Postnatal Depression Symptoms
PND is common in people who have never experienced depression or other mental health problems. Some people develop depression during pregnancy (called "antenatal depression") or shortly after birth.
PND is more common in those with a history of depression in their family. It could also be caused by changes in hormone levels after pregnancy.
1. Feelings of despair
A newborn baby can be a joyous experience but it also alters the hormone levels in the body. This change can cause feelings of sadness, anxiety or hopelessness. For some women, these feelings last several weeks and then go away on their own without treatment. If they continue to linger and become overpowering, it's vital to talk to your doctor or health visitor about these feelings.
A health care professional or doctor will ask you questions about your feelings and if they have changed over time. They might conduct an assessment for depression to see how severe your symptoms are. They will also check whether you have any other medical conditions that could be causing them for example thyroid issues.
Perinatal Depression can be a problem for any woman who gives birth, regardless age, race or ethnicity, income level or level of education. It can develop during pregnancy or within a year following delivery. It can be a problem for fathers and partners. However it is less frequent.
Postnatal depression is characterized by feelings of sadness, anxiety, and despair. These emotions can be difficult to manage and can affect your daily life as well as relationships at work. Having these feelings doesn't mean that the person is a bad mother or they do not love their child, but it is important to get help for depression as soon as you can to prevent it getting worse.
Certain people can deal with the perinatal depression disorder on their own. Others require the assistance of psychiatrists or psychiatric nurses practitioner. They can prescribe medications and offer therapy with a talk to treat depression. These drugs are safe for the majority of mothers who are nursing or pregnant and can be taken while they care for their baby.
It's also recommended to speak to your family and friends about how you're feeling. They can offer tips on how to look after and take care of your baby and help you get support. You can also speak to your GP, or health care professional who will be able connect you with local support groups and support services.
2. Feelings of guilt
Postnatal depression is a frequent problem that affects more than one of 10 women within a year of giving birth. While it's not as common, it can affect men who have partners. If you're concerned that your partner might be suffering from PND symptoms, it's important to seek out help as soon as you notice symptoms.
Many new mothers are down, emotional or anxious during the first week after the birth of their baby, and this is normal. If these feelings persist for more than two weeks and then get worse, it could be the sign of PND. PND symptoms can be difficult to recognize however with the right support you can recover.
Your doctor may ask you questions about your feelings and how they affect your life. He might also give you an assessment form for depression for you to fill out. It is essential to be honest in your answers. The doctor may conduct tests, for example to determine the levels of thyroid hormone, as low levels of these can lead to PND.
If you have a family history of depression or mood disorders and mood disorders, you are more likely to develop PND. Other risk factors include:
The birth of a child can be a very rewarding experience, however it can also bring up lots of emotional issues. If you're thinking of harming yourself or your child, this is a serious warning indication and should be treated as an emergency. Contact your doctor or the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate help.
You can get help for PND by talking to your GP or public health nurse, or an midwife. You can also ask to be directed to a perinatal mental clinic if one is available in your area.
It can be difficult to articulate your feelings but it's worth trying. It can be a huge relief to be able speak to someone you can trust. You can also join a women's support group or talk to a counselor to get help and advice. This website contains an index of local service providers.
3. Feelings of feeling of
Many people suffering from depression feel helpless or hopeless and may be prone to recurring thoughts of harming themselves or their baby. They may also have trouble thinking, concentrating or making decisions. These issues can be especially stressful for parents with new children particularly when they are trying to care for a small baby.
Postnatal depression can be difficult to recognize because it develops slowly. If you observe that a new mom appears depressed, tearful, or anxious more than usual, it is worth encouraging her to talk about her feelings with someone. You, a friend or her doctor or health worker could be the right person to talk to.
Depression can affect a person's physical and mental health, and it is very important to seek help in the event that you or someone you know suffers from these symptoms. It isn't easy to admit that you're feeling depressed, but with treatment and support most people can recover.
It is thought that depression following childbirth is due to the rapid decline in hormone levels. These hormones such as progesterone and estrogen increase by tenfold during pregnancy, and then drop rapidly after birth. This may lead to an imbalance in brain chemicals that control emotions and may cause symptoms of depression.
Having a baby is very stressful, and it could be more difficult for new mothers to cope with these changes when they are struggling financially. Additionally, due to these factors, some women who have weak support networks or other family problems could be more susceptible to developing postnatal depression.
It is essential to recognize the signs of perinatal depressive disorder and seek treatment as soon possible. The earlier you are treated, the higher the likelihood of a complete recovery. Your GP can help you learn about the various treatment options for depression. They will examine you to determine if you have any health issues that should be addressed. The doctor will then suggest the best treatment for you. This could include talking medicines as well as antidepressants and counselling. You might also be advised to delay major life changes, like moving house or changing jobs until you feel better.
4. Feelings of despair
Many mothers suffering from postnatal depression (PND) have overwhelming fears and feel like they're losing their mind. These fears may involve harming their baby and they can lead to feelings of hopelessness. These are serious issues, however, only a few women act upon them. It is crucial for a new mother to seek help when she is feeling this way. It is recommended to speak with their doctor, midwife or the maternal and child health nurse, and/or the PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) national helpline at 1300 726 306 for support.
There are a variety of treatments that are available for postnatal depression. They aim to improve relationships, improve access to support from friends and alter negative thinking patterns. They are often referred to as psychotherapies. They may include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy and schema therapy. These psychotherapies can be combined with antidepressant medication to increase the effectiveness of treatment.
GPs and public health nurses are able to screen for PND during the first few days after birth. This is done by asking a woman about her mood, how she has been sleeping and what she eats. These elements can have a major impact on depression. Some GPs refer women to specialized community perinatal mental health teams for further treatment options.
Many people suffering from depression are able to recover, particularly with the right support and treatment. This includes an exercise routine, a healthy diet and rest, making time to meet with friends, seeking assistance from family and joining a support group for parents. It is also important for the father to be involved as he can often be extremely affected by the symptoms of depression and their impact on relationships.
It can be difficult to spot the signs of PND for new mothers especially since they are often so overwhelmed by the demands of new parenthood. It is crucial to be aware of the signs and encourage women who you recognize to seek medical attention. A GP, midwife or obstetrician will be able to do a quick test for PND. They can also arrange for psychologists or psychiatrists to be consulted if needed. In severe cases, a psychiatrist could refer mother to a specialist mental health center or hospital for assessment and treatment.