What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Postnatal Depression?
About 10% of women experience postnatal depression within the first year following the birth of a child. Sometimes, the partners are the first to notice and seek help.
Some new mothers experience "baby-blues," which pass quickly. Some develop PND. It is important to recognise the
signs of feeling down and speak to your doctor, health worker or midwife.
Sleepiness and lack of sleep
Sleep deprivation is common among mothers who are new due to the demands of caring for their infant. If the mother's sleeplessness is coupled with other PND symptoms (low sexual desire and difficulty concentrating) it could indicate that she requires professional help.
The "baby-blues" is a common mood swing that women typically experience in the first few days after giving birth. If the sadness, anxiety and tears continue for longer than two weeks, it could be postnatal depression.
Studies have shown that self-reported changes in sleep issues may indicate depression in new mothers. For example studies have revealed that women's self-reported changes in sleep latency (how long it takes her to fall asleep at night), daytime dysfunction (difficulty staying awake throughout the day) and her subjective rating of her sleep quality are associated with higher levels of depression symptomatology after seven months postpartum.
Partners of new mums are often the first to notice the signs of trouble and play a crucial role in her recovery. They can help her talk about her feelings to friends, family members or a doctor. You should also avoid criticizing her body weight or suggesting that she lose weight. If they are concerned about her, they could also call PANDAS the national helpline.
The bonding process with your baby can be difficult
Postnatal depression can cause mothers to have difficulty bonding with their babies. It's important that you and your partner understand that this isn't a normal part of being a new mom.
In some cases women with PND may develop a more severe form of depression, known as postpartum psychosis. This is a psychiatric emergency that requires hospitalization immediately. This type of condition is dangerous for both the mother and child. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's crucial to seek immediate help.
This is not a complete list of all signs and symptoms that could suggest postnatal depression. The condition can take different forms and it's not always easy to recognize particularly since many of the symptoms are common among new mothers. Consult your GP in case you're concerned. They'll evaluate your symptoms and refer you to a perinatal mental health service if necessary.
It can be a stressful and exhausting moment, but it can also be an exciting time. It's important to figure out ways to keep healthy for both of you, such as getting enough sleep/rest and eating healthy, as well as exercising regularly. It is also possible to spend time away from your child and make it a priority to socialise with friends and have other hobbies or interests.
Loss of interest in the things you used to enjoy
A mother suffering with postnatal depression may lose interest in the activities she used to enjoy. This can be a problem because she may lack the motivation or drive to take care of herself and her child. It is essential that she receives the support of her family, friends and health professionals to help her gain confidence and enthusiasm.
It's not uncommon to feel a lack of interest in certain activities from time to time but it shouldn't develop into a pattern. It is important to talk to your doctor when you experience this. They can help you find the root cause of your symptoms and offer options for treatment that will help you get back to where you want to be.
You might need psychological (talking therapies) or medication or an amalgamation of both to treat your
major depressive symptoms. Your GP will discuss with you the pros and cons of various treatments, so that you can decide which is best for you.
It's important to remember that PND can affect the entire family. It can be challenging for the partner to adjust to their new role and they may feel as if they're doing everything all by themselves. It is crucial for a mother to have access to a professional friend and spousal support to assist them with the daily tasks of caring for a baby and themselves.
Difficulty concentrating
A person with PND might find that she can't concentrate or think clearly. She might be tired all the time. It can be difficult to take take care of her baby and manage the daily tasks. She may even begin to withdraw from her family and friends, and lose enthusiasm for the activities she used to enjoy.
This can be an indication of postnatal depression, but it is also normal for new mothers to feel depressed after having a child. It can be hard for family members, partners, and friends to acknowledge that a woman is suffering however it is essential that to acknowledge it. They can help her by being patient, encouraging, listening and offering support. They could also suggest that she join a support group for mothers and babies, or talk to a counselor.
It is important to pay attention whenever she begins to talk about harming herself or the baby. This is a symptom of depression that needs to be taken seriously. It is important to see your doctor or health care provider as soon as she can.
Finding out that your partner is suffering from postnatal
teenage depression symptoms can be a difficult and traumatic experience. However, it's very common and is easily treated. Most women can recover within a few months with the right support. This includes self-help techniques and therapy. It's vital that you recognize the
symptoms of persistent depressive disorder of PND, and ask your GP whether she should be examined for it.
Feelings of hopelessness
The feeling that life is without reason or significance could be a sign of depression. It is normal for women to feel this way after the birth of their child and can lead them to feel that they aren't worthy of the happiness that comes with motherhood. They may feel a sense of despair that can affect their daily functioning and that could affect their relationships with their family friends, as well as professional support personnel e.g. A social worker or psychologist.
Women suffering from PND should have access to those who can aid them. They should not isolate themselves from their support group, but instead continue to communicate with them. The more support that is offered to a woman who has PND, the better her recovery will be.
If you know a new mum who is suffering from these symptoms, be there for them and encourage them to seek assistance. Tell them that a doctor or health care professional could prescribe medication, or talk therapy (psychotherapy) to treat postnatal depression. It is best to get the problem diagnosed
early symptoms of major depression as the sooner the condition is treated, the sooner the mother can recover and enjoy time with her infant. It can be very upsetting for the partner of a depressed mother but it is important for them to see that their partner requires support and to not blame themselves. It is also important to be aware that depression in the paternal womb is a possibility and can manifest in the first year following the birth of a child.
Feelings of guilt
If a mother-of-two is constantly
feeling depressed guilty for little things, it could be a sign that she's experiencing postnatal depression. This is especially relevant if these feelings last for more than two weeks. These emotions can make it difficult for her to bond and enjoy other activities, like taking walks or spending time with her friends.
Guilt is a common indicator and a sign of depression. It can be caused by a variety of factors. These include:
Expectations too high - A parent or carer who is looking for perfection from their child could be more likely to experience feelings of guilt if something goes wrong. This could be because they believe that their child deserves better, or because they believe that they're failing their child if they do not meet their expectations.
Childhood experiences - Those who have been raised in cultures or families 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 difficult to break even if the person is no longer in that situation.
If you're worried that your partner might be suffering from postnatal depression, talk to them as soon as you can. It's crucial to recognize the symptoms to be able to get help and support, as it will assist them in recovering faster.
