Recognising Post Natal Depression Symptoms
The birth of a baby is a significant life change. It is important to recognize the symptoms of depression or anxiety during the perinatal period and seek help as soon you begin to notice them.
Many people experience "babyblues" within the first few weeks following birth. Postnatal depression is more severe and requires medical attention.
1. Difficulty bonding with the baby
Most new parents experience some degree of depression following the birth. However, if you are feeling depressed every day and lasts more than 2 weeks, you may be suffering from postnatal depression (PND). PND is more serious than the "baby blues" that many suffer from in the first week after the birth of their baby. But it is very treatable and the majority of people recover with the support of family members friends, whanau, and professional support services.
If you're depressed, it isn't easy to bond and interact with your child. Your emotions can influence your interactions. This could cause you to be unresponsive to your baby, and they may seem to be irritated or frustrated, especially when they cry for attention or need comforting. It could also affect the way you care for your child and make it difficult to feed, change or dress them.
People with PND may lose interest in daily activities such as sleeping or eating and their energy levels decline. They may withdraw from their whanau and are frightened about the health of their child or think they are causing harm to it. Some people may also develop symptoms of anxiety, such as anxiety about losing control or panic attacks.
If you're having trouble connecting with your child, talk to a healthcare professional immediately. They can provide suggestions on how to deal with the situation and may refer you to treatment like psychotherapy or medication. They will be able to inform you if your depression is normal or not, and how to get better. If you are experiencing severe depression, your physician may be in a position to refer you to a community perinatal mental health team that specializes in treating new mothers.
2. Feeling worthless or guilty
Feeling guilty or unworthy is a typical characteristic of post-natal depression. People who suffer from this disorder tend to blame themselves for the negative things that happen to them. This could be due to past experiences where someone has been victimized, abused or made to feel inadequate. This can lead a person to feel self-defeating or a lack confidence, which can make it difficult to complete everyday tasks.
It can be difficult for new parents to have children. This is why it's essential to seek help in the event that you or someone you know feels this way. This can reduce the symptoms and make you feel better.
It is important to remember that feeling down and depressed isn't an indication of weakness. It is a health condition which can be treated and there are many support services for newly-wed mothers. If you suspect this illness, it is important to speak to your GP or Well Child Tamariki ORA nurse.
Postnatal depression can affect anyone regardless of age or the number of children they have. It can also happen during pregnancy (this is referred to as antenatal depression). Encourage anyone who is feeling low to visit their GP or a health care professional. Don't be scared to seek help. With the right treatment and support, most people make a full recovery from PND. It is beneficial to keep in touch with family and friends as it can keep the patient engaged and avoid isolation. This is especially beneficial when the symptoms are more severe or long-lasting.
3. Inattention loss in normal activities
Many women suffering from PND lose enthusiasm for their hobbies and social circle. They may not enjoy spending time with their baby and are unable to make decisions. They're usually exhausted, but sleeping is difficult because they are unable to relax or settle to sleep. They might also feel less hungry and eat less food than normal. Sometimes they gain weight and feel ashamed.
If the symptoms persist for more than two weeks or are extremely severe, you should seek medical attention. The cause is often by hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy and post-delivery. They may be triggered by stress in a relationship, or other life events.
It is possible to have depression at any time. It is more common during the first year after childbirth. It can affect new and existing partners as well as fathers. Depression can also trigger issues for children, like emotional and behavioural issues.
Depression can be treated with support and therapy. Talking therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy are extremely effective. Antidepressants are often prescribed. Some are better suited to some people than others. It's something that is determined by trial and trial and.
It is essential to have the support of family members as well as friends, and health care professionals. Relationships can be impacted when mothers suffering from PND are unable to communicate and separate themselves from their partners. After the mother's depression has been treated, many of these relationships have reformed. Depression can trigger irritability and anxiety, and can also trigger suicidal thoughts.
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 emotions of sadness and anxiety that women feel after having a baby. These feelings of sadness and anxiety are normal, but should be short-lived. If they are present for a week or more, 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 decrease drastically after birth can contribute to the development of a depressed mood. This condition is also associated with changes in appetite. Lack of sleep or fatigue may cause new mothers to feel famished or have a decreased appetite.
A lack of appetite could lead to nutritional deficiencies and weight issues and may affect breastfeeding, as it can decrease the amount of milk produced. If a new mother 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 has just given birth and you observe any of these signs it is important to inquire about how they are feeling. If they are hesitant to speak to you, encourage them to make an appointment with their GP or Plunket health care provider. Or, you can contact the PANDA helpline at 1300 726 306. Don't suggest that they lose weight or to criticize the post-pregnancy physique, or suggest they try eating more. Instead be supportive and encouraging by providing positive feedback.
5. Physical slowing or agitation
Postnatal depression can affect the family as a whole. She might withdraw from her family and friends, and not feel able to care for her child. She might be worried about the physical health of her child and be concerned that something is wrong with them. This can lead to excessive anxiety and a feeling of you are not a good parent.
www.iampsychiatry.com with PND are often able to access family, spousal or support persons, such as counsellors or other professional assistance. These supports are crucial in the recovery process from PND.
PND can affect people who haven't experienced mental distress. It can also affect people who have suffered from depression or other mental illnesses. It is an untruth that only bad mothers suffer from postnatal depression. Women who have plenty of support and a stable relationship may suffer from it. Stress and anxiety are believed to increase the likelihood of depression following the birth of a child.
The main treatment for postnatal depression is psychotherapy (talking therapies) However, occasionally medication may be prescribed in addition. A combination of treatments is typically employed and it is essential to speak with your GP about the advantages and disadvantages of the various options.
If you are worried about how you feel it is essential to seek out professional help. Tell your GP or midwife, or health professional about the symptoms you are experiencing. They will ask about your history, do a questionnaire and carry out an examination of your health. It is important to be honest, as it will allow them to give you the best treatment and support.