How To Outsmart Your Boss Postnatal Depression Symptoms
Postnatal Depression Symptoms
PND is common among those who have not experienced depression or any other mental health issues. However, some suffer from depression during pregnancy (called prenatal depression) and/or after the birth of a child.
PND is more frequent in those with a history of depression in their family. It can also be a result of changes in hormone levels that occur after pregnancy.
1. Feelings of despair
A new baby can be a joyful experience but it also alters the levels of hormones within the body. This can trigger feelings of sadness, anxiety or despair. For women, these feelings can last for several weeks and then disappear by themselves, without treatment. If they are persistent or overwhelming, you should speak to a physician about these feelings.
A doctor or health visitor will ask you questions about your feelings and whether they've changed over time. They might perform an examination for depression to determine the severity of your symptoms. They'll also determine if there are other conditions which could be causing your symptoms, like thyroid issues.
Perinatal depression can be a problem for any woman who has given birth regardless of age, race or ethnicity, income education or culture. It can start in the first trimester or within a year after birth. It can also affect fathers and partners. However it is not as common.
Postnatal depression is characterized by feelings of anxiety, sadness and despair. These feelings can be difficult to deal with and can affect daily life, work, and relationships. Feeling depressed does not mean the person is a bad mother or that they aren't loving their child, but it is essential to seek treatment for depression as soon as possible to avoid it from getting worse.
Some people can cope with perinatal depression by themselves, but others need help from a psychiatrist or an psychiatric nurse practitioner. They can provide psychological (talking) therapy as well as medications to treat the depression. These medications are safe for most mothers who are breastfeeding or pregnant and are available as they take care of their baby.
You should also talk to your family and friends to let them know how you feel. They can give you tips on how to look after and care for your baby and find support. You can also speak to your GP, or health care professional who will be able put you in contact with local support groups and services.
2. Feelings of guilt
Postnatal depression is a common problem that affects more than one in 10 women within a year after having their baby. It can also affect males and their partners but this is less frequent. If you're worried that your partner might be suffering symptoms of PND, it's important to seek assistance as soon as possible.
It is normal for new mothers to feel sad or tearful in the first week following their baby's birth. If these feelings persist for longer than two weeks and become worse, it could be PND. PND symptoms are difficult to identify but with the right support you can recover.
Your health care provider may ask you questions about your mood and how they affect your life. He could also provide a depression screening form to you to fill out. Your answers should be truthful. The doctor may conduct tests to determine thyroid hormone levels. Low levels can lead to PND.
If you have an ancestral history of mood disorders or depression or mood disorders, you could be more likely to develop PND. Other risk factors include:
It can be a fulfilling experience to have a baby, but it can also cause many emotional issues. If you are thinking of harming yourself or your baby it is a crucial warning sign that must be taken seriously as a crisis. You should contact your doctor or the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately for assistance.
You can seek assistance for PND by talking to your doctor or public health nurse, or a midwife. You can also ask for the referral to an specialized perinatal mental health service, in the event that it is available in your area.
It can be hard to discuss how you're feeling, but it's worth trying. If you can talk to someone who you trust, it may be a huge relief. You can also contact a counsellor or go to a support group for women. You can find the list of local services by visiting this website.
3. Feelings of helplessness
Many people suffering from depression feel hopeless and helpless and may have recurring thoughts of harming themselves or their child. They may also have difficulty thinking and concentrating, or making decisions. These symptoms can be particularly distressing for new parents particularly when they have to look after a young baby.
Postnatal depression is often difficult to identify because it takes time to develop. depression symptoms should encourage a newly mother to talk about her feelings if she is more emotional, anxious or down than normal. This could be you or a friend, or even her doctor or health professional.
Depression can affect someone's physical and mental health, and it is very important to seek help in the event that you or someone you know is suffering from these symptoms. It can be difficult to admit that you are depressed. However, with appropriate treatment and support, the majority of people can recover.
It is thought that depression following childbirth may be linked to an abrupt drop in hormone levels. These hormones, including estrogen and progesterone increase by tenfold during pregnancy, only to quickly decrease after birth. This can lead to an imbalance of the brain chemicals that regulate emotions and may contribute symptoms of depression.
Having a baby is very stressful, and it may be even harder for mothers of new babies to cope with the changes when they are struggling financially. Women with a weak support system or who are experiencing other family issues may also be more prone to postnatal depression.
It is important to recognise the signs of perinatal depression and seek treatment as soon as possible since the sooner it is treated, the better chances of a complete recovery. You should also speak to your GP about the various treatment options for depression, and he or she will check your body to determine if there are any underlying medical issues that need to be addressed. The doctor will then suggest the best treatment for you. This could include counselling, talking medicines or antidepressants. You might also be urged to hold off major life changes such as moving house or relocating until you feel better.
4. Feelings of despair
Some mothers who suffer from postnatal depression (PND) have overwhelming fears and feel like they are losing their mind. These fears may include the possibility of harming their child, and could lead to feelings hopelessness. These are serious symptoms but fortunately, only a few women act upon them. If a new mother experiences this it is crucial to seek help. They should talk to their GP, midwife or maternal and child health nurse, and/or the PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) national helpline on 1300 726 306 to get help.
There are a variety of treatments that are available for postnatal depression. They aim to improve relationships, increase access to support from friends and change negative thought patterns. They are sometimes called psychotherapies. They may include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy, and schema therapy. These psychotherapies may be combined with antidepressant medication to increase the effectiveness of treatment.
Public health nurses and GPs can screen for PND during the first few days following birth. This is typically done by asking about a woman's mood and how well she has been eating and sleeping, since these factors can be major influences on depression. Some GPs will refer women to community mental health teams that specialize in perinatal mental illnesses for additional treatment.
Many people suffering from depression recover by undergoing the appropriate treatment and assistance. This means a healthy diet, exercise routine, and resting, as well being able to socialize and spend time with your friends. Also, it is important to seek help from your family and joining a parent support group. It is also essential that the father is involved, as he is likely to be a victim of the symptoms of depression and their impact on the relationship.
It isn't easy to recognize the signs of PND for new mothers, particularly because they are often overwhelmed by the demands of new parenthood. It is important to recognize the signs and encourage women you know to seek medical attention. A GP, midwife or obstetrician may perform a quick screening for PND and can arrange to visit a psychiatrist or psychologist in the event of need. In severe cases, psychiatrists may refer mothers to a mental health clinic for evaluation and treatment.