Ask Me Anything: 10 Responses To Your Questions About Postnatal Depression Symptoms
Postnatal Depression Symptoms Many people who develop PND have never experienced depression or other mental health difficulties prior to. People may develop depression during pregnancy (called “antenatal depression”) and/or soon after birth. PND is more prevalent among people with an history of depression. It can also be the result of changes in hormone levels after pregnancy. 1. Feelings of despair A newborn baby can be a wonderful experience but it also alters the levels of hormones within the body. This can cause feelings of anxiety, sadness, or despair. These feelings may last for a few days disappear by themselves. If they continue or become overwhelming, you should speak with a doctor about them. A doctor or health visitor will ask you about how you've felt and whether they've changed over time. They may also conduct an examination for depression to determine the severity of your symptoms. They will also check whether you have other medical conditions that could be causing them like thyroid issues. Perinatal depression can be a problem for any woman who has given birth regardless of age, race or ethnicity, income educational level or culture. It can begin at the time of pregnancy or within one year of delivery. It is also seen in partners and fathers, but this is not as common. The most typical signs of postnatal depression are feelings of sadness, anxiety and despair. They can be extremely difficult to manage and may affect daily life, work and relationships. Feeling depressed doesn't mean that the person is an unloving mother or that they do not love their child, but it's crucial to seek help for depression as quickly as is possible to stop it from becoming worse. Some people can manage depression during pregnancy by themselves, but others require assistance from a psychiatrist or an psychiatric nurse practitioner. They can prescribe medication and provide therapy for talking to combat depression. These drugs are safe for the majority of mothers who are breastfeeding or pregnant and are available as they take care of their baby. It's also a good idea to speak with family members and friends about how you're feeling. They can assist you in finding a support network and give you advice on how to look after your baby. You can also speak to your GP, or health professional who can connect you with local support groups and other services. 2. Feelings Of Guilt More than one woman out of 10 will suffer from postnatal depression in the first year following the birth. It can also affect males and their partners, although this is less common. If you are concerned that your partner might be suffering from PND symptoms, it's crucial to seek treatment early. Many new mothers are down, emotional or anxious during the first week following the birth of their child This is normal. But if these feelings continue for longer than two weeks and are becoming more severe, it could be PND. PND symptoms can be difficult to recognize but with the right support you can recover. Your health care provider might ask you to talk about your feelings and the impact they have on your life. He may also give you an application form to fill out known as a depression screening questionnaire. It is important to be honest with your answers. The doctor may conduct tests, such as to check your thyroid hormone levels, as low levels of these can cause PND. You may be at higher chance of developing PND in the event that you have an history of depression or other mood disorders in your family. Other risk factors include: It's a wonderful experience to have a baby but it can also cause lots of emotional problems. If you think of harming your baby or yourself, this is an important warning sign that needs to be treated as a crisis. Call your doctor or the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate help. Talk to your doctor, an a health professional or midwife about PND. You can also ask to be sent to a perinatal mental health service when one is available in your area. It isn't easy to talk about what you feel however it's worth trying. If you can talk to someone you trust, it could be a huge relief. depression symptoms and anxiety can also contact a counsellor or go to an empowering group for women. This website has the list of local service providers. 3. Feelings of feeling of Many people with depression feel helpless or hopeless and may be prone to recurring thoughts of harming themselves or their child. They may also experience difficulty being focused, thinking clearly or making decisions. These symptoms can be particularly difficult for parents who are new especially when they have to take care of a tiny baby. Postnatal depression symptoms can manifest slowly and can be difficult to detect. If you notice that a new mother seems down, tearful or anxious more than usual It is a good idea to encourage her to talk about her feelings with someone. This could be a family member your friend, a family member or her health care provider or GP. Depression can affect someone's mental and physical well-being, and it's vital to seek treatment in the event that you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms. It can be difficult to acknowledge that you are feeling depressed, but with treatment and support most people can recover. Depression following childbirth could be a result of the rapid decline in hormone levels. The hormones like progesterone and estrogen increase 10 times during pregnancy, and then drop rapidly after birth. This could cause an imbalance in brain chemicals that control emotions and may cause symptoms of depression. It can be extremely stressful to have a child and it can be even more difficult for new moms when they're struggling financially. Women who have a weak support system or dealing with other family issues could be more prone to postnatal depression. It is essential to recognize the signs of perinatal depression and seek treatment as soon as possible, because the sooner it is treated, the higher chances of a complete recovery. Your GP can help you learn about the various treatment options for depression. The doctor will examine your body to determine if there are any health issues that require to be addressed. The doctor will then recommend the best treatment for you. This could be talking medicines, antidepressants or counselling. You may also be advised to avoid major life changes, like moving house or changing jobs, until you are feeling better. 4. Feelings of hopelessness Postnatal depression (PND) in certain cases, can cause mothers to feel like they're losing it. These fears may include harming their child and can result in feelings of despair. These are serious signs, however, few women take action on them. If a new mom experiences this it is crucial that they seek help. It is recommended to speak with their GP, midwife, or mother and child health nurse, and/or the PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) national helpline on 1300 726 306 to get help. There are a number of treatments for perinatal depression disorder. They are designed to improve relationships, improve access to social support and alter negative thinking patterns. They are often referred to as psychotherapies. These include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) schema therapy and interpersonal therapy. These psychotherapies can be combined with antidepressant medication to increase the effectiveness of treatment. Nurses and doctors from public health can screen for PND in the first few days following birth. This is typically done by asking about the woman's mood and how she's been eating and sleeping, as these can be significant influences on depression. Some doctors will send women to specialist community mental health teams perinatally to seek out additional treatment options. Many people suffering from depression can improve their condition, particularly when they receive the proper support and treatment. This includes a good diet, exercising, and resting, aswell being able to socialize and spend time with your friends. It also includes getting assistance from your family members and joining an organization that supports parents. It is essential that the father is involved in the process, as he could be affected by depression symptoms and the impact on the relationship. It isn't always easy to identify the signs of PND for new mothers especially since they are often so overwhelmed by the demands of new motherhood. It's important that people recognise the signs and urge women who are aware to seek medical attention. A midwife, GP or obstetrician may perform an initial screening for PND and can arrange to see a psychologist or psychiatrist in the event of need. In severe cases, psychiatrists can refer mothers to a mental health program for assessment and treatment.