Recognising Post Natal Depression Symptoms
The birth of a baby is a significant life altering event. It is important to recognize the signs of depression or anxiety during the perinatal period and seek help as soon you notice them.
Many people experience the 'baby blues' during the first few days after birth. The feelings fade, but postnatal depression is more serious and needs medical treatment.
1. It is difficult to bond with the baby
Most new parents experience some degree of depression after the birth. However, if you are feeling depressed most days and lasts for more than 2 weeks, you could be suffering from postnatal depression (PND). PND is more severe than the 'baby-blues that many women experience in the weeks following the birth of their baby. It is, however, treatable and most people recover with the help of family friends, whanau, and professional support services.
It can be difficult to connect with your baby if you are feeling depressed, since your emotions can cause problems with the way you interact with your baby. It can cause you to be irritable towards your child, and you could even be angry or irritable when they cry or need comforting. It can also affect your ability to take care of your child which makes it difficult to feed them, change them and get them dressed.
People with PND often lose interest in daily activities, such as eating or sleeping and experience energy levels decrease. 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. Certain people might also experience symptoms of anxiety, such as a fear of losing control or panic attacks.
If you are having trouble connecting with your child, talk to a medical professional as soon as you can. They can give advice on how to cope with the issue and suggest treatment like psychological therapy or medication. They can help you determine whether the depression is normal and how to improve. If you're suffering from severe depression, your doctor might be able to refer you to a community perinatal mental health service that specialises in treating new mothers.
2. Feeling unworthy or guilty
Feeling worthless or guilty is a common symptom of post natal depression. This is because people who are experiencing this condition tend to blame themselves for all the negative things that happen in their life. This could be due to past experiences in which someone was neglected, abused or made to feel inadequate. This can cause someone to be self-conscious or a lack of confidence which can make it difficult to tackle daily tasks.
The responsibility of having children is a big responsibility and can be challenging for parents who are new. It is crucial to seek assistance when you, or someone you care for is suffering from this. This can help reduce the symptoms and make you feel better.
It is important to remember that feeling down and depression is not an indication of weakness. It is a medical issue that can be treated and there are a variety of services available for new mothers. If you suspect that you may have this condition, it's essential to talk to your GP or Well Child Tamariki ORA nurse.
Postnatal depression can be a problem for everyone regardless of age or number of children they have. It can also happen during pregnancy (this is known as prenatal depression). Encourage anyone who is feeling down to see their GP or a health visitor. Don't be scared to seek help. The majority of people recover from PND with the right support and treatment. Maintaining contact with family and friends can also be beneficial, as it can help keep the person sane and prevent isolation. This can be especially helpful in cases where the symptoms are more severe or long-lasting.
3. Inattention loss in normal activities
Women suffering from PND tend to lose interest in their hobbies and friends. They may not enjoy spending time with their infant and may be unable to make choices, such as whether or not to get out of bed. They're often exhausted, but sleeping is difficult because they feel they can't relax or get to sleep. I Am Psychiatry may also experience a loss of appetite and eat less. Sometimes, they gain weight and feel embarrassed.
If the symptoms last for more than 2 weeks or are extremely severe, you should seek medical care. The problem is often caused by hormonal changes that happen in pregnancy and after birth. They can be caused by stress in relationships, or other life circumstances.
It is possible to experience depression at any time. It is particularly common during the first year following the birth of a child. It can also affect new fathers and partners. Depression can also cause issues for the child, including behavioural and emotional difficulties.
Depression can be treated through therapy and support. Therapies that involve talking, such as cognitive behavioural therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy can be highly efficient, but it's also common for antidepressants to be prescribed. Some are better suited to certain individuals than others. It is something that is determined by trial and error.
It is crucial to seek the support of family members, friends as well as family members and health professionals. The relationships can be affected when mothers suffering from PND are unable to communicate and separate themselves from their partners. Many of these relationships recover after the mother's depression has been treated. Depression can trigger a range of other issues including anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and anxiety.
4. Change in appetite
The physical and emotional turmoil of having a child can be overwhelming. The baby blues is a term used to describe the feelings of sadness and anxiety that women can experience after giving birth. These feelings of anxiety and sadness are normal, but they shouldn't last long. If the feelings persist for more than a week, they could be an indication of a more severe mental health issue, such as post-natal depression.
The hormone levels that increase during pregnancy and then drop drastically after birth can contribute to the development of depression. An increase in appetite is also common in this type of condition. The lack of sleep or fatigue can make new mothers feel hungry or have a decreased appetite.
Lack of appetite can cause nutritional deficiencies, weight issues and breastfeeding issues, as it can affect the production of milk. In this regard, pregnant women who are not eating enough, she should seek advice from her GP (doctor) or a midwife Well Child Tamariki Ora nurse (through Plunket).
If you have been supporting the mother of a postpartum or pregnant woman and you notice any of the above symptoms it is essential to talk with them about the way they feel. If they're hesitant to speak with you or discuss their concerns, encourage them to make an appointment with their doctor or Plunket health care provider. You can also contact the PANDA Helpline at 1300 726 306 if you are hesitant to talk to you. Don't criticize or suggest that she lose weight or suggest that she consume more. Instead be encouraging and supportive 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 taking care of her infant. She could also be concerned about the physical health of her baby and worry that something is seriously wrong with them. This could result in excessive whakama (shame) and an impression that she is not a good parent.
Women suffering from PND typically have access to family, spousal and support person assistance, which includes counsellors or other professional services. These services are essential for the recovery process from PND.
PND can affect people who haven't had mental illness. It can also affect those who have suffered from depression or other mental illnesses. It is an untruth that only bad mothers experience postnatal depression. Even women who have lots of support and a stable relationship may experience it. It is thought that stress and anxiety can increase the chance of developing depression after the birth of the child.
Although medication is sometimes prescribed, the main treatment for postnatal depression is psychological (talking therapy). A combination of treatments is typically utilized and it is crucial to consult with your GP about the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
If you are concerned about how you feel it is crucial to seek professional assistance. Talk to your doctor or midwife about the symptoms. They will ask you about your medical history, complete an assessment and conduct an examination for health. It is essential to be honest, as it will allow them to give you the best care and assistance.