Notes

5 Post Natal Depression Symptoms Lessons Learned From Professionals
Recognising Post Natal Depression Symptoms

A baby is a significant life-changing event. It is crucial to recognize the signs of perinatal anxiety or depression and seek treatment as soon as you begin to notice them.

Many people experience the 'baby blues' in the first few days following the birth. These feelings pass but postnatal depression can be more serious and requires medical treatment.


1. Bonding with your baby can be a challenge.

The majority of new parents will suffer from depression at least in the initial days following the birth. If you feel depressed most days, and lasts for more than two 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 baby. However, it is treatable and most people recover with the support of family members, whanau, friends and professional support services.

It isn't easy to bond with your baby if you're feeling depressed since your emotions can cause problems with how you interact with your baby. This could cause you to be unresponsive to your baby and they could appear to be irritated or frustrated, especially when they cry for attention or need comforting. It could also hinder your ability to take care of your child and make it difficult to feed them change them, clean them and get them dressed.

People with PND tend to lose interest in normal activities, such as sleeping or eating, and find that their energy levels drop. They might become withdrawn from their families and may have irrational concerns about the health of their infant or think they are harming it. Some people develop anxiety symptoms like panic attacks or fears of losing control.

If you are having trouble connecting with your child, talk to a medical professional as soon as you can. They can provide advice about how to cope and could refer you to treatment, including psychotherapy or medication. They can help you determine whether the depression is normal and what you can do to improve. If you are experiencing severe depression, your doctor may be able to refer you to a community perinatal mental health service which specializes in treating newborn mothers.

2. Feeling devalued or feeling guilty

Post-natal depression is often associated with feelings of inadequacy or guilt. People suffering from this condition tends to blame themselves for the negative events in their lives. This can be due to past experiences where a person has been victimized, neglected or made to feel inadequate. This can cause an insecurity about oneself and a lack of confidence, making it harder to deal with daily tasks.

The responsibility of having children is a big responsibility, and it can be a challenge for new parents. This is why it is important to seek help in the event that you or someone you know feels this way. This will help reduce the symptoms and help feel better.

It is also important to keep in mind that feeling down and depressed isn't a sign of weakness. It is a medical issue that can be treated and there are a variety of services available for new mothers. It is essential to speak to your GP or midwife or Well Child Tamariki Ora nurse if you suspect you suffer from this condition.

Postnatal depression can affect everyone, regardless of age or the number of children they have. It can also happen during pregnancy (this is referred to as antenatal depression). Encourage anyone who is feeling down to see their GP or a health professional. Don't be afraid to ask for assistance. With depression symptoms and anxiety I Am Psychiatry and support, the majority of people can make a complete recovery from PND. Being in contact with family and friends can also be beneficial, since this can help keep the person feeling positive and prevent isolation. This is particularly beneficial if symptoms are severe or persistent.

3. Interest in normal activities

Women suffering from PND often lose interest in hobbies and even friends. They are often not able to enjoy spending time with their child and may struggle to make decisions, like whether or not to get out of bed. They're often exhausted and sleep isn't easy because they are unable to relax or get to sleep. They might also feel less hungry and eat less than usual. Sometimes, they gain weight and feel embarrassed.

If the symptoms persist for more than two week or are extremely severe, you should seek medical care. Often the problem is caused by hormone changes that occur in the course of pregnancy and after birth. They can be caused by stress in relationships, or other life circumstances.

It is possible to experience depression at any age. It is most common during the first year after having a child. It can also affect partners and new fathers. Depression can also trigger issues for children, like emotional and behavioural issues.

Depression can be treated with therapy and support. Talking therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy can be highly efficient, however it is also common for antidepressants to be prescribed. Certain are more suited to certain individuals than others. It is an issue of trial and error.

It is essential to have the support of family members as well as your friends and health care providers. Relationships can be impacted when mothers suffering from PND become isolated and withdraw from their loved ones. Many of these relationships recover when the mother's depression is treated. Depression can trigger irritability and anxiety, as well as suicidal thoughts.

4. Change in appetite

The emotional and physical turmoil of having a child can be overwhelming. The baby blues is a term used to describe the feelings of sadness and anxiety that women feel after having a baby. These feelings of anxiety and sadness are normal but should not last long. If they continue to be present for more than a week, it may be a sign of a more serious mental health issue, such as post-natal depression.

The hormone levels that increase during pregnancy and then drop drastically after birth can contribute to the development of depression. This condition is also manifested by an increase in appetite. New mothers may not feel hungry or have decreased appetite and this can be caused by sleep deprivation and fatigue.

A lack of appetite can result in nutritional deficiencies and weight issues and can affect breastfeeding, since it can decrease the amount of milk produced. For these reasons, if a new mother is not eating enough, she is advised to seek assistance from her doctor (doctor), midwife or Well Child Tamariki Ora nurse (through Plunket).

If you have been supporting women who are pregnant or postpartum and have noticed any of the symptoms above it is crucial to talk to them about the way they feel. If they are reluctant to talk to you, help the woman to make an appointment to see their doctor or Plunket Health Visitor. You can also call the PANDA Helpline at 1300 726 306 if you aren't willing to speak to you. Do not be critical or suggest that she lose weight or suggest that she eat more. Instead be supportive and encouraging by offering positive feedback.

5. Physical slowing or agitation

The symptoms of postnatal depression can affect all the family members. The person with PND may not feel capable of caring for her baby, and she might withdraw from her whanau and social circle. She could also be concerned about the physical health of her baby and fear that something is seriously wrong with them. This can lead to excessive whakama (shame) and a feeling of not being a good parent.

Women suffering from PND typically have access to family, spousal, and support person assistance, which includes counsellors and other professional services. These supports are crucial in the process of recovery from PND.

People who haven't suffered from mental illness before may develop PND, and those who have suffered from depression or another mental illness may experience it after having a child (as well as during pregnancy). It is not true that only the most depressed mothers get postnatal depression. Even women who have an established relationship and lots of support may suffer from it. It is thought that anxiety and stress can increase the chance of developing depression following the birth of a child.

Although medication is sometimes prescribed, the most effective treatment for postnatal depression is psychological (talking therapy). A combination of treatments is commonly employed and it is essential to talk to your GP about the pros and cons of different options.

It is essential to seek help if worried about the way you're feeling. Talk to your doctor or midwife about your symptoms. They will inquire about your medical history, complete an assessment and conduct a health examination. It is crucial to be honest, as it will help them give you the best care and assistance.

My Website: https://www.iampsychiatry.com/depression-symptoms