Recognising Post Natal Depression Symptoms
Having a baby is a major life altering event. It is essential to recognize the symptoms of depression or anxiety perinatally and seek assistance as soon as you begin to notice these signs.
Many people suffer from the 'baby blues' within the first few days following birth. Postnatal depression is more severe and requires medical attention.
1. The bonding between your baby and you can be a challenge.
Most new parents experience some degree of depression after the birth. If you feel depressed most days and 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 first week after the birth of their baby. It is treatable and most people can recover from it with the support of their family, whanau and friends, as well as professional support services.
It isn't easy to bond with your baby if you are feeling depressed, because your feelings can interfere with the way you interact. This can make you indifferent to your child and they might seem to frustrate or irritate you particularly when they cry for attention or need comforting. It can also affect how you look after your child, making it difficult to feed, change and dress them.
People with PND tend to lose interest in daily activities, such as eating or sleeping and experience energy levels drop. They may also withdraw from their family and begin to have irrational concerns about their baby's health or believe they are causing harm to them. Some people also develop symptoms of anxiety, for example anxiety about losing control or panic attacks.
If you're having difficulty connecting with your baby, talk to a healthcare professional immediately. They can provide suggestions on how to deal with the issue and refer you to treatment, such as psychotherapy or medication. They can inform you if your depression is normal or not, and what you can do to get better. If you're suffering from severe depression, your doctor might be in a position to refer you to a community perinatal mental health service which specializes in treating newborn mothers.
2. Feeling devalued or feeling guilty
Feeling guilty or unworthy is a common sign of post-natal depression. This is because those who suffer from this condition tend to blame themselves for all the negative events that happen in their life. This could be due to previous experiences where a person was abused, neglected or made to feel inferior. This can cause someone to feel self-defeating or a lack confidence, which makes it difficult to cope with daily tasks.
The responsibility of having children is a big responsibility, and it can be a challenge for new parents. It is crucial to seek out help when you, or someone you care for, is experiencing this. This can help reduce the symptoms and help you feel better.
It is important to remember, too, that depression and feeling low are not signs of weakness. It is a medical issue that can be treated and there are many services for new mothers. It is important to talk to your GP or midwife, or Well Child Tamariki or a nurse if you believe you have this illness.
Postnatal depression can be a problem for everyone, regardless of age or the number of children they have. It can even occur during pregnancy (this is referred to as prenatal depression). If you are feeling low to visit their GP or a health professional. Don't be scared to seek help. With the right treatment and support, the majority of people can make a complete recovery from PND. Being in contact with family and friends can be beneficial, as it can help to keep the person positive and help prevent isolation. This can be particularly helpful in cases where the symptoms are more severe or long-lasting.
3. Loss of interest in usual activities
Many women who suffer from PND lose interest in their hobbies and friends. They might not be able to enjoy spending time with their baby and may have difficulty making decisions. They're usually exhausted, but sleeping is difficult because they don't feel they can relax or settle into a deep sleep. They may also lose appetite and eat less than usual, often adding weight and feeling embarrassed about it.
If the symptoms persist for more than two weeks, or are severe it is essential to seek assistance. Often the problem is caused by hormone changes that happen in the course of pregnancy and after birth. They could also be caused by other problems like stress in relationships or other life events.
It is possible to suffer from depression at any age. It is more prevalent in the first year following childbirth. It can also affect new fathers and partners. Depression can cause problems for children, such as behavioural and emotional difficulties.
Depression can be treated with support and therapy. Therapies that involve talking such as cognitive behavior therapy and acceptance and committment therapy are extremely efficient. Antidepressants are often prescribed. Certain are more suited to certain individuals than others. It is a matter of trial and trial and.
It is important to get the support of friends, family and health professionals. Relationships can be affected when mothers with PND become isolated and withdraw from their loved ones. Once the mother's depression has been treated, many of these relationships have recovered. Depression can trigger a number of other issues including anger, suicidal ideas and anxiety.
4. Change in appetite
The emotional and physical trauma of having a baby can be overwhelming. Many women experience a period of time following the birth that is known as the baby blues. These feelings of sadness and anxiety are normal, but shouldn't last for long. If these feelings last for more than a week, they may be an indication of a more severe mental health issue like post-natal depression.
The hormone levels that increase during pregnancy, and then decrease dramatically after delivery may contribute to the development of depression. An increase in appetite is also common in this type of condition. New mothers may not feel hungry or have an appetite that is less than normal and can be made worse by fatigue and sleep deprivation.
A lack of appetite can lead to nutritional deficiencies and weight issues, and can impact breastfeeding as it could reduce the quantity of milk produced. For these reasons, pregnant women who are not eating enough, she is advised to seek assistance from her GP (doctor) or a midwife Well Child Tamariki Ora nurse (through Plunket).
If you're assisting an expecting mother or just had a baby and you observe any of these signs it is important to ask them how they are feeling. If they are hesitant to speak to you, encourage them to make an appointment with their GP or Plunket Health Visitor. You can also call the PANDA Helpline at 1300 726 306 if they aren't willing to speak to you. Don't suggest that they lose weight or critique the post-pregnancy physique, or suggest that they try to eat more. Encourage and encourage them 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 capable of taking care of her baby. She could also be worried about the physical condition of her child and be worried that something is seriously wrong with them. This can cause excessive shame and a feeling that you are not a good parent.
Women with PND are often able to access family, spousal and support persons, such as counsellors or other professional services. These services are crucial to the recovery process from PND.
PND can be a problem for people who haven't experienced mental stress. It can also affect those who have suffered from depression or other mental illnesses. It is a myth that only bad mothers get postnatal depression. Even symptoms of depression symptoms of depression iampsychiatry.com who have lots of support and a stable relationship could be affected. Stress and anxiety are believed to increase the likelihood of depression following childbirth.
Although medications are sometimes prescribed, the most effective treatment for postnatal depressive disorder is psychological (talking therapy). A combination of treatments is usually employed and it is essential to consult with your GP about the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
If you are worried about your health it is essential to seek professional assistance. Tell your GP or midwife about the symptoms. They will ask about your history, do an assessment and conduct an examination for health. Being honest will allow you to get the best care and treatment.