This Is The Myths And Facts Behind Signs And Symptoms Of Postnatal Depression

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Postnatal Depression? Around 10% of women suffer from postnatal depression in the first year after having their child. Partners may be the first to notice changes and then ask for assistance. Many new mothers develop the “baby blues,” which can be cured quickly, but some mothers end up developing PND. It is crucial to recognize the symptoms and talk to your GP, health visitor or midwife. Lack of sleep Sleep deprivation can be common for new mothers due to the demands of caring for their newborn. If a mother's sleeplessness is combined with other PND symptoms (low sexual desire and trouble in concentrating), it could indicate that she requires professional help. Most women experience a bit of a slump in their mood in the first week after giving birth, which is referred to as the “baby blues'. If the sadness, anxiety and tears last for more than two weeks then it could be postnatal depression. Studies have found that self-reported changes in sleep problems could indicate depression in newly-born mothers. Studies have revealed that, for instance, changes in sleep latency, which is how long it takes women to fall asleep – or daytime problems – inability to stay awake during the days – and her personal rating of her sleep quality can be linked with depression symptoms for the first seven months after the birth of the child. The mothers' partners are often the first to notice when something is not right and play a crucial role in her recovery. They can help her talk about her feelings to friends, family members or a GP. They can also try to not criticize her body or weight gain or suggesting that she loses weight. They can also contact the PANDAS national helpline if they are concerned for her. The bonding process with your baby can be a challenge Postnatal depression can cause new mothers to experience difficulties bonding with their infants. It is essential that you and your partner are aware that this isn't an ordinary part about being a new mother. In rare instances women suffering from PND might develop a more severe form of depression referred to as postpartum psychosis. This is a psychiatric crisis that requires hospitalization immediately. Women who suffer from this condition could be extremely dangerous to themselves and their child If you experience any symptoms of this it is essential to seek treatment straight away. This is not a complete list of symptoms and signs that may indicate postnatal depression. It can appear in a variety of varieties and is not always easy for new mothers to identify. Speak to your GP in case you're concerned. They'll be able to assess your symptoms and refer you to a perinatal mental health service if necessary. Being a new mother can be stressful and exhausting However, it's also a thrilling moment in your life. It's essential to figure out ways to keep healthy for both of you, such as getting enough rest and sleep, eating well and exercising regularly. You can also take some time away from your baby, and make it a priority to be social and pursue other activities or interests. Loss of interest in things that you used to love A mother suffering with postnatal depression may lose interest in the things she once enjoyed. This could be a major issue because she might not have the motivation or energy to make a difference for herself and her child. It is crucial that she receives support from friends, family and health professionals, to aid her in regaining her confidence and interest. It's normal to experience an absence of interest at times. However, it shouldn't become an habit. It's important to speak to your doctor if you feel this way. They can help you determine the root of your problem and offer solutions that can get you back to where you want to be. You may require psychological (talking therapies) or medication or a combination of both to treat your symptoms. Your GP will go over with you the pros and cons for various treatments, so that you can determine which is the best for you. Be aware that PND can affect the entire family. It's often difficult for the spouse to cope with their new responsibilities and can feel like they're taking care of everything alone. It's crucial that a mother has access to a spouse, friends, and professional assistance to assist her with the everyday tasks of looking after a baby and her own needs. Trouble concentrating A woman with PND may find that she is unable to concentrate or think clearly. They may also feel tired all the time. It can be difficult to take look after her child and to keep up with daily tasks. It is possible that she will withdraw from family and friends and lose enthusiasm for the activities she used to enjoy. This could be a sign that a woman is suffering from postnatal depression. But, it's normal for a mother-to-be to feel this way. It isn't easy for friends, partners and family members to acknowledge the woman has a serious illness however it is crucial that to recognize it. They can help her by being patient, encouraging, listening and offering assistance. They can also ask her to join a mother and child support group or speak to a counsellor. Also, you should be aware if she starts to talk about harming her or the baby. This is an advanced indicator of depression and has to be treated with seriousness. It is important that she sees her GP or health care visitor as soon as possible. Finding out that your partner is suffering from postnatal depression can be a very stressful and upsetting experience. It's actually quite common and treatable. With the right treatment that includes self-help strategies as well as therapy, most women can recover within the course of a few weeks or months. It is crucial to recognize the symptoms of PND and request your GP to check her for it. Feelings of hopelessness Depression can be indicated by the feeling that life is not worth living. Women often feel this way after the birth of a child, and it may lead them to believe that they don't deserve to be happy as mothers. There may be feelings of hopelessness that affect their daily functioning and that could affect their relationships with family members friends, as well as professional support personnel e.g. psychologists or social workers. It is important for women to be able to access their support persons if they are experiencing PND. They shouldn't be able to isolate themselves from their support people, but instead continue to engage with them. The more support a woman diagnosed with PND receives, the better she recovers. If you know a mother-to-be who is having these symptoms, be there for them and encourage them to seek assistance. Inform them that a doctor or health professional can prescribe medication, or talk therapy (psychotherapy) to treat postnatal depression. iampsychiatry.com is recommended to have the issue addressed early, as the sooner the condition is addressed and the sooner the mother will recover and enjoy time with her infant. It can be extremely stressful for the partner of a depressed mother, but it is important for them to recognize that their partner needs support and to not blame themselves. It is important to remember paternal depression can also happen within the first 12 months after the child is born. Feelings of guilt If a mother-of-two is constantly feeling guilty about minor things, it could be an indication that she's experiencing postnatal depression. This is especially evident if the feelings last more than two weeks. These feelings can also make it difficult for the mother to bond with her child and also take part in other activities such as walking on the trails and spending time with friends. Feelings of guilt are a common indication of depression, and they can be triggered by a variety of causes. These include: High expectations – Parents and caregivers who demand perfection from their children could develop guilt if things go wrong. It could be because they feel that their child is entitled to more or feels they're failing their child when they fail to meet their expectations. Childhood experiences – People who've been raised in families or cultures that encourage feelings of guilt, or have experienced abusive relationships in the past are more likely to develop a pattern of self-blame. These patterns can be hard to break even if the person is no longer in the situation. Talk with your partner as quickly as you can if you're worried that they are suffering from postnatal depressive disorder. It's important to recognise the signs so that they can get help and support, as this will help them recover faster.