Recognising Post Natal Depression Symptoms
The birth of a baby is a significant life altering event. It is important to recognise the symptoms of perinatal depression or anxiety and seek treatment as soon as you notice these signs.
Many people experience "babyblues" within the first few weeks after the birth. Postnatal depression is more severe and requires medical attention.
1. The bonding process with your baby can be difficult
The majority of new parents experience some degree of depression following their birth. If you're feeling depressed every day and lasts for more than two weeks, you may be suffering from postnatal depression (PND). PND is more severe than the 'baby blues which many women suffer from the week following the birth of their child. It is treatable and most people can recover from it with the support of their families friends, whanau, and family members, as well as professional support services.
It can be difficult to bond with your baby if you are feeling depressed, because your feelings can interfere with the way you interact with your baby. This can make you indifferent to your baby, and they could appear to irritate or frustrate you especially when they cry for attention or need comforting. It can also impact your ability to care for your baby and make it difficult to feed them or change them, and also get them dressed.
People suffering from PND might lose interest in daily activities such as eating or sleeping, and their energy levels drop. They may also withdraw from their family and start to worry regarding their baby's health, or believe they are harming them. Some people may also develop symptoms of anxiety, such as the fear of losing control or panic attacks.
Speak with a healthcare professional if you're having difficulty connecting with your child. They can offer suggestions on how to deal with the issue and can refer you to treatment, such as psychotherapy or medication. They can help you determine whether your depression is normal and what you can do to get better. If you're suffering from depression that is severe, you may be directed to a mental health team that cares for new mothers.
2. Feeling devalued and guilty
Post-natal depression is usually characterized by feelings of worthlessness or guilt. This is because people who suffer from this disorder tend to blame themselves for all the negative events that happen in their life. This can be due to previous experiences where a person was neglected, abused or made to feel inadequate. This can cause someone to feel self-defeating or a lack of confidence which makes it difficult to tackle daily tasks.
It can be a challenge for new parents to have children. It is essential to seek assistance when you or someone you care for, is experiencing this. This will help decrease the symptoms and help you feel better.
It is important to keep in mind that feeling down and depressed isn't an indication of weakness. It is a medical condition that can be treated, and there are numerous services for mothers who are new. If you suspect that you may have this illness, it is essential to talk to your GP or Well Child Tamariki ORA nurse.
Postnatal depression can be a problem for any person regardless of age or number of children they have. It can be present even during pregnancy (known as antenatal depression disorder). Encourage anyone who is feeling low to visit their GP or a health professional. Don't be scared to ask for assistance. With the proper treatment and support, the majority of people can make a complete recovery from PND. Keeping in touch with family and friends can also be beneficial, as it can help keep the person positive and avoid isolation. This is particularly helpful when symptoms are persistent or severe.
3. Interest in normal activities
Women who suffer from PND tend to lose interest in their hobbies and even friends. They often don't enjoy spending time with their baby and may be unable to make decisions, like whether or not to leave the bed. They're usually exhausted and have trouble sleeping because they don't feel they can relax or settle into a deep sleep. They may also lose appetite and eat much less than usual, sometimes adding weight and feeling ashamed for it.
If the symptoms persist for more than two weeks or are severe it is essential to seek help. The majority of the time, the problem is caused by hormone changes that happen during pregnancy and after birth. They are often caused by stress in a relationship or other life circumstances.
Depression can strike at any age. It is more common during the first year after the birth of a child. It can also affect partners and new fathers. Depression can also cause problems for children, including emotional and behavioral issues.
Depression can be treated with therapy and support. Talking therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and committment therapy are extremely effective. Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed. Some are better suited to certain individuals than others. It is something that is determined by trial and error.
It is important to get the support of your friends, family and health care professionals. Some mothers with PND have a tendency to withdraw from their partners, which can strain relationships. Many of these relationships recover after the mother's depression has been treated. Depression can trigger a variety of other problems like anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and anxiety.
4. Change in appetite
The emotional and physical stress of having a baby can be overwhelming. Many women experience a short period of time after birth that is referred to as the baby blues. The feelings of anxiety and sadness are normal, but they should be short-lived. If they are present for more than a week this could be a sign of 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 depression. A change in appetite is also common in this type of condition. New mothers may not feel hungry or have decreased appetite and this can be caused due to fatigue and sleep deprivation.
A lack of appetite could lead to nutritional deficiencies and weight issues and may affect breastfeeding as it could decrease the quantity of milk produced. For these reasons, when a mother-to-be is not eating enough, she should seek advice from her GP (doctor), midwife or Well Child Tamariki Ora nurse (through Plunket).
If you've been supporting the mother of a postpartum or pregnant woman and have noticed any of the symptoms listed above it is crucial to talk with them about how they feel. If they are hesitant to speak with you and are hesitant to talk to you, encourage them to schedule an appointment with their doctor or Plunket health professional. Alternatively, you can call the PANDA helpline on 1300 726 306. Don't suggest that they lose weight or to criticize the post-pregnancy physique, or suggest that they try eating more. Instead be encouraging and supportive by offering positive feedback.
5. Physical slowing or agitation
The symptoms of postnatal depression can affect the entire family. She may be withdrawn from her family and friends and may not feel capable of taking care of her child. They may also be concerned about the physical health of her baby and worry that something is terribly wrong with them. This could result in excessive whakama (shame) and a feeling of not being a good parent.
Women with PND are often able to access family, spousal or support person help, including counsellors or other professional services. These support services are crucial for the recovery process from PND.
People who haven't experienced mental distress before can develop PND or have experienced depression or another mental illness can experience it after having a child (as as well as during pregnancy). It is a myth that only bad mothers experience postnatal depression. Even women with a stable relationship and lots of support may be affected. It is thought that anxiety and stress increase the chance of developing depression following the birth of the child.
Although depression symptoms in men www.iampsychiatry.com is sometimes prescribed, the primary treatment for postnatal depressive disorder is psychological (talking therapy). A combination of treatments is typically utilized and it is crucial to consult with your GP about the pros and cons of different options.
If you are concerned about your health it is essential to seek professional assistance. Tell your GP or midwife about the symptoms. They will ask you about your medical history, complete a questionnaire, and perform an examination of your health. It is crucial to be honest as it will allow them to give you the best treatment and support.