What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Postnatal Depression?
About 10% of women suffer from postnatal depression in the first year following childbirth. Sometimes, partners are the first to notice changes and then ask for help.
Some new mothers experience the "baby-blues," which pass quickly. Some develop PND. It is crucial to recognize the signs and consult your doctor, health professional or midwife.
Sleepiness and lack of sleep
The demands of caring for a new baby can be exhausting, and sleep deprivation is common among newly mothers. If a mother's sleeplessness is combined with other PND symptoms (low sex desire and difficulty in concentrating) It could indicate that she requires professional help.
Most women experience a bit of a downturn in mood within the first week after giving birth, which is known as the 'baby blues'. However, if the sadness crying, and anxiety last for more than two weeks, it's possible that they're experiencing postnatal depression.
Research has shown that self-reported changes in sleep problems could indicate depression in newly-born mothers. Studies have shown, for example, that changes in sleep latency, which is the time it takes for women to fall asleep - daytime dysfunction - having trouble staying awake during the days – and her personal rating of her sleep quality are linked to depression symptoms for seven months after childbirth.
Parents of new mothers are often the first to recognize the signs of trouble and can play a significant role in her recovery. They can help her discuss her feelings with friends, family or a doctor or perinatal mental health specialist. It is also important to avoid judging her body and weight gain or suggesting that she loses weight. If they are concerned about her, they could also contact PANDAS' national helpline.
Difficulty bonding with your baby
It's common for mothers who are new to have issues bonding with their baby and this could be an indication of postnatal depression. It's important that you and your partner realize that this isn't an ordinary part about being a new mother.
In rare instances women suffering from PND might develop a more serious type of depression known as postpartum psychosis. This is a psychiatric emergency that requires hospitalization immediately. This type of condition is hazardous for both the mother and the child. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's crucial to seek immediate help.
This isn't an exhaustive list of symptoms and signs that may be indicative of postnatal depression. Postnatal depression can come in a variety of forms and it's not always easy to identify, especially since many of the symptoms are common amongst new mothers. If you're worried, talk to your GP or midwife. They can assess your symptoms and refer you to a perinatal mental health service when needed.
Being a new mother can be exhausting and stressful, but it's also an exciting time in life. It's important that you and your partner figure out ways to remain healthy together. This includes having enough rest and sleeping, and eating a balanced diet. You can also spend some time away from your baby, and make it a priority for you to be social and pursue other hobbies or interests.
Loss of interest for things you used to like
If a mother suffers from postnatal depression, it can make her lose interest in the things she used to love. This can be a huge issue as she may not have the motivation or desire to make a difference for herself and her baby. It is essential that she receives support from friends, family and health professionals to aid her in regaining her confidence and interest.
It's not uncommon to experience an absence of interest in certain activities from time to time but it shouldn't develop into a pattern. If it does occur, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. They can help you identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and provide treatment that will help you get back on track.
You might need psychological (talking therapies) or medication, or a combination of both to manage your symptoms. Your GP will go over with you the pros and cons for different treatments, so you can determine which is the best for you.
It's also important to keep in mind that PND can affect everyone in the family. It's often a challenge for the spouse to cope with their new responsibilities and, at times, they feel as if they are taking care of everything alone. It's important that a mother has access to a partner, a family member, and professional support to assist her in the day-to-day tasks of looking after the baby and her own needs.
It is difficult to concentrate
Women with PND might find it difficult to concentrate or think clearly. They may also feel tired constantly. This could make it difficult to care for her baby and to complete daily tasks. It is possible that she will withdraw from her family and friends and stop participating in the activities she used to love.
It could be an indication of postnatal depression, however it's also normal for new mothers to feel this way after having a baby. It isn't easy for friends, partners and family to recognize the woman has an illness that is serious but it's important that to recognize it. They can support her by being attentive, patient, encouraging and providing support. They can also ask her to join a mother and baby support group or speak to a counselor.
It is important to pay attention whenever she begins to talk about harming her or the baby. This is a sign of a more serious symptom of depression and needs to be treated with seriousness. It is crucial to speak with her doctor or health professional immediately.
Being aware that your partner is suffering from postnatal depression can be a very difficult and traumatic experience. But, it's not uncommon and it is easily treated. The majority of women recover within a few months with the right support. This includes self-help techniques and therapy. It is crucial to recognize the signs of PND and seek out your GP to check her for it.
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Depression can be manifested by the feeling that life is not worth living. It is normal for women to feel like this after the birth of their child and can lead them to believe they don't deserve the joy that comes with motherhood. There may be feelings of despair that impact their daily life and can also interfere with their relationships with their family friends, as well as professional support personnel e.g. a psychologist or social worker.
It is essential for women to have access to their support people when they suffer from PND. They should not cut off contact with these people but continue to engage with them. The more support a woman suffering from PND receives, the more she recovers.
If you know a new mum who is experiencing these symptoms, be there for them and encourage them to seek help. Inform them that their health professional or doctor could provide psychological (talking therapies) treatment as well as medication or an amalgamation of both for postnatal depression. It is recommended to have the problem diagnosed early as the sooner the condition is addressed and the sooner the mother will recover and enjoy her time with her baby. It can be difficult for a partner of a mother who is depressed, but it's crucial that they see their partner as a person who needs support and not blame themselves. It is important to remember paternal depression is also a possibility within the first 12 months after a baby is born.
Feelings of guilt
If a mother-to-be is unable to accept even the smallest things, this could be a sign of postnatal depression. This is particularly evident if the feelings last for more than two weeks. These feelings can also make it difficult for a mother to bond with her child and also enjoy other activities, such as going on walks and spending time with friends.
Feelings of guilt are a typical indication of depression, and they can be triggered by a variety of triggers. These include:
Expectations too high Parents or carers who expects perfection from their child may be more likely to develop an underlying sense of guilt when something goes wrong. This could be because they believe that their child deserves better or they believe that they have failed their child if they don't meet their expectations.
Childhood experiences - Children who have been raised in families and societies that promote guilt or have had an abusive relationship in the past are more likely than others to develop a pattern blaming themselves. These patterns are difficult to break even if the person is no longer in that situation.
Talk with your partner as quickly as you can if you're worried that they are suffering from postnatal depressive disorder. It is crucial to recognize the signs to seek help and assistance. This will assist them to recover faster.