The Often Unknown Benefits Of Post Natal Depression Symptoms
Recognising Post Natal Depression Symptoms
Having a baby is a major change in your life. It is important to recognize the symptoms of perinatal anxiety or depression and seek assistance as soon as you begin to notice them.
Many people experience "babyblues" within the first few weeks after the birth. These feelings pass but postnatal depression is more severe and requires medical attention.
1. The bonding process with your baby can be difficult
The majority of new parents experience some level of depression following the birth. However, if you are feeling depressed every day and lasts for more than 2 weeks, you may be suffering from postnatal depression (PND). PND is more severe than the 'baby blues that many women experience during the first week following the birth of their baby. However, it is manageable and many recover with the support of family members, whanau, friends and professional support services.
It can be difficult to connect with your baby if you are feeling depressed, because your feelings can interfere with how you interact with your baby. This can cause you to become unresponsive to your child and they may seem to frustrate or irritate you especially when they cry out for attention or require a hug. It can also impact your ability to care for your child and make it difficult to feed them change them, clean them and get them dressed.
People with PND often lose interest in daily activities, like eating or sleeping and experience energy levels drop. They may also withdraw from their whanau and start to worry about their baby's health or believe they are causing harm to them. Some people develop symptoms of anxiety like panic attacks or a fear of losing their control.
Speak with a healthcare professional if you're having difficulty connecting with your child. www.iampsychiatry.com can offer advice about how to cope and may refer you for treatment, including psychological therapy or medications. They will be able to inform you if your depression is normal or not, and what you can do to recover. If you're experiencing severe depression, your doctor might be in a position to refer you to a community perinatal mental health team that specializes in treating new mothers.
2. Feeling devalued or guilty
Feeling worthless or guilty is a typical symptom of post natal depression. People suffering from this disorder tend to blame themselves for the negative events that happen to them. This can be due to previous events where a person has been victimized, neglected or felt inferior. This can cause someone to feel self-defeating or a lack confidence, which can make it difficult to tackle daily tasks.
It can be difficult for new parents to have children. This is why it is crucial to seek assistance in the event that you or someone you know is feeling this way. This can help to reduce 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 many support services for new mothers. If you suspect this illness, it is essential to talk to your GP or Well Child Tamariki ORA nurse.
Postnatal depression can be a problem for everyone regardless of age or the number of children they have. It can occur even during pregnancy (known as antenatal depressive disorder). If you or someone you know is experiencing depression, encourage them to see their GP or health care professional and don't hesitate to seek help. With the right treatment and support, the majority of people can make a complete recovery from PND. Maintaining contact with family and friends can also be helpful, as this can help keep the person feeling positive and avoid isolation. This can be particularly helpful if the symptoms are more severe or long-lasting.
3. Loss of interest in usual activities
Women who suffer from PND frequently lose interest in hobbies and social activities. They often don't enjoy spending time with their infant and may have difficulty making decisions, like whether or not they should leave the bed. They are often very tired, but sleeping is difficult because they are unable to relax or fall to sleep. They might also feel less hungry and eat less. Sometimes, they lose weight and feel embarrassed.
If the symptoms persist for longer than two weeks or are severe, it is important to seek assistance. Often the problem is caused by hormonal changes that happen in the course of pregnancy and after birth. They can be caused by stress in relationships, or other life events.
Depression can strike at any age. It is more common during the first year following the birth of a child. It can also affect partners and new fathers. Depression can also cause problems for children, including emotional and behavioral issues.
Depression can be treated with support and therapy. Therapies that involve talking, like cognitive behavioural therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy can be highly efficient, however it is also common for antidepressants to be prescribed. Some are better suited to certain individuals than others. It is something that is determined by trial and error.
It is essential to have the support of family members, friends, family and health professionals. Many mothers suffering from PND have a tendency to withdraw from their partners, which can cause stress in relationships. After the mother's depression is been treated, a lot of these relationships have reformed. Depression can lead to a range of other issues including anger, suicidal ideas and anxiety.
4. Change in appetite
The physical and emotional turmoil of having a child can be overwhelming. Many women experience a period of time after birth that is known as the baby blues. These feelings of sadness and anxiety are normal, but shouldn't last for long. If the feelings persist for longer than a week, they could be an indication of a more serious mental health issue, like post-natal depression.
Depressive moods can be caused by hormone levels that rise during pregnancy, only to plunge dramatically following the birth. A change in appetite is also common in this condition. New mothers may not feel hungry or have an appetite that is less than normal, which can be exacerbated by fatigue and sleep deprivation.
An inability to eat can result in nutritional deficiencies and weight issues, and can impact breastfeeding, as it can decrease the quantity of milk produced. This is why if a new mother is not eating enough she is advised to seek assistance from her GP (doctor), midwife or Well Child Tamariki Ora nurse (through Plunket).
If you've been supporting a pregnant or postpartum woman and you notice any of the symptoms above it is essential to talk to them about how they feel. If they are reluctant to speak to you, encourage them to make an appointment with their GP or Plunket health professional. You can also call the PANDA Helpline at 1300 726-306 if they are hesitant to talk to you. Do not criticize or suggest that she lose weight or suggest that she should take in more food. Encourage and support them by offering positive feedback.
5. Physical slowing or physical agitation
Postnatal depression symptoms can affect the whole family. She may be withdrawn from her family and friends and not feel capable of taking care of her baby. They may also be concerned about the physical health of her child and be worried that something is seriously wrong with them. This could lead to a sense of guilt and the feeling that you are not a good parent.
Women with PND are often able to access family, spousal or support persons, such as counsellors or other professional assistance. These supports are crucial in the recovery process for PND.
PND can affect people who have never suffered from mental stress. It can also affect people who have experienced depression or other mental illnesses. It is a myth that only bad mothers suffer from postnatal depression. Even women with an established relationship and lots of support may be affected. It is believed that anxiety and stress can increase the risk of developing depression following the birth of an infant.
The main treatment for postnatal depression is psychotherapy (talking therapies) However, occasionally medication may be prescribed in addition. Combination treatments are usually employed. It is essential to discuss with your GP the pros and cons of each treatment.
If you are concerned about your feelings, it is important to seek out professional help. Inform your doctor or midwife about your symptoms. They will ask you about your medical history, fill out a questionnaire and perform an examination. It is important to be truthful as it will allow them to give you the best care and assistance.