Recognising Post Natal Depression Symptoms
The birth of a baby is a significant life-changing event. It is important to recognise the symptoms of perinatal anxiety or depression and seek help when you begin to begin to notice them.
Many people experience 'babyblues' within the first few weeks following birth. The feelings fade, but postnatal depression is more serious and requires medical attention.
1. The bonding process with your baby can be difficult
The majority of new parents suffer from depression at least in the initial days after the birth. However, if you are feeling depressed every day and lasts more than 2 weeks, you could 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 child. However, it is treatable and most people recover with the help of family, whanau, friends and professional support services.
If you're depressed it can be difficult to bond and communicate with your baby. Your emotions can influence your interactions. It can cause you to be irritable towards your child, and you may even seem frustrated or angry when they cry or need comforting. It can also affect the way you care for your child which makes it difficult to feed, change and dress them.
People with PND often lose interest in normal activities like eating or sleeping, and find that their energy levels decrease. They may become isolated from their families, and have irrational fears about the health of their infant or think they are harming it. Some people may also develop symptoms of anxiety, like a fear of losing control or panic attacks.
If you're having difficulty connecting with your child, talk to a healthcare professional as soon as you can. bipolar depression symptoms in females Iam Psychiatry can give you suggestions on how to deal with the issue and could refer you to treatment, such as medications or psychological therapy. They will be able to tell you whether the depression is normal or not, and how to recover. If you're suffering from severe depression, your doctor might be capable of referring you to a community perinatal mental health service which specializes in treating newborn mothers.
2. Feeling devalued and feeling guilty
Feeling worthless or guilty is a common characteristic 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 can be due to past experiences where someone has been abused, neglected or felt inferior. This can cause a lack of self-esteem and low self-confidence, which makes it difficult to manage daily tasks.
It can be challenging for new parents to have children. This is why it is important to seek help in the event that you or someone you know feels this way. This will help decrease the symptoms and help you feel better.
It is important to keep in mind that feeling depressed and depressed isn't an indication of weakness. It is a medical condition that can be treated and there are many support services for newly-wed mothers. It is important to talk to your GP or midwife or Well Child Tamariki or a nurse if think you are suffering from this condition.
Postnatal depression can be a problem for anyone regardless of age or the number of children they have. It can also occur during pregnancy (this is known as prenatal depression). If you or someone you know is experiencing depression and depressed, encourage them to visit their GP or health visitor and don't be afraid to ask for assistance. The majority of people recover from PND with the proper support and treatment. Being in contact with family and friends can also be beneficial, as it helps keep the person positive and help prevent isolation. This can be especially helpful when the symptoms are more severe or long-lasting.
3. Inattention loss in normal activities
Women who suffer from PND often lose interest in hobbies and even friends. They may not enjoy spending time with their child and may struggle to make choices, such as whether or not they should get out of bed. They're usually exhausted but have a difficult time getting to fall asleep as they are unable relax or fall into a deep, restful sleep. They may also experience a loss of appetite and eat less. Sometimes they gain weight and feel embarrassed.
If symptoms persist for more than two weeks or are severe, seek medical attention. The cause is often by hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and post-delivery. They could also be caused by other issues, such as stress in relationships or other life events.
Depression can happen at any age. It is most common during the first year after having the birth of a child. It can affect new and existing partners as well as fathers. Depression can cause problems for children, which can include emotional and behavioral issues.
Depression can be treated through therapy and support. Therapy that involves talking, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and committed therapy can be extremely effective. Antidepressants are often prescribed. Certain are more suited to some people than others. It's a matter of trial and trial and.
It is crucial to have the support of family members as well as your friends and health care providers. Some mothers suffering from PND are unable to be with their partners, which can cause stress in relationships. A lot of these relationships heal when the mother's depression is treated. Depression can lead to a range 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. Many women experience a short period of time following birth that is known as the baby blues. The feelings of sadness and anxiety are normal, but should be short-lived. If these feelings last for more than a week, they could be a sign of a more serious mental health issue, such as post-natal depression.
The hormone levels that rise during pregnancy and decrease drastically after birth can contribute to the development of a depressed mood. This condition is also associated with a change in appetite. The lack of sleep or fatigue can make new mothers feel hungry or suffer from diminished appetite.
An inability to eat can lead to nutritional deficiencies and weight issues and may affect breastfeeding, as it can reduce the amount of milk produced. If a new mom isn't eating enough, she should speak to her GP or a midwife (through Plunket) if she thinks that she is not eating enough.
If you're assisting women who are pregnant or has just given birth and you observe any of these symptoms it's crucial to ask them how they feel. If they're hesitant to speak with you, encourage the woman to book an appointment with their GP or Plunket Health Visitor. Alternatively, you can call the PANDA helpline at 1300 726 306. Don't suggest that they lose weight or criticize their post-pregnancy body or suggest they should try eating more. Encourage and support them by offering positive feedback.
5. Physical slowing or the agitation
The symptoms of postnatal depression can affect all the family members. The sufferer of PND might not be able to care for her baby, and she might withdraw from whanau and friends. 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 anxiety and a feeling of you are not a good parent.
Women with PND can get assistance from their family members, spouse, and others, including counsellors or professional services. These services are crucial to the recovery process from PND.
People who have never had a mental crisis before may develop PND, and those who have had depression or other mental illnesses can develop it after having a child (as as well as during pregnancy). It is a myth that only bad mothers suffer from postnatal depression. Even women who have stability in their relationships and a lot support can suffer from it. Stress and anxiety are thought to increase the risk of depression after birth.
While medication may be prescribed, the primary treatment for postnatal depressive disorder is psychological (talking therapy). A combination of treatments is commonly used and it is important to consult with your GP about the pros and cons of different options.
It is crucial to seek help if you are worried about the way you're feeling. Talk to your doctor or a midwife or health worker about the symptoms. They will ask about your medical history, complete the questionnaire and then conduct an exam. Being honest will allow you to get the best care and treatment.