Postnatal Depression Symptoms
PND is common in people who have never had depression or any other mental health issues. However, some have depression during pregnancy (called antenatal depression) or after the birth of a child.
PND is more prevalent among people who have a history of depression. It could also be a result of changes in hormone levels following pregnancy.
1. Feelings of hopelessness
A new baby can be a wonderful experience but it also alters the levels of hormones in the body. This can trigger feelings of anxiety, sadness or despair. For women, these feelings can last for several weeks and then go away on their own without treatment. But if they persist and become overpowering, it's vital to talk to your doctor or health visitor about them.
A doctor or health care visitor will ask you questions about your feelings, and whether they have changed over time. They may do a depression screening test to see the severity of your symptoms. They will also check to see if there are any other conditions which might be causing your symptoms, such as thyroid issues.
Perinatal depression can affect any woman who has given birth, regardless of race, age or ethnicity, income, educational level or culture. It can begin at the time of pregnancy or within a year after delivery. It can also affect partners and fathers. However it is less frequent.
Postnatal depression is characterised by feelings of sadness, anxiety, and despair. These feelings can be difficult to handle and can affect your daily life as well as relationships at work. This doesn't suggest that a person is a bad parent or doesn't love her child. However, it's essential to seek treatment whenever you can for depression in order to stop it from getting worse.
Some people can manage the perinatal depression disorder on their own. Others need the help of psychiatrists or psychiatric nursing practitioner. They can provide psychological (talking) therapy and medication to treat the depression. These medications are safe for most mothers who are pregnant or breastfeeding and are available as they take care of their baby.
It's also a good idea to speak to your family and friends about how you're feeling. They can help you find a support network and give you practical suggestions on how to care for your baby. You can also speak to your GP or health visitor, who will be able to connect you to local support services and groups.
2. Feelings of guilt
Postnatal depression is a frequent problem that affects more than one in 10 women within a year of having their baby. It can also affect males and their partners, but this is less frequent. If you're worried that your partner is suffering from PND symptoms, it is important to seek help early.
It is normal for mothers of newborns to feel down or tearful in the first week following the birth of their baby. If these feelings persist for longer than two weeks, and then get worse, it could be PND. PND symptoms can be difficult to recognize however with the right assistance, you can get better.
Your doctor could ask you to talk about your feelings and the impact they can have on your life. He could also provide an assessment form for depression for you to fill out. It is important to be honest in your answers. He may perform some tests to check thyroid hormone levels. Low levels can cause PND.
You may be at higher chance of developing PND when you have an ancestry of depression or other mood disorders in your family. Other risk factors include:
Having a baby can be a rewarding experience, but it can also cause lots of emotional issues. If you're having thoughts of harming yourself or your child, this is a serious warning indication that should be treated as an emergency. Call your doctor or the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate assistance.
You can seek help for PND by speaking with your doctor or a public health nurse midwife. You can also request to be referred to a perinatal mental service if one is available in your region.
It can be difficult to express what you feel, but it is worth trying. If you're able to talk to someone who you trust, it may be a relief. You can also contact a counselor or join a support group for women. This website provides a list of local service providers.
3. Feelings of helplessness
Many people suffering from depression feel feeling helpless or hopeless, and they may have recurring thoughts about harming themselves or a baby. They may also have trouble thinking and concentrating, or making decisions. These signs can be stressful for parents with new children especially when they are trying to look after a young baby.
Postnatal depression isn't easy to spot because it develops slowly. depression symptoms is important to encourage a new mother to express her feelings when you notice she seems more tearful or agitated than usual. This could be you, a friend or her health care provider or GP.
Depression can affect both a person's physical and mental health. It is important to seek help if you or someone else you know suffers from these symptoms. It can be difficult to admit that you're depressed. However, with the right treatment and support most people recover.
It is believed that depression following childbirth is due to an abrupt drop in hormone levels. These hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone increase by tenfold during pregnancy, only to rapidly fall after birth. This can cause an imbalance in brain chemicals that regulate emotions and can cause symptoms of depression.
It can be very difficult to have a baby, and it can be even more difficult for mothers who are new if they're struggling financially. In addition to these factors, some women who have an inadequate support system or have other family issues could be more prone to developing postnatal depression.
It is essential to recognize the signs of perinatal depression and get treatment as soon as is possible, because the sooner it is treated, the better chances of a complete recovery. You should also speak to your GP about the various treatment options for depression, and he or she will check your health to determine if there are any underlying medical issues that require to be addressed. Then, he will recommend the appropriate kind of treatment for your needs. This might include counselling and talking medications or antidepressants. You might also be advised to delay major life changes like moving house or changing jobs until you feel better.
4. Feelings of despair
Some mothers with postnatal depression (PND) are plagued by fear and feel like they are losing their minds. These fears may involve harming their child and can lead to feelings of hopelessness. These are serious symptoms however, only a few women act upon them. If a mother-to-be experiences this it is crucial to seek help. They should talk to their GP, midwife, or maternal and child health nurse and/or the PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) national helpline on 1300 726 306 for support.
Many different treatments are available for perinatal depression. They aim to improve relationships, increase access to social support and change negative thought patterns. They are sometimes referred to as psychotherapies. They include cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), schema therapy, and interpersonal therapy. These psychotherapies may be combined with antidepressant medicines to enhance the effectiveness of treatment.
GPs and public health nurses can test for PND in the first few days following birth. This is performed by asking a woman about her mood, how she has been sleeping, and what she is eating. These elements can have a major effect on depression. Some GPs will send women to specialized community mental health teams during pregnancy for further treatment options.
Many people suffering from depression can get better, especially if they have the right support and treatment. This includes eating a balanced diet, exercising and rest, making time to spend time with friends, seeking assistance from family members and joining a support group for parents. It is crucial that the father be involved in the process, as he could be affected by depression-related symptoms and the impact on the relationship.
It isn't always easy to identify the signs of PND for new mothers especially when they are often overwhelmed by the demands of new parenthood. It is important to recognize the symptoms and encourage women you know to seek medical care. A midwife, doctor or obstetrician should be able to conduct a quick test for PND. They can also make arrangements for a psychiatrist or psychologist to be consulted should it be necessary. In the case of severe cases, psychiatrists may refer mothers to a mental health program for assessment and treatment.