Recognising Post Natal Depression Symptoms
A baby is a significant life altering event. It is important to recognise the signs of perinatal anxiety or depression and seek treatment as soon as you notice these signs.
Many people experience the "baby blues' within the first few days following the birth. The feelings fade, but postnatal depression is more serious and requires medical treatment.
1. Bonding with your baby can be difficult
Most new parents experience some degree of depression after the birth. If you are depressed for the majority of days, and lasts for more than two weeks, you may be suffering from postnatal Depression (PND). PND is more serious than the "baby blues" many suffer from in the first week after the birth of their baby. However, it is manageable and many people recover with the help of family friends, whanau, whanau and professional support services.
It can be difficult to bond with your baby when you are feeling depressed, because your feelings can interfere with how you interact. It can make you indifferent towards your baby, and you might even appear annoyed or frustrated by them when they cry or require comfort. It could also hinder your ability to care for your child which makes it difficult to feed them, change them and get them dressed.
People suffering from PND might lose interest in everyday activities like eating or sleeping, and their energy levels drop. They may withdraw from their family and friends and may have irrational concerns about the health of their child or think they are harming it. Some people also develop symptoms of anxiety, like a fear of losing control or panic attacks.
If you're having difficulty connecting with your baby, speak to a medical professional immediately. They can offer suggestions on how to deal with the issue and could refer you to treatment, including medications or psychological therapy. They can inform you if your depression is normal or not, and what you can do to recover. If you're suffering from severe depression, your physician may be able to refer you to a community perinatal mental health team which specializes in treating newborn mothers.
2. Feeling worthless and feeling guilty
Post-natal depression is often marked by feelings of guilt or guilt. People suffering from this condition tends to blame themselves for the things that go wrong in their lives. This can be due to past events where someone has been abused, neglected, or made to feel inadequate. This can lead a person to feel self-defeating or lack of confidence, which can make it difficult to cope with everyday tasks.
Having children is a huge responsibility, and it can be a challenge for new parents. This is why it's important to seek help in the event that you or someone you know is feeling this way. This can reduce the symptoms and help you feel better.
It is also important to keep in mind that feeling down and depression is not an indication of weakness. It is a medical condition which can be treated and there are numerous support services available to new mothers. If you suspect that you may have this illness, it is crucial to talk to your GP or Well Child Tamariki ORA nurse.
Postnatal depression can be a problem for anyone regardless of age or number of children they have. It can happen even during pregnancy (known as antenatal depression disorder). Encourage anyone who feels down to see their GP or a health visitor. Don't be afraid to seek assistance. With the appropriate treatment and support the majority of people can make a complete recovery from PND. It can be beneficial to stay in touch with family and friends, because it helps keep the person engaged and avoid isolation. This can be particularly helpful if the symptoms are more severe or last for a long time.
3. Inattention loss in normal activities
Women who suffer from PND frequently lose interest in hobbies and friends. They may not like spending time with the baby and are unable to make decisions. They're typically exhausted but struggle to fall asleep because they are unable to relax or go to an enveloping, restful sleep. They may also lose appetite and eat less than usual, sometimes adding weight and feeling embarrassed about it.
If symptoms persist for longer than two weeks or are extreme, it is important to seek assistance. Often the problem is caused by hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and after birth. They may also be triggered by other problems, such as stress in a relationship or other life events.
Depression can strike at any time. It is most common during the first year after having a child. It can also affect new fathers and partners. Depression can also lead to problems for children, such as behavioural and emotional issues.
Depression can be treated by support and therapy. Therapy that involves talking, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and committed therapy can be extremely effective. Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed. Certain types of antidepressants are better for some people than others, and it's a matter of trial and error to determine the right one.
It is crucial to seek the support of your friends and family members as well as health care professionals. Some mothers with PND withdraw from their partners, and this can put a strain on relationships. Once the mother's depression has been treated, a large number of these relationships have improved. Depression can trigger irritability and 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 emotions of sadness and anxiety that many women experience after giving birth. These feelings of sadness and anxiety are normal, but shouldn't last long. If they continue to be present for more than a week it could be a sign of more serious mental health issue such as post natal depression.
The hormone levels that rise during pregnancy and decrease dramatically after delivery may contribute to the development of a depressed mood. signs and symptoms of depression in females is also associated with changes in appetite. New mothers may not feel hungry or have decreased appetite, which can be exacerbated due to fatigue and sleep deprivation.
A lack of appetite can cause problems with weight and nutrition and can affect breastfeeding, since it can decrease the quantity of milk produced. In this regard, if a new mother is not eating enough she should seek advice from her doctor (doctor), midwife or Well Child Tamariki Ora nurse (through Plunket).
If you've been supporting women who are pregnant or postpartum and have noticed any of the above symptoms it is essential to discuss with them how they are feeling. If they are reluctant to speak with you, encourage them to make an appointment with their GP or Plunket Health Visitor. You can also call the PANDA Helpline at 1300 726 306 if they are hesitant to talk to you. Don't suggest that they lose weight or critique the post-pregnancy physique, or suggest they should try eating more. Instead, be supportive and encouraging by offering positive feedback.
5. Physical agitation or slowing
The symptoms of postnatal depression can affect the entire family. She may be withdrawn from her family and friends and not feel capable of caring for her child. She may be overly worried about the physical health of her child, and may worry that there is something wrong with them. This could lead to excessive whakama (shame) and a feeling of not being a good parent.
Women suffering from PND have access to assistance from their family members or spouse, as well as other people, including counsellors or professional services. These services are essential in the recovery from PND.
People who haven't suffered from mental illness before may develop PND or have experienced depression or another mental illnesses can develop it after having a baby (as well as during pregnancy). It is an untruth that only bad mothers suffer from postnatal depression. Even women with stability in their relationships and lots of support may be affected. It is thought that anxiety and stress increase the likelihood of developing depression following the birth of an infant.
The main treatment for postnatal depression is psychological (talking therapies), although sometimes medications are prescribed in addition. Combination therapies are commonly used. It is essential to discuss with your GP the advantages and disadvantages of each choice.
It is vital that you seek help if you are worried about the way you feel. Inform your doctor or a midwife or health worker about the symptoms. They will ask about your medical history, fill out a questionnaire and perform a physical exam. Being honest will help you receive the best support and treatment.