Postnatal Depression Symptoms
PND is common among those who have never had depression or any other mental health issues. Some suffer from depression during pregnancy (called "antenatal depression") or soon after birth.
PND is more common in those with a family history of depression. It could also be caused by hormonal changes following pregnancy.
1. Feelings of hopelessness
A newborn baby is a joyful experience, but it also alters the hormone levels in the body. This can cause feelings of anxiety, sadness or hopelessness. These feelings may last for a few days and disappear on their own. If they continue or become overwhelming, you should speak with a doctor about them.
A health care professional or doctor will ask you questions about your feelings, and whether they have changed over time. They may conduct an assessment for depression to determine the severity of your symptoms. They'll also see if there are any other conditions that could be the cause of your symptoms, such as thyroid issues.
Perinatal depression can be a problem for any woman who has given birth, regardless of race, age or ethnicity, income, education or culture. It can begin in the early stages of pregnancy or within a year of the birth. It can also affect fathers and partners. However it is less frequent.
Postnatal depression is characterised by feelings of sadness, anxiety, and hopelessness. These emotions can be difficult to deal with and can affect your daily life and work as well as relationships. The fact that you feel these emotions doesn't mean that the person is an unloving mother or that they aren't loving their child, but it is important to get help for depression as soon as you can to prevent it getting worse.
Some people can cope with depression during pregnancy by themselves, but others require help from psychiatrists or a psychiatrist nurse practitioner. They can prescribe medication and offer therapy with a talk to combat depression. These medications are safe for most mothers who are pregnant or breastfeeding and are available as they care for their baby.
It is also important to talk to your family and acquaintances to let them know how you are feeling. They can help you establish a support group and give you practical advice about how to care for your child. You can also contact your health care provider or doctor, who will be able to connect you to local support services and groups.
2. Feelings Of Guilt
More than one woman out of ten will experience postnatal depression in the first year after giving birth. It can also affect men and their partners, but this is less frequent. If you are worried that your partner might be suffering symptoms of PND it is crucial to seek help as early as possible.
It is normal for new mothers to feel depressed and tearful or anxious during the first week following the birth of their baby. But if these feelings continue for more than 2 weeks and are getting worse it could be the result of PND. The symptoms of PND are difficult to recognise however, with the right help, you can make a full recovery.
Your doctor may ask you questions about your mood and how they affect your life. He might also give you a depression screening form to you to fill out. It is important to be truthful in your answers. He might conduct some tests, for example to test your thyroid hormone levels, since low levels of these can cause PND.
If symptoms of depression bipolar have an ancestral history of mood disorders or depression or mood disorders, you could be more likely to develop PND. Other risk factors include:
Being a parent can be a very satisfying experience, but it can also trigger a lot of emotional problems. If you're having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby it is a severe warning indication and should be treated as an emergency. Call your doctor or the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate help.
Speak to your doctor, an a health professional or a midwife about PND. You can also request to be sent to a perinatal mental health service should one be available in your region.
It can be difficult to articulate how you feel but it's worth trying. It can be a huge relief to to speak to someone you trust. You can also contact a counsellor or go to a support group for women. You can locate the list of local services by visiting this website.
3. Feelings of helplessness
Many people with depression are feeling helpless or hopeless and may experience recurring thoughts about harming themselves or their baby. They may also have trouble being focused, thinking clearly or making decisions. These symptoms can be especially stressful for parents trying to take manage a young child.
Postnatal depression is often difficult to identify because it is a gradual process. If you notice that a mother-to-be appears depressed, tearful, or anxious in a way that isn't typical, it is worth encouraging her to discuss her feelings with someone. It could be you, a friend or her health care provider or GP.
Depression can affect someone's physical and mental health, and it is very important to seek help whenever you or someone you know is suffering from these symptoms. It is hard to admit you are depressed. However, with proper treatment and support, most people recover.
It is thought that depression following childbirth may be linked to an abrupt drop in hormone levels. The hormones progesterone and estrogen increase by tenfold during pregnancy, and then decrease quickly after birth. This can cause an imbalance in brain chemicals that control emotion and could cause symptoms of depression.
It can be very stressful to have a child and it can be even more difficult for new moms when they're struggling financially. In addition to these issues women with weak support networks or other family problems may be more likely to develop postnatal depression.
It is essential to recognize the symptoms of perinatal depressive disorder and seek treatment as quickly as possible. The earlier you are treated, the greater the likelihood of a complete recovery. Your GP can help you learn about the various treatments for depression. He or she will assess your body to determine if there are any health issues that should be addressed. Then, he or she will recommend the right type of treatment for you. This could be talking medicines, antidepressants, or counseling. You may also be advised to stay away from major life changes, like moving houses or changing jobs until you feel better.
4. Feelings of hopelessness
Many mothers suffering from postnatal depression (PND) are afflicted with overwhelming anxiety and feel that they are losing their minds. These fears may include harming their child and can result in feelings of despair. While these are serious signs however, very few women take action on these feelings. It is important for a new mom to seek assistance in the event that she feels this way. They should speak to their doctor, midwife or mother and child health nurse and/or the PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) national helpline on 1300 726 306. For support.
There are a number of treatments for perinatal depression disorder. They are aimed at improving relationships, increasing access to social support and changing negative thought patterns. They are often referred to as psychotherapies. They include cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), schema therapy and interpersonal therapy. These psychotherapies may be coupled with antidepressant medications to enhance the effectiveness of treatment.
Health professionals and public health nurses can screen for PND in the first few days after birth. This is usually done by asking about a woman's mood and how she's been eating and sleeping, as these factors can be major influences on depression. Some GPs will refer women to mental health teams in the community that specialize in perinatal mental illness for additional treatment.
Many people suffering from depression can improve their condition, particularly with the right support and treatment. This includes a healthy diet, exercise, and rest, as well having time to socialize and spend time with friends. Also, it is important to seek help from your family and joining a parent support group. It is important that the father be involved since he might be impacted by depression symptoms and the effect they have on the relationship.
PND is often difficult to detect in new mothers due to them being overwhelmed by the demands and responsibilities that come with being a parent. It is important to recognize the symptoms and encourage women who are concerned to seek medical care. A midwife, GP or obstetrician should be able to perform an initial screening for PND. They can also make arrangements for psychologists or psychiatrists to be consulted should it be necessary. In the case of severe cases, a psychiatrist could refer a mother to an intensive mental health program or hospital for assessment and treatment.