What Are the Signs and symptoms of major depressive disorder of Postnatal Depression?
Around 10% of women suffer from postnatal depression within the first year following the birth of a child. Sometimes, the partners are the first to recognize and seek help.
Many new mothers suffer from the “baby blues” that can be cured quickly, but some mothers end up developing PND. It is crucial to recognize the signs and consult your GP, health visitor or midwife.
Sleep deprivation
Sleep deprivation is a common occurrence for new mothers due to the demands of caring for their newborn. If mothers’ sleeplessness is accompanied with other PND symptoms (low sex desire and difficulty in concentrating) It could indicate that she needs help from a professional.
Most women experience a little of a downturn in mood during the first week following having given birth, and this is referred to as the ‘baby blues’. But if the sadness, crying, and anxiety last for more than two weeks it’s possible that they’re suffering from postnatal depression.
Research has shown that self-reported changes in sleep can indicate depression in new mothers. Studies have demonstrated that, for example, changes in sleep latency, which is the time it takes for a woman to fall asleep – and daytime dysfunction – difficulty staying awake during the days – and her personal rating of her sleep quality are associated with depression symptoms seven months after the birth of the child.
They are usually the first to know when something is not right, and they be a key factor in her recovery. They can help her talk about her feelings with friends, family members or a doctor. They should also be able to avoid criticising her body or weight gain, or suggesting she loses weight. They can also call the PANDAS national helpline if they are concerned about her.
Difficulty bonding with your baby
Postnatal depression can cause mothers to have difficulty bonding with their children. It’s important to recognise that this is not something that is normal for a new mother and seek out help if you notice something troubling you or your partner.
In some instances, women suffering from PND can develop a more severe form of depression called postpartum psychosis. This is a psychiatric emergency that needs to be treated in a hospital and requires immediate attention. Women who suffer from this condition are extremely dangerous to their children and themselves If you experience any indications of this, it’s crucial to get help straight away.
This isn’t a comprehensive list of all indicators and Signs Of Depression Worsening that suggest postnatal depression. The condition can take different forms and it’s not always easy to spot, especially since many of the depressive symptoms checklist are common amongst new mothers. Speak to your GP if you are concerned. They’ll examine your symptoms and refer you to a perinatal mental health service when needed.
It can be a stressful and exhausting time, but it’s also an exciting time. It is essential that you and your partner figure out ways to remain healthy and happy together. This means having enough rest and sleeping, and eating well. You could also spend time away from your child and make it a priority to spend time with your friends and also have other hobbies or interests.
Loss of interest for things you used to love
If a mother is suffering from postnatal depression it can cause her to lose interest in the things she used to enjoy. This can be a huge problem because she may not have the motivation or drive to do things for herself and her baby. It’s important that she gets assistance from family, friends and health professionals, to assist her in regaining her confidence and interest.
It’s not unusual to feel a lack of interest in certain activities from time to time but it shouldn’t develop into regular. It’s crucial to speak with your doctor in the event that you feel this way. They can assist you in determining the underlying cause of your symptoms and find treatment that will get you back on track.
It is possible that you will need to use medication or psychological therapy (talking therapies) to manage your symptoms. Your GP will go over with you the pros and cons of different treatments, so that you can decide which is best for you.
Be aware that PND can affect your entire family. It can be challenging for the spouse to adapt to their new role and they may feel as if they’re all by all by themselves. It is essential for mothers to have access to a professional spouse and friend support to help with the daily tasks of taking care of a baby and themselves.
It is difficult to concentrate
A person with PND may find that she’s unable to focus or think clearly. She might also feel tired all the time. It can be difficult to take care for her baby and keep up with the daily chores. She may even begin to withdraw from her family and friends and stop participating in the activities she once enjoyed.
This can be a sign of postnatal depression, but it’s also normal for new mothers to feel depressed after having a baby. It can be difficult for family members, partners, and friends to recognise that a woman is suffering however it’s essential that to acknowledge it. They can help by being kind and encouraging by listening to her and offering assistance. They can also suggest to join a support group for mothers and babies or speak to a counselor.
It’s also worth noting if she begins to talk about suicide or harming herself or her child. This is a symptom of depression and should be treated with seriousness. It is essential that she talks to her GP or health visitor as soon as possible.
It can be extremely upsetting and stressful to find out that your partner has postnatal depression. It is very common, and it is treatable. With the right treatment with self-help strategies and therapy, the majority of women recover in the course of a few weeks or months. It’s important that you recognise the symptoms of PND and seek out your GP to test her for it.
Feelings of despair
Depression can be indicated by the feeling that life is unimportant. It is common for women to feel this way after the birth of their baby and can lead them to feel that they aren’t worthy of the joy that comes with motherhood. They may have feelings of hopelessness that affect their daily lives and can also interfere with their relationships with family members, friends and professionals who support them e.g. psychologists or social workers.
Women who are suffering from PND should have access to the people who can help them. They should not be able to separate themselves from their support persons and instead interact with them. The more support a woman suffering from PND receives, the more she recovers.
If you know a new mum who is experiencing these symptoms of depression and anxiety, be supportive and encourage them to seek assistance. Inform them that their health visitor or doctor could provide psychological (talking therapies) treatment, medication or the combination of both for postnatal depression. It is important to diagnose the problem early signs of mental health issues on, since the earlier it is addressed and treated, the quicker the mother will recover and be able to have fun with her baby. It can be upsetting for a spouse of a mother who is depressed, but it’s crucial to see your partner as a person who needs support and not blame themselves. It is also important to remember that paternal depression is a possibility and can manifest within the first year after a baby is born.
Feelings Of Guilt
If a new mom feels constantly guilty for small things, it can be a sign that she’s struggling with postnatal depression. This is especially true if the feelings last longer than two weeks. These feelings can make it difficult for her to bond with others and engage in other activities, like going on walks or spending time with her friends.
Guilt is a frequent sign and symptom of depression. It can be caused by a variety of causes. These include:
High expectations – Parents and caregivers who demand perfection from their children may develop guilt if things go wrong. This could be due to the fact that they feel that their child is entitled to better or they believe that they’re failing their child if they do not meet their expectations.
Childhood experiences – People who have been raised in families or communities that promote guilt, or have had an abusive relationship in the past, are more likely to develop a pattern of self-blame. These patterns can be difficult to break, even if the person is no longer in the situation.
If you’re worried that your partner may be suffering from postnatal depression, speak to them about it immediately. It’s crucial to recognize the signs so that they can get assistance and support, as this will help them recover faster.