Recognising Post Natal Depression Symptoms
A baby is a significant life change. It is important to recognise the symptoms of anxiety or depression during pregnancy and get help as soon as you notice them.
Many people experience the “baby blues’ in the first few days after the birth. These feelings subside, but postnatal depression can be more serious and requires medical attention.
1. Difficulty bonding with the baby
The majority of new parents experience a degree of depression after the birth. If you’re feeling depressed most days 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 week after their baby is born. It is treatable and most people can recover from it with the help of their families, whanau and friends, as well as professional support services.
If you’re depressed it can be difficult to bond and interact with your child. Your emotions can affect your interactions. This could cause you to be unresponsive to your baby, and they could appear to irritate or frustrate you especially when they cry for attention or require comfort. It can also impact your ability to care for your child and make it difficult to feed them, change them and dress them.
People with PND may lose interest in daily activities such as eating or sleeping, and their energy levels decline. They may withdraw from their families and may have irrational concerns about the health of their child or think they are harming it. Some people develop anxiety symptoms, such as panic attacks or fears of losing control.
If you are having trouble connecting with your baby, talk to a doctor immediately. They can give you suggestions on how to deal with the issue and could refer you to treatment, including medications or Psychological indicators of depression therapy. They will be able to determine if the depression is normal or not, and how to get better. If you are experiencing severe depression, your physician may be in a position to refer you to a community perinatal mental health service that specializes in treating new mothers.
2. Feeling worthless or guilty
Feeling guilty or unworthy is a typical characteristic of post-natal depression. This is because people who are experiencing this condition tend to blame themselves for the negative events that occur in their lives. This could be due to past experiences where someone has been victimized, neglected or made to feel inferior. This can cause low self-esteem and low confidence which makes it more difficult to handle everyday tasks.
It can be difficult for parents who aren’t used to having children. It is important to seek help when you or someone you love is suffering from this. This will help decrease the symptoms and make you feel better.
It is also important to keep in mind that feeling depressed and depressed is not an indication of weakness. It is a medical condition that can be treated and there are a variety of services available for new mothers. It is essential to speak to your GP or midwife, or Well Child Tamariki Ora nurse if you suspect you suffer from this condition.
Postnatal depression can affect anyone, regardless of their age or number of children. It can occur even during pregnancy (known as antenatal depressive disorder). If you or someone you know is struggling you can encourage them to visit their GP or health visitor and don’t hesitate to seek assistance. 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 also be beneficial, as it can help to keep the person positive and avoid isolation. This can be especially helpful when the symptoms are more severe or last for a long time.
3. Inattention loss in normal activities
Women who suffer from PND often lose interest in their hobbies and even friends. They may not like spending time with their baby and have trouble making decisions. They are often very tired and sleep isn’t easy because they don’t feel they can relax or get into a deep sleep. They might also feel less hungry and eat less. Sometimes, they gain weight and feel ashamed.
If the symptoms last for more than two week or are extremely severe, you should seek medical care. The majority of the time, the problem is caused by hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and post-birth. 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 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 cause problems for children, such as emotional symptoms of depression and behavioural issues.
Depression can be treated through support and therapy. Therapy that involves talking like cognitive symptoms of depression behavioural therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy can be extremely efficient, but it’s also normal for antidepressants to be prescribed. Certain are better suited for some people than others, so it is a case of trial and error to find the right one.
It is essential to have the support of friends, family and health care professionals. Relationships can be impacted when mothers with PND withdraw and isolate themselves from their loved ones. After the mother’s depression is been treated, many of these relationships have improved. Depression can cause irritability, anxiety, and can also trigger suicidal thoughts.
4. Change in appetite
The emotional and physical trauma of having a child can be overwhelming. The baby blues is a term used to describe the feelings of sadness and anxiety that women feel after giving birth. These feelings of anxiety and sadness are normal, but they should be brief. If they remain present for more than a week it could be a sign of more serious mental health issue, such as post-natal depression.
The hormone levels that increase during pregnancy, and then decrease drastically after birth can cause depression. Changes in appetite are also common in this type of condition. New mothers may not feel hungry or have decreased appetite, which can be exacerbated due to fatigue and sleep deprivation.
Inability to eat can lead to nutritional deficiencies, weight issues and breastfeeding issues, as it can affect the production signs of moderate depression milk. In this regard, when a mother-to-be is not eating enough she should seek help from her GP (doctor), midwife or Well Child Tamariki Ora nurse (through Plunket).
If you’re supporting an expecting mother or has just given birth and you observe any of these symptoms it’s crucial to inquire about how they feel. If they’re hesitant to speak with you or discuss their concerns, encourage them to make an appointment with their doctor or Plunket health visitor. You can also contact the PANDA helpline at 1300 726 306. Don’t criticize or suggest that she lose weight or suggest that she take in more food. Encourage and encourage them by providing positive feedback.
5. Physical slowing or agitation
Postnatal depression symptoms can affect the whole family. She may be withdrawn from her family and friends and not feel capable of caring for her infant. She could also be worried about the physical condition of her child and be worried that something is wrong. This could lead to a sense of shame and a feeling that you are not a good parent.
Women suffering from PND are able to receive support from their family or spouse, as well as other individuals, such as professional services or counsellors. These supports are crucial in the process of recovery from PND.
People who have not experienced mental distress before can develop PND or PND, and people who have had depression or other mental illness may experience it after having a child (as as well as during pregnancy). Postnatal depression isn’t a condition that only poor mothers experience. Even women who have an established relationship and lots of support can suffer from it. It is believed that stress and anxiety can increase the likelihood of developing depression after the birth of an infant.
Although medications are sometimes prescribed, the most effective treatment for postnatal recognizing depressive symptoms disorder is psychological (talking therapy). A combination of treatments is commonly employed and it is essential to talk to your GP about the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
If you are concerned about how you feel, it is important to seek out professional help. Tell your GP or a midwife or health worker about the symptoms you are experiencing. They will inquire about your medical history, fill out an assessment questionnaire and conduct a physical examination. It is essential to be honest as it will help them give you the best treatment and support.