Recognising Post Natal Depression Symptoms

Being a parent is a major life change. It is essential to recognize the signs and symptoms of depression of depression or anxiety during the perinatal period and seek assistance as soon as you notice these signs.

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

1. The bonding process 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. However, if you are feeling depressed all the time and lasts more than 2 weeks, you may be suffering from postnatal depression (PND). PND is more serious than the "baby blues" many people experience during the first week after their baby is born. It is treatable, and most people can recover from it with the support of their family friends, whanau, and family members, as well as professional support services.

If you are depressed, it can be difficult to bond and communicate with your baby. Your emotions can affect your interactions. This can make you indifferent to your child and they may seem to be irritated or frustrated particularly when they cry for attention or need comforting. It can also impact your ability to care for your child, making it hard to feed them or change them, and also get them dressed.

People with PND might become less interested in everyday activities like eating or sleeping and their energy levels decline. They may also withdraw from their family and develop irrational concerns about their child's health or think they are causing harm to them. Some people may also develop symptoms of anxiety, like a fear of losing control or panic attacks.

If you are having trouble connecting with your baby, speak to a medical professional as soon as you can. They can offer tips on how to handle the situation and could refer you to treatment, including psychological therapy or medications. They can inform you if the depression is normal and suggest ways to improve. If you're experiencing severe depression, your physician may be capable of referring you to a community perinatal mental health team that specializes in treating new mothers.

2. Feeling devalued or guilty

Post-natal depression is usually associated with feelings of inadequacy or guilt. This is because people who suffer from this condition tend to blame themselves for all the negative events that happen in their lives. This can be due to past experiences in which a person was abused, neglected, or made to feel less than. This can lead to low self-esteem and low confidence which makes it more difficult to handle daily tasks.

Being a parent is a major responsibility and can be challenging for new parents. This is why it's crucial to seek assistance in the event that you or someone you know is feeling this way. This can help to reduce the symptoms and make you feel better.

It is important to keep in mind that feeling depressed and depressed isn't a sign of weakness. It is a medical issue that can be treated and there are many services for mothers who are new. If you suspect you have this condition, it's essential to talk to your GP or Well Child Tamariki ORA nurse.

Postnatal depression can affect everyone, regardless of age or the number of children they have. It can happen even during pregnancy (known as antenatal depression disorder). Encourage anyone who feels down to see their GP or a health care professional. Don't be scared to seek assistance. Most people can recover from PND with the proper support and treatment. It can be beneficial to stay in touch with family and friends because it helps keep the person focused and help prevent isolation. This is especially helpful if symptoms are severe or persistent.

3. Inattention loss in normal activities

Many women who suffer from PND lose enthusiasm for their hobbies and friends. They might not be able to enjoy spending time with their child and have trouble making decisions. They are often very tired and sleep isn't easy because they don't feel they can relax or get to sleep. They may also lose their appetite and eat much less than usual, often becoming overweight and feeling embarrassed about it.

If symptoms persist for more than two weeks or are extremely severe, you should seek medical assistance. The majority of the time, the problem is caused by hormonal changes that happen during pregnancy and after birth. They may be triggered by stress in a relationship, or other life circumstances.

Depression can strike at any time. It is more common during the first year after the birth of a child. It can also affect new fathers and partners. Depression can also cause issues for children, such as emotional and behavioural issues.

Depression can be treated by support and therapy. Therapy that involves talking, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and committment therapy are extremely effective. Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed. Certain medications are better suited for certain individuals than others. It's something that is determined by trial and error.

It is crucial to have the support of family members, friends, and health care professionals. Some mothers suffering from PND are unable to be with their partners, which can cause stress in relationships. After the mother's depression is been treated, many of these relationships have recovered. Depression can cause irritability, anxiety, and can also trigger suicidal thoughts.

4. Change in appetite

The emotional and physical trauma of having a child can be overwhelming. Many women experience a period of time after birth that is known as the baby blues. These feelings of sadness and anxiety are normal, but shouldn't last for long. If they remain present for a week or more, it may be a sign of more serious mental health issue such as post natal depression.

The hormone levels that increase during pregnancy and then drop drastically after birth can cause a depressed mood. A change in appetite is also common in this condition. New mothers may not feel hungry or have an appetite that is less than normal and can be made worse by sleep deprivation and fatigue.

A lack of appetite could cause problems with weight and nutrition, and can impact breastfeeding, since it can reduce the amount of milk produced. If a mother-to-be isn't eating enough, she should consult her physician or a midwife (through Plunket) if she believes that they aren't eating enough.

If you have been supporting a pregnant or postpartum woman and have noticed any of the symptoms listed above, it is important to talk to them about how they feel. If they are hesitant to speak with you, encourage them to make an appointment to see their GP or Plunket Health Visitor. Alternatively, you can call the PANDA helpline on 1300 726 306. Don't offer to assist them in losing weight or to criticize the post-pregnancy physique, or suggest they try to eat more. Instead, be supportive and encouraging by providing positive feedback.

5. Physical slowing or agitation

Postnatal depression symptoms can affect all the family members. She might withdraw from her family and friends, and not feel capable of taking care of her infant. She might be worried about the physical health of her child and worry that there is something wrong with them. This could result in excessive whakama (shame) and a feeling of not being a good parent.

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

PND can be a problem for people who haven't experienced mental stress. It can also affect those who have suffered from depression or other mental illnesses. Postnatal depression is not an illness that only unlucky mothers experience. Even women who have a stable relationship and a lot support can be affected. It is thought that anxiety and stress increase the risk of developing depression following the birth of a child.

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

It is crucial to seek assistance if you are worried about the way you're feeling. Inform your doctor or midwife about the symptoms. They will ask about your medical history, complete a questionnaire and perform a physical exam. It is essential to be honest as it will allow them to give you the best treatment and support.