Recognising Post Natal Depression Symptoms
The birth of a baby is a significant life altering event. It is essential to recognize the signs of depression or anxiety perinatally and seek treatment as soon as you begin to notice these signs.
Many people experience 'babyblues' within the first few weeks after the birth. These feelings subside, but postnatal depression is more serious and requires medical treatment.
1. Trouble bonding with the baby
Most new parents experience some degree of depression following the birth. But if you feel down most days, and it lasts longer than two weeks, you may be suffering from postnatal depression (PND). PND is more serious than the "baby blues" that many people experience during the week after the birth of their baby. It is treatable and the majority of people recover from it with the help of their families friends, whanau, and family members, as well as professional support services.
It can be difficult to connect with your baby if you are feeling depressed, as your emotions can interfere with the way you interact. It can make you indifferent towards your baby, and you may even seem angry or irritable when they cry or need comfort. It could also hinder your ability to take care of your baby and make it difficult to feed them or change them, and also dress them.
People suffering from PND might become less interested in daily activities such as sleeping or eating, and their energy levels drop. They may become isolated from their family and friends and are frightened about the health of their child or believe they are harming it. Some people may also develop symptoms of anxiety, such as the fear of losing control or panic attacks.
Speak to a healthcare professional if you're having difficulty connecting with your child. They can provide advice about how to cope and can refer you to treatment, which could include medications or psychological therapy. They can help you determine if the depression is normal and what you can do to improve. If you are experiencing severe depression, your physician may be able to refer you to a community perinatal mental health team that specializes in treating new mothers.
2. Feeling worthless and guilty
Feeling worthless or guilty is a typical symptom of post natal depression. People who suffer from this condition tends to blame themselves for the things that go wrong that happen to them. This could be due to past experiences in which a person was victimized, neglected or made to feel inferior. This can result in low self-esteem and a lack of confidence, making it more difficult to handle everyday tasks.
It can be difficult for parents who aren't used to having children. It is essential to seek help in the event that you, or someone you care about, 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 is not a sign of weakness. It is a condition that can be treated, and there are a variety of support services for new mothers. It is essential to speak to your GP or midwife, or Well Child Tamariki or a nurse if think you are suffering from this illness.
Postnatal depression can affect anyone regardless of age or number of children. It can be present even during pregnancy (known as antenatal depressive disorder). If you or someone you know is feeling down, encourage them to see their GP or health visitor and don't hesitate to seek assistance. Most people can recover from PND with the proper support and treatment. Keeping in touch with friends and family members can be beneficial, since this can help keep the person feeling positive and help prevent isolation. This is especially helpful if symptoms are persistent or severe.
3. Loss of interest in usual activities
Many women who suffer from PND lose enthusiasm for their interests and friendships. They may not enjoy spending time with their baby and may have difficulty making decisions. They're typically exhausted but have a difficult time getting to fall asleep as they are unable relax or fall into an enveloping, restful sleep. They may also lose appetite and eat less than normal, and sometimes becoming overweight and feeling ashamed for it.
If the symptoms persist for more than two weeks or are severe it is crucial to seek help. Often the problem is caused by hormonal changes that occur in the course of pregnancy and after birth. They may also be triggered by other issues, such as stress in relationships or other life events.
It is possible to suffer from depression at any age. It is more common during the first year following the birth of a child. It can affect new and existing partners as well as fathers. Depression can also lead to issues for children, including emotional and behavioral issues.
Depression can be treated with therapy and support. Therapies that involve talking, like cognitive behavioural therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy can be extremely efficient, however it is common for antidepressants be prescribed. Certain are better suited for certain people than others, and it is a case of trial and error to discover the right one.
It is important to get the support of family members, friends, family and health professionals. Relationships can be impacted when mothers with PND withdraw and isolate themselves from their loved ones. After the mother's depression has been treated, a large number of these relationships have reformed. Depression can cause irritability, anxiety, and can also trigger suicidal thoughts.
4. Change in appetite
The physical and emotional upheaval 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 should not last long. If these feelings persist for longer than a week, it could be a sign of a more serious mental health issue, like post-natal depression.
Depression can be caused by hormone levels that increase during pregnancy, but then drop dramatically after birth. Changes in appetite are also common in this 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 can cause nutritional deficiencies, weight issues and breastfeeding issues, as it can decrease milk production. If a new mom isn't eating enough, she should consult her physician or midwife (through Plunket) if she feels that they are not eating enough.
If you're assisting women who are pregnant or just had a baby and you observe any of these signs it's crucial to inquire about what they feel. If they're hesitant to speak to you or discuss their concerns, encourage them to make an appointment with their GP or Plunket health care provider. Or, you can call the PANDA helpline at 1300 726 306. Don't offer to help them lose weight or critique their post-pregnancy body, or suggest they should consider eating more. Instead be supportive and encouraging by giving positive feedback.
5. symptoms of depression symptoms of depression or agitation
Postnatal depression can affect a family as an entire. She may withdraw from her family and friends, and not feel capable of taking care of her infant. They may also be concerned about the physical health of her baby and worry that something is terribly wrong. This could result in excessive whakama (shame) and the feeling of not being a good parent.
Women with PND can get assistance from their family members, spouse, and others, including counsellors and professional services. These support services are essential to the recovery process from PND.
PND can affect people who haven't had mental distress. It can also affect people who have experienced depression or other mental illnesses. It is not true that only the most depressed mothers get postnatal depression. Even women with lots of support and a stable relationship may experience it. It is thought that anxiety and stress can increase the chance of developing depression after the birth of the child.
While medication may be prescribed, the main treatment for postnatal depressive disorder is psychological (talking therapy). A combination of treatments is commonly employed and it is essential to speak with your GP about the pros and cons of different options.
If you are worried about how you feel, it is important to seek out professional help. Inform your doctor or midwife about your symptoms. They will ask about your history, fill out a questionnaire, and perform a health examination. It is essential to be honest, as it will allow them to give you the best care and assistance.