What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Postnatal Depression?Around 10% of women suffer from postnatal depression within the first year after childbirth. Partners can sometimes be the first to notice changes and then ask for assistance.
Many new mothers experience the 'baby blues' which can be cured quickly, but some mothers develop PND. It is crucial to identify the signs and talk to your doctor or health professional.
Sleep deprivation
Sleep deprivation is common among new mothers due to the demands of caring for their infant. If mothers' sleeplessness is accompanied with other PND symptoms of severe depression (low sexual desire and trouble in concentrating), it could be an indication that she needs professional assistance.
The "baby blues" are an everyday mood swing most women experience during the first few days after giving birth. If the sadness, anxiety and tearfulness persist for longer than two weeks it could be that they are experiencing postnatal depression.
Studies have found that self-reported changes in sleep issues could indicate depression in newly-born mothers. Studies have revealed that, for instance, changes in sleep latency, which is the time it takes for women to fall asleep - daytime problems - inability to stay awake during the day and her own subjective assessment of her sleep quality are linked with depression symptoms for the first seven months after childbirth.
Partners of new mums are often the first to notice when something is not right and can play a significant role in her recovery. They can help her talk about her emotions with her family, friends or a GP or a perinatal mental health professional. They should also be able to not criticize her body and weight gain or suggesting that she loses weight. They can also call the PANDAS national helpline if they have concerns for her.
Trouble bonding with your baby
It's common for mothers who are new to struggle with bonding with their child and this could be a sign of postnatal depression. It's important that you and your partner understand that this isn't an ordinary part of being a new mom.
In certain instances, a woman with PND may develop a more serious form of depression referred to as postpartum psychosis. This is an emergency in psychiatry that requires to be treated in hospital and requires immediate attention. Women who suffer from this condition could be extremely dangerous to themselves and their children, so if you have any indications of this, it's crucial to get help straight away.
This is not a complete list of all signs and Major Depressive Symptoms that can be indicative of postnatal depression. The condition can take many forms and it's not always easy to identify especially when many of the symptoms are common amongst new mothers. If you're concerned, speak to your GP or midwife. They will be able to assess your symptoms, and if needed, refer you to a service for mental illness that is perinatal.
Being a mother for the first time can be exhausting and stressful But it's also a wonderful moment in your life. It's crucial that you and your partner figure out ways to stay healthy together. This means getting enough sleep/rest and eating well. You can also try to spend time with your baby and make it a priority to spend time with your friends and also have other interests or hobbies.
Loss of interest in the things you used to enjoy
When a mother is suffering from postnatal depression it can make her lose interest in things she used to love. This can be a big problem because she may not have the motivation or drive to do things for herself and her baby. It's important that she gets support from friends, family and health professionals to aid her in regaining her confidence and her interests.
It's normal to feel a lack in interest occasionally. However it shouldn't become a routine. It is important to talk to your doctor in the event that you feel this way. They can help you identify the root cause of your symptoms, and help you find the treatment that can bring you back to normal.
You may require psychological signs of being depressed (talking therapies) or medication or the combination of both to manage your symptoms. Your GP will go over the advantages and disadvantages of various treatments to help you decide together which is right for you.
Remember that PND can affect your entire family. It can be difficult for the spouse to adjust to their new role and they may feel as if they're all by their own. It's crucial that mothers have access to a spouse, friend and professional support to assist her with the day-to-day tasks of caring for her child and her own needs.
It is difficult to concentrate
Women with PND might have difficulty to concentrate or think clearly. She might also feel tired all the time. This can make it difficult to look after her baby and to manage the daily tasks. She might even start to withdraw from her family and friends and become less interested in the activities she used to love.
This can be a sign that a woman is suffering from postnatal depression. However, it's also normal for a newly-born mother to feel this way. It can be difficult for family members, partners and friends to recognise that a woman is ill however it is essential that they recognize it. They can assist her by being patient, encouraging, listening and providing support. They can also suggest to join a mother and baby support group or talk to a counsellor.
Also, you should be aware if she starts to discuss harming herself or the baby. This is a serious indicator of depression and has to be taken seriously. It's very important that she consult her doctor or health care provider as soon as possible.
Being aware that your partner suffers from postnatal depression can be a stressful and upsetting experience. However, it's very common and easily treated. Most women can recover in a couple of months with the proper support. This includes self-help methods and therapy. It is essential to recognize the signs of PND and seek out your GP to screen her for it.
Feelings of despair
The feeling depressed that life has no significance or purpose could be a sign of depression. It is normal for women to feel this way following the birth of their baby and it can make them believe they don't deserve the joy that comes with motherhood. A feeling of despair can affect their everyday functioning and interfere with their relationships with their family, friends and professionals. Social worker or psychologist.
Women suffering from PND should have access to the people who can help them. They shouldn't withdraw from these people but continue to engage with them. The more help that is offered to a woman with PND, the better her recovery will be.
If you know a new mom who is having these symptoms, be supportive and encourage them to seek help. Inform them that a physician or health professional can prescribe medication, or talk therapy (psychotherapy) to treat postnatal depression. It is best to get the problem diagnosed early as the earlier the condition is treated, the sooner the mother will recover and enjoy time with her baby. It can be upsetting for a partner of a mother who is depressed, but it's crucial to view their partner as a person who needs assistance and not blame themselves. It is also crucial to be aware that depression in the paternal womb exists and can occur within the first year after the birth of a child.
Feelings Of Guilt
If a mother-to-be feels guilty about the smallest of things, it could be an indication of postnatal depression symptoms in seniors. This is especially the case if the feelings are lasting longer than 2 weeks. These feelings can make it hard for her to bond and enjoy other activities, such as going on walks or spending time with her family.
Guilt is a common indicator and a sign of depression. It can be caused by a variety of causes. These include:
Expectations too high Parents or carers who is looking for perfection from their child may be more likely to develop feelings of guilt if something goes wrong. This could be due to the fact that they feel that their child deserves better, or because they believe that they have failed their child if they don't meet their expectations.
Childhood experiences - People who have been raised in cultures or families which encourage guilt, or who have had abusive relationships in the past are more likely to develop an attitude of self-blame. These patterns can be hard to break even if the person is no longer in the situation.
If you're worried that your partner may be suffering from postnatal depression, talk to them as soon as you can. It's crucial to recognize the symptoms in order to receive assistance and support. This will help them recover quicker.