Recognising Post Natal Depression Symptoms

A baby is a major life altering event. It is important to recognize the symptoms of depression in women of depression or anxiety during the perinatal period and seek treatment as soon as you notice these signs of anxiety and depression.

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

1. Difficulty bonding with baby

The majority of new parents experience a degree of depression after the birth. But if you feel down all the time and lasts more than 2 weeks, you could be suffering from postnatal depression (PND). PND is more severe than the 'baby blues that many women experience the week following the birth of their child. But it is very manageable and many people recover with the help of family friends, whanau, and professional support services.

If you're depressed, it can be difficult to connect and interact with your child. Your emotions can affect your interactions. It can cause you to become apathetic towards your child, and you could even be frustrated or angry when they cry or require comfort. It can also affect the way you care for your child and make it difficult to feed, change or dress them.

People suffering from PND frequently lose interest in everyday activities, like sleeping or eating and experience energy levels decrease. They may withdraw from their whanau and may have irrational concerns about the health of their baby or believe they are harming it. Some people develop symptoms of anxiety such as panic attacks or a fear of losing their control.

If you are having trouble connecting with your baby, speak to a medical professional as soon as you can. They can offer suggestions on how to deal with the issue and refer you to treatment like psychological therapy or medication. They can determine if the depression is normal or not, and what you can do to improve your condition. If you're suffering from severe depression it is possible to be referred to a community mental health clinic that treats new mothers.

2. Feeling unworthy and guilty

Feeling unworthy or guilty is a common symptom of post natal depression. This is because those who suffer from this condition tend to blame themselves for the negative events that occur in their lives. This can be due to previous events where a person has been victimized, neglected or made to feel less than. This can lead to low self-esteem and low confidence which makes it harder to deal with daily activities.

It can be challenging for parents who are new to having children. It is essential to seek assistance if you or someone you love, is experiencing this. This will help decrease the symptoms and help you feel better.

It is also important to keep in mind that feeling down and depression is not an indication of weakness. It is a health condition which can be treated and there are a variety of support services for new mothers. It is important to talk to your GP or midwife or Well Child Tamariki Ora nurse if you believe you have this illness.

Postnatal depression can affect anyone, regardless of age or the number of children they have. It can also occur during pregnancy (this is referred to as prenatal depression). If you are feeling down to see their GP or a health care professional. Don't be afraid to seek help. With the proper treatment and support, most people make a full recovery from PND. Keeping in touch with friends and family members can be beneficial, as it helps keep the person sane and avoid isolation. This can be especially helpful if the symptoms are more severe or long-lasting.

3. The loss of interest in the usual activities

Women who suffer from PND often lose interest in their hobbies and even friends. They may not like spending time with their baby and are unable to make decisions. They are often very tired and sleep isn't easy because they feel they can't relax or get into a deep sleep. They may also lose appetite and eat much less than usual, sometimes putting on weight and feeling embarrassed about it.

If these symptoms continue for more than two weeks, or are extreme it is crucial to seek help. The problem is often caused by hormonal changes that occur in pregnancy and after birth. They may be triggered by stress in a relationship, or other life circumstances.

Depression can occur at any time. It is more frequent in the first year following the birth of children. It can also affect new fathers and partners. Depression can also cause issues for children, like behavioural and emotional issues.

Depression can be treated through therapy and support. Talking therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy can be highly efficient, however it is also common for antidepressants to be prescribed. Some are more suitable for some people than others, and it is a case of trial and error to discover the best one.

It is crucial to seek the support of your friends as well as family members and health professionals. Some mothers suffering from PND withdraw from their partners, which can strain relationships. After the mother's depression is been treated, a lot of these relationships have improved. Depression can cause irritability and anxiety, as well as suicidal thoughts.

4. Change in appetite

The physical and emotional turmoil signs of depression worsening having a baby can be overwhelming. The baby blues is a term used to describe the emotions of sadness and anxiety that women can experience after giving birth. These feelings of sadness and anxiety are normal, however they should be short-lived. If they continue to be present for a week or more, it may be a sign of a more serious mental health issue such as post-natal depression.

Recognizing depressive symptoms moods can be triggered by hormone levels that increase during pregnancy, but plunge dramatically following the birth. An increase in appetite is also common in this type of condition. Lack of sleep or fatigue may cause new mothers to feel famished or have a decreased appetite.

An inability to eat can cause problems with weight and nutrition and can affect breastfeeding, as it can decrease the quantity of milk produced. If a new mother isn't eating enough, she should speak to her physician or a midwife (through Plunket) if she thinks that she is not eating enough.

If you've been supporting a pregnant or postpartum woman and have noticed any of the above symptoms, it is important to talk with them about how they feel. If they're hesitant to speak with you and are hesitant to talk to you, encourage them to schedule an appointment with their doctor or Plunket health care provider. You can also call the PANDA Helpline at 1300 726 306 if they aren't willing to speak to you. Don't offer to help them lose weight or to criticize their post-pregnancy body, or suggest they should try eating more. Instead be encouraging and supportive by providing positive feedback.

5. Physical slowing or agitation

The symptoms of postnatal depression can affect the entire family. She may withdraw from her family and friends and not feel able to care for her child. She may also be overly concerned with the physical health warning signs of depression her child and be worried that something is wrong. This could lead to a sense of anxiety and a feeling of you are not a good parent.

Women with PND can get support from their families, spouse, and other individuals, such as counsellors and professional services. These services are crucial to the recovery process from PND.

PND can affect people who have never suffered from mental distress. It can also affect people who have suffered from depression or other mental illnesses. It is an untruth that only bad mothers get postnatal depression. Even women with an established relationship and lots of support may suffer from it. Stress and anxiety are thought to increase the likelihood of depression following childbirth.

Although medication is sometimes prescribed, the primary treatment for postnatal depression is psychological (talking therapy). A combination of treatments is typically utilized and it is crucial to consult with your GP about the advantages and disadvantages of the various options.

If you are worried about your feelings, it is important that you seek professional help. Talk to your doctor or midwife, or health professional about your symptoms. They will inquire about your medical history, fill out the questionnaire and then conduct an examination. Being honest will allow you to receive the best support and treatment.