Recognising Post Natal Depression Symptoms

The birth of a baby is a significant life change. It is important to recognise the symptoms of anxiety or depression during pregnancy and seek help as soon as you begin to notice them.

Many people experience 'babyblues' within the first few weeks after the birth. Postnatal depression is more severe and requires medical treatment.

1. It is difficult to bond with the baby

The majority of new parents experience a degree of depression after the birth. If you feel depressed most days and it lasts more than two weeks, you could be suffering from postnatal Depression (PND). PND is more severe than the 'baby blues that many women experience in the weeks following the birth of their child. It is, however, treatable and the majority of people recover with the help of family, whanau, friends and professional support services.

If you're depressed, it can be difficult to connect and interact with your child. Your mood can impact your interactions. This can cause you to become unresponsive to your baby, and they may seem to frustrate or irritate you particularly when they cry for attention or require comfort. It can also affect the way you look after your child which makes it difficult to feed, change and dress them.

People with PND may lose interest in everyday activities, such as sleeping or eating and their energy levels will decline. They may also withdraw from their family and begin to have irrational concerns about their child's health or feel they are causing harm to them. Some people may also develop symptoms of anxiety, such as a fear of losing control or panic attacks.

Speak to a healthcare professional if you're having trouble connecting with your child. They can give you suggestions on how to deal with the issue and could refer you to treatment, such as 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 and are in need of help, you can be directed to a mental health clinic that treats new mothers.

2. Feeling devalued and feeling guilty

Post-natal depression is usually characterized by feelings of worthlessness or guilt. People suffering from this condition tend to blame themselves for the negative events that happen to them. This could be due to previous events in which a person was victimized, neglected or felt inferior. This can result in an insecurity about oneself and a lack of confidence, making it more difficult to handle everyday tasks.

The responsibility of having children is a big responsibility and can be challenging for new parents. This is why it's important to seek help if you or someone you know feels this way. This can help to reduce the symptoms and help you feel better.

It is important to remember that feeling down and depressed isn't a sign of weakness. It is a medical condition that can be treated, and there are many support services for new mothers. It is important to talk to your GP, midwife or Well Child Tamariki or a nurse if you believe you have this condition.

Postnatal depression can be a problem for anyone, regardless of age or number of children they have. It can also happen during pregnancy (this is known as antenatal depression). Encourage anyone who feels down to see their GP or a health care professional. Don't be scared to seek help. With the appropriate treatment and support the majority of people can make a complete recovery from PND. It is helpful to stay in touch with family and friends, because it helps keep the person motivated and prevent isolation. This is particularly beneficial if symptoms are severe or persistent.

3. Loss of interest in usual activities

Many women suffering from PND lose enthusiasm for their hobbies and social circle. They are often not able to like spending time with their infant and may struggle to make choices, such as whether or not to leave the bed. They're usually exhausted but have a difficult time getting to fall asleep as they are unable relax or fall into an enveloping, restful sleep. They may also experience a loss of appetite and eat less. Sometimes, they gain weight and feel ashamed.

If the symptoms persist for more than two weeks or are severe it is essential to seek medical attention. The problem is often caused by hormonal changes that occur in pregnancy and after birth. They can also be caused by other issues like stress in relationships or other life events.

It is possible to suffer from depression at any time. It is more prevalent in the first year following childbirth. It can also affect new fathers and partners. Depression can also lead to issues for children, including emotional and behavioral issues.

Depression can be treated through therapy and support. Therapy that involves talking, such as cognitive signs of depression behavioral therapy and acceptance and committed therapy can be extremely efficient. Antidepressants are also commonly prescribed. Some are more suitable for certain people than others, and it's a matter of trial and error to determine the most appropriate one.

It is essential to have the support of family members as well as friends and health care providers. The relationships can be affected when mothers suffering from PND are unable to communicate and separate themselves from their loved ones. Many of these relationships recover once the mother's depression is treated. Depression can trigger a range signs of feeling down of depression recurrence (explanation) other issues, such as anger, suicidal ideas and anxiety.

4. Change in appetite

The physical and emotional upheaval of having a baby can be overwhelming. Many women experience a short period of time following birth that is referred to as the baby blues. The feelings of sadness and anxiety are normal, but they should be short-lived. If they are present for a week or more this could be a sign of a more serious mental health issue such as post natal clinical depression symptoms.

Depression can be caused by hormone levels that increase during pregnancy, but drop dramatically after birth. Changes in appetite are also common in this condition. New mothers may not feel hungry or have decreased appetite and can be made worse by fatigue and sleep deprivation.

An inability to eat can lead to problems with weight and nutrition, and can impact breastfeeding, since it can reduce the quantity of milk produced. If a new mom isn't eating enough, she should consult her GP or a midwife (through Plunket) if she feels that they are not eating enough.

If you've been assisting women who are pregnant or postpartum and you notice any of the above symptoms, it is important to discuss with them how they are feeling. If they're hesitant to speak with you, encourage them to make an appointment with their GP or Plunket health visitor. Or, you can call the PANDA helpline on 1300 726 306. Don't suggest that they lose weight or criticize their post-pregnancy body or suggest they should try eating more. Encourage and encourage them by offering positive feedback.

5. Physical slowing or agitation

Postnatal depression symptoms can affect the entire family. She may be withdrawn from her family and friends and may 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 can lead to excessive whakama (shame) and an impression that she is not a good parent.

Women with PND are often able to access family, spousal or support person assistance, which includes counsellors or other professional assistance. These supports are very important for the recovery process from PND.

People who have never had a mental crisis before may develop PND, and those who have suffered from depression or another mental illness can experience it after having a baby (as as well as during pregnancy). Postnatal depression isn't an illness that only unlucky mothers suffer from. Even women with plenty of support and a stable relationship could experience it. It is believed that stress and anxiety can increase the risk of developing depression after the birth of an infant.

The primary treatment for postnatal depression is psychological (talking therapies) however, sometimes medication is prescribed as well. Combination therapies are typically employed. It is crucial to discuss with your GP the advantages and disadvantages of each treatment.

It is essential to seek assistance if you are concerned about how you feel. Talk to your doctor or midwife about the depressive disorder symptoms. They will inquire about your history, do an assessment and conduct a health examination. Being honest will help you receive the best support and treatment.