally and seek treatment as soon as you notice these symptoms.
Many people suffer from the 'baby blues' within the first few days following birth. The feelings fade, but postnatal depression is more serious and requires medical attention.
1. The bonding between your baby and you can be a challenge.
The majority of new parents will feel depressed at some point after the birth. However, if you are feeling depressed most days and lasts more than 2 weeks, you may be suffering from postnatal depression (PND). PND is more severe than the 'baby blues that many women experience during the first week after the birth of their child. It is treatable and the majority of people recover from it with the support of their families, whanau and friends, as well as professional support services.
If you're depressed, it can be difficult to connect and interact with your child. Your emotions can influence your interactions. This could cause you to be unresponsive to your baby and they might seem to frustrate or irritate you particularly when they cry for attention or require a hug. It can also affect your ability to take care of your baby, making it hard to feed them or change them, and also get them dressed.
People suffering from PND tend to lose interest in everyday activities, like sleeping or eating, and find that their energy levels drop. They may become isolated from their family and friends and may have irrational concerns about the health of their infant or think they are harming it. Certain people might also experience symptoms of anxiety, for example the fear of losing control or panic attacks.
Speak to a healthcare professional if you're having trouble connecting with your child. They can give suggestions on how to deal with the situation and may suggest treatment that includes psychotherapy or medication. They can help you determine whether your depression is normal and suggest ways to get better. If you're suffering from severe depression, your physician may be capable of referring you to a community perinatal mental health team which specializes in treating newborn mothers.
2. Feeling worthless and feeling guilty
Feeling unworthy or guilty is a typical sign of post-natal depression. 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 a person has been victimized, abused, or made to feel inferior. This can cause a person to be self-conscious or a lack of confidence which can make it difficult to cope with everyday tasks.
Being a parent is a major responsibility that can be difficult for parents who are new. It is crucial to seek help in the event that you or someone you love is suffering from this. This will help reduce the symptoms and help feel better.
It is also important to keep in mind that feeling down and depression is not a sign of weakness. It is a medical condition that can be treated and there are a variety of services for new mothers. It is essential to speak to your GP, midwife or Well Child Tamariki or a nurse if suspect you suffer from this illness.
Postnatal depression can be a problem for anyone regardless of age or number of children they have. It can also occur during pregnancy (this is known as antenatal depression). If you or someone you know is struggling you can encourage them to visit their GP or health care professional and don't be afraid to ask for help. With the right treatment and support, most people make a full recovery from PND. Keeping in touch with friends and family members can be beneficial, as it can help keep the person positive and help prevent isolation. This can be especially helpful if the symptoms are more severe or persistent.
3. The loss of interest in the usual activities
Women who suffer from PND often lose interest in hobbies and social activities. They are often not able to like spending time with their baby and may have difficulty making decisions, like whether or not to get out of bed. They're often exhausted, but sleeping is difficult because they don't feel they can relax or get into a peaceful sleep. They may also experience a loss of appetite and eat less. Sometimes they gain weight and feel embarrassed.
If the symptoms persist for more than two weeks or are severe, you should seek medical attention. Most often, the issue is caused by hormonal changes that happen during pregnancy and post-birth. They can also be caused by other problems, such as stress in a relationship or other life events.
Depression can strike at any age. It is more common during the first year following childbirth. It can also affect new fathers and partners. Depression can also lead to issues for children, like emotional and behavioural issues.
Depression can be treated with therapy and support. Therapy that involves talking, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy are extremely effective. Antidepressants are also commonly prescribed. Certain types of antidepressants are better for some people than others, so it's a matter of trial and error to find the best one.
It is crucial to seek the support of friends, family and health professionals. The relationships can be affected when mothers suffering from PND withdraw and isolate themselves from their loved ones. A lot of these relationships heal when the mother's depression is treated. Depression can cause irritability, anxiety, and can also trigger suicidal thoughts.
4. Change in appetite
The emotional and physical turmoil of having a child can be overwhelming. The baby blues is a term used to describe the feelings of anxiety and sadness that many women experience after giving birth. These feelings of sadness and anxiety are normal, but shouldn't last for long. If they remain present for a week or more this could be a sign of more serious mental health issue such as post-natal depression.
Depression can be caused by hormone levels that rise during pregnancy, only to drop dramatically after birth. Changes in appetite are also common in this type of condition. New mothers may not feel hungry or experience decreased appetite and this can be caused by sleep deprivation and fatigue.
A lack of appetite could cause nutritional deficiencies and weight issues and may affect breastfeeding, since it can reduce the quantity of milk produced. In this regard, if a new mother is not eating enough she should seek advice from her GP (doctor) or a midwife Well Child Tamariki Ora nurse (through Plunket).
If you are supporting an expecting mother or is about to give birth and you observe any of these signs, it's important to ask them how they feel. If they're hesitant to talk to you, encourage them to schedule an appointment to see their GP or Plunket Health Visitor. Or, you can call the PANDA helpline on 1300 726 306. Don't offer to help them lose weight or criticize their post-pregnancy body, or suggest they should consider eating more. Instead be encouraging and supportive by giving positive feedback.
5. Physical slowing or agitation
Postnatal depression can affect a family as an entire. The person with PND may not feel capable of caring for her baby and she may withdraw from her whanau and social circle. She could also be concerned with the physical health of her child and be worried that something is seriously wrong with them. This can cause excessive guilt and the feeling that you are not a good parent.
Women with PND often have access to family, spousal, and support persons, such as counsellors and other professional services. These services are essential in the recovery from PND.
PND can affect people who haven't suffered from mental stress. It can also affect those who have experienced depression or other mental illnesses. Postnatal depression is not a condition that only poor mothers suffer from. Even women with an established relationship and lots of support may suffer from it. Stress and anxiety are believed to increase the chance of depression following birth.
Although medication is sometimes prescribed, the main treatment for postnatal depression is psychological (talking therapy). Combination therapies are typically employed. symptoms of depression in women is essential to discuss with your GP the advantages and disadvantages of each treatment.
It is essential to seek help if worried about the way you are feeling. Inform your doctor or midwife about your symptoms. They will ask about your medical history, fill out the questionnaire and then conduct an exam. Being honest will enable you to receive the best support and treatment.