What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Postnatal Depression?
Around 10% of women experience postnatal depression in the first year following the birth of their child. Partners can sometimes be the first to notice changes and then ask for help.
Some new mothers experience the 'baby-blues', which passes quickly. Others suffer from PND. It is essential to be aware of the symptoms and talk to your doctor, health worker or midwife.
Sleep deprivation
The demands of caring for a brand 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 sexual desire and difficulty in concentrating) it could indicate that she needs help from a professional.
The "baby-blues" is an ordinary mood swing that most women experience in the first few days following giving birth. If the sadness, anxiety, and tears persist for longer than two weeks then it could be postnatal depression.
Research has shown that self-reported changes in sleep issues may indicate depression in new mothers. For instance studies have shown that women's self-reported changes in sleep latency (how long it takes her to fall asleep at night), daytime dysfunction (difficulty staying awake during the day) and her subjective assessment of her sleep quality are linked to more depression-related symptoms at 7 months postpartum.
They are often the ones who notice first when something is wrong, and they could be a key factor in her recovery. They can encourage her talk about her feelings to family members, friends or a GP. They should also try to not criticize her body and weight gain, or suggesting she loses weight. They can also contact the PANDAS national helpline if they have concerns about her.
It is difficult to bond with your baby
It's common for mothers who are new to have issues bonding with their child and this can be a sign of postnatal depression. It's crucial that you and your partner are aware that this isn't a normal part of being a mother.
In certain instances women suffering from 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 a hospital and requires immediate attention. Patients suffering from this condition are extremely risky to themselves and their children, so if you have any symptoms of this it's crucial to get help straight away.
This is not an exhaustive list of signs and symptoms that may be indicative of postnatal depression. Postnatal depression can come in a variety of forms and it's not always easy to spot, especially since many of the symptoms are common among new mothers. If you're worried, talk to your GP or midwife. They can assess your symptoms and if needed, refer you to a clinic for perinatal mental illness.
Being a mother for the first time can be stressful and exhausting However, it's also a thrilling time in life. It's crucial that you and your partner find ways to remain healthy together. This means getting enough rest and sleep and eating well. You can also spend some time away from your baby, and make it a point to meet up with friends and have other interests or hobbies.
Loss of interest for things you used to love
A mother who is suffering from postnatal depressive disorder can lose interest in things she used to love. This could be a problem since she may lack the motivation or the energy to care for herself and her child. It is crucial that she receives support from her family, friends and health experts to help her regain confidence and her interest.
It's normal for people to feel a lack in interest occasionally. However it shouldn't become a habit. It's important to speak to your doctor when you experience this. They can help you find the cause of your symptoms, and provide you with solutions that can help you get back to where you want to be.
It is possible that you will need to use psychotherapy or medication (talking therapies) to manage your symptoms. Your GP will discuss with you the pros and cons of various treatments, so that you can determine which is the best for you.
It's also important to keep in mind that PND can affect the entire family. It's often difficult for the partner to cope with their new role, and they can sometimes feel like they are managing everything on their own. It is essential that mothers have access to a spouse, friend and professional support to assist her with the daily tasks of looking after a baby and her own needs.
Trouble concentrating
Women suffering from PND may find it difficult to concentrate or think clearly. She might also feel exhausted all the time. This can make it difficult to look after her baby and to manage the daily tasks. She may even begin to withdraw from her friends and family and stop participating in the activities she used to love.
It could be an indication of postnatal depression, but it's normal for new mothers to feel this way after having a child. It can be hard for partners, family and friends to recognise that a woman is suffering however it's essential that to acknowledge it. They can help by being patient and encouraging as well as listening to her and offering assistance. They could also suggest to join a support group for mothers and babies or speak to a counselor.
It's also worth noting when she begins to talk about suicide or harming herself or her child. This is an advanced sign of depression that needs to be considered seriously. It is important that she sees her GP or health care professional as soon as she can.
It can be very upsetting and stressful to discover that your partner has postnatal depression. It's very common and can be treated. The majority of women recover in a couple of months with the proper support. This includes self-help methods and therapy. depression symptoms men is crucial to recognize the signs of PND and ask your GP to screen her for it.
Feelings of hopelessness
Depression can be indicated by the feeling that life is meaningless. It is common for women to feel like this after the birth of their child and can lead them to think that they don't deserve the happiness that comes with motherhood. They may have feelings of despair that can affect their daily functioning and that can also interfere with their relationships with their family, friends and professional support persons e.g. psychologists or social workers.
Women who are suffering from PND should be able to reach those who can assist them. They shouldn't be able to isolate themselves from their support group, but instead continue to interact with them. The more support a woman suffering from PND receives, the more she recovers.
If you know a mother-to-be who is experiencing these symptoms, be there for them and encourage them to seek help. Tell them that their health visitor or doctor could provide psychological (talking therapies) treatment or medication, or an amalgamation of both for postnatal depression. It is essential to recognize the problem early on, since the earlier it is addressed, then the faster the mother will recover and be happy with her baby. It can be a difficult time for a spouse of a mother who is depressed, but it's crucial to see your partner as a person who needs support and not blame themselves. It is also important to remember that paternal depression occurs and can happen within the first year after the birth of a baby.
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 especially evident if the feelings last for more than two weeks. These emotions can make it difficult for her to bond and engage in other activities, such as walking or spending time with her friends.
Guilt is a common indicator and a sign of depression. It can be triggered by many factors. These include:
High expectations - Parents or caregivers who expect perfection from their children may feel guilty if things go wrong. This could be because they believe that their child deserves more or they feel that they have failed their child if they don't meet their expectations.
Childhood experiences - People raised in families and societies that promote guilt or have been in an abusive relationship in the past are more likely than others to develop a pattern of blame on themselves. These patterns are hard to break even in the event that the person no more lives in that particular situation.
If you're concerned that your partner may be suffering from postnatal depression, speak to them about it as soon as possible. It is crucial to recognize the symptoms in order to receive assistance and support. This will help them recover faster.