Recognising Post Natal Depression Symptoms
Having a baby is a major life change. It is crucial to recognize the symptoms of perinatal anxiety or depression and seek help immediately you notice them.
Many people experience the "baby blues' within the first few days after birth. Postnatal depression is more severe and requires medical attention.
1. Trouble bonding with the baby
Most new parents experience some degree of depression following their birth. However, if you are feeling depressed most days and lasts for more than two weeks, you could be suffering from postnatal depression (PND). PND is more severe than the 'baby-blues' that many women experience in the weeks after the birth of their baby. However, it is treatable and most people recover with the support of family members friends, whanau, and professional support services.
If you're depressed, it can be difficult to bond and interact with your child. Your emotions can affect your interactions. It can make you indifferent to your baby and you could even be angry or irritable when they cry or need comfort. It can also affect your ability to care for your baby, making it hard to feed them change them, clean them and dress them.
People with PND tend to lose interest in everyday activities, such as sleeping or eating and notice that their energy levels drop. They may withdraw from their whanau and develop irrational concerns regarding their baby's health, or feel they're harming their child. Some people develop symptoms of anxiety, such as panic attacks or fears of losing their control.
If you're having trouble connecting with your child, talk to a healthcare professional as soon as you can. They can offer tips on how to handle the situation and may refer you for treatment, such as medications or psychological therapy. They can tell you whether the depression is normal or not, and also how to recover. If you're suffering from severe depression, your doctor may be able to refer you to a community perinatal mental health team which specializes in treating newborn mothers.
2. Feeling worthless and guilty
Post-natal depression is often characterized by feelings of worthlessness or guilt. This is because those who are experiencing this condition tend to blame themselves for the negative events that occur in their lives. This could be due to past experiences in which a person was victimized, abused, or made to feel inadequate. This can lead to an insecurity about oneself and a lack of confidence, making it difficult to manage daily tasks.
It can be difficult for parents who are new to having children. It is essential to seek assistance in the event that you, or someone you care about, is experiencing this. This will help reduce the symptoms and help feel better.
It is important to remember, too, that depression and feeling low are not signs of weakness. It is a condition which can be treated and there are a variety of support services available to new mothers. If you suspect you have this illness, it is crucial to talk to your GP or Well Child Tamariki ORA nurse.
Postnatal depression can affect everyone regardless of age or the number of children they have. It can even occur during pregnancy (this is referred to 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. With the proper treatment and support, the majority of people can make a complete recovery from PND. It is beneficial to stay in touch with family and friends because it helps keep the person motivated and prevent isolation. This can be particularly helpful if the symptoms are more severe or long-lasting.
3. Inattention loss in normal activities
Many women who suffer from PND lose interest in their hobbies and social circle. They are often not able to enjoy spending time with their infant and may struggle to make decisions, including whether or not they should get up. They are usually very tired but find it difficult to fall asleep as they are unable relax or get into an enveloping, restful sleep. They may also lose appetite and eat less. Sometimes, they gain weight and feel ashamed.
If symptoms persist for longer than two weeks or are severe, it is important to seek medical attention. The cause is often by hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy and after delivery. They can also be caused by other problems, such as stress in a relationship or other life events.
Depression can occur at any time. It is more prevalent in the first year following the birth of children. It can also affect new fathers and partners. Depression can cause problems for children, which can include emotional and behavioral issues.
Depression can be treated with therapy and support. Therapy that involves talking such as cognitive behavioural therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy can be extremely efficient, however it is also common for antidepressants to be prescribed. Certain are more suited to some people than others. It is a matter of trial and error.
It is crucial to have the support of family members as well as your friends, and health care professionals. Relationships can be affected when mothers with PND are unable to communicate and separate themselves from their loved ones. Once the mother's depression has been treated, a large number of these relationships have reformed. Depression can lead to a number of other issues including anger, suicidal ideas and anxiety.
4. Change in appetite
The emotional and physical turmoil of having a baby 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 anxiety and sadness are normal, but they shouldn't last long. If they are present for more than a week, it may be a sign of a more serious mental health problem such as post natal depression.
The hormone levels that increase during pregnancy and then drop drastically after birth can contribute to the development of a depressed mood. A change in appetite is also common in this condition. Lack of sleep or fatigue may make new mothers feel hungry or have a decreased appetite.
Inability to eat can lead to problems with nutrition, weight and breastfeeding issues, as it can decrease milk production. If a new mom is not eating enough, she should talk to her physician or midwife (through Plunket) if she thinks that she is not eating enough.
If you're supporting an expecting mother or is about to give birth and you notice any of these signs, it's important to inquire about how they are feeling. If they're hesitant to speak with you or discuss their concerns, encourage them to make an appointment with their doctor or Plunket health professional. Or, you can contact the PANDA helpline at 1300 726 306. Don't offer to assist them in losing weight or to criticize the post-pregnancy physique, or suggest they should consider eating more. Instead be depression disease symptoms and encouraging by offering positive feedback.
5. Physical slowing or agitation
Postnatal depression can affect a family as in general. The sufferer of PND might not be able to care for her child and may withdraw from her whanau and social circle. She may be overly worried about the physical health of her child and be concerned that there is something wrong with them. This could lead to a sense of guilt and the feeling that you are not a good parent.
Women suffering from PND are able to receive support from their families and spouses, as well as other people, including counsellors and professional services. These support services are crucial in the recovery from PND.
People who have never suffered from mental illness before may develop PND or have suffered from depression or another mental illness may experience it after having a baby (as well as during pregnancy). Postnatal depression is not a condition that only bad mothers experience. Even women with lots of support and a stable relationship can be affected. It is thought that anxiety and stress can increase the chance of developing depression following the birth of a child.
While medication may be prescribed, the most effective treatment for postnatal depressive disorder is psychological (talking therapy). Combination therapies are typically employed. It is important to discuss with your GP the pros and cons of each choice.
It is crucial to seek assistance if you are worried about the way you feel. Tell your GP or midwife about your symptoms. They will ask about your medical history, complete a questionnaire and perform an exam. It is important to be honest as it will help them provide you the best care and support.