www.iampsychiatry.com who develop PND have never experienced depression or other mental health issues before. Some suffer from depression during pregnancy (called "antenatal depression") and/or soon after birth.
PND is more prevalent in people with a history of depression. It can also be the result of changes in hormone levels that occur after pregnancy.
1. Feelings of hopelessness
A newborn baby can be a joyful experience however, it can also alter the levels of hormones within the body. This change can cause feelings of sadness, anxiety or despair. For some women, these feelings last several weeks and then go away by themselves, without treatment. If they continue to linger and become overwhelming, it's important to talk to your health professional or doctor about the symptoms.
A health professional or doctor will ask you about how you've felt and whether they've changed over time. They may do a depression screening test to determine the severity of your symptoms. They will also determine whether you have any other conditions that may be causing your symptoms like thyroid issues.
Perinatal depression can be a problem for any woman who has given birth, regardless of race, age, ethnicity, income, education or culture. It can develop in the early stages of pregnancy or within a year after delivery. It can also affect fathers and partners. However it is less frequent.
The most frequent symptoms of postnatal depression include feelings of sadness, anxiety, and despair. These emotions can be difficult to handle and can impact daily life, work, and relationships. Feeling depressed doesn't mean that the person is a bad mother or they aren't loving their child, but it is essential to seek treatment for depression as quickly as is possible to avoid it from getting worse.
Some people can manage perinatal depressive disorder on their own. Others need the help of psychiatrists or psychiatric nursing practitioner. They can offer psychological (talking) therapy and medication to treat the depression. These medications are safe for the majority of breastfeeding mothers and can be taken while the mother cares for her child.
You should also talk to your family and friends to let them know how you are feeling. They can help you establish a support group and give you practical advice about how to look after your child. You can also talk to your doctor or health care professional who will be able put you in contact with local support groups and support services.
2. Feelings Of Guilt
Postnatal depression is a prevalent issue that affects more than one in 10 women within a year after having their baby. While it's not as common, it can also affect men who have partners. If you're worried that your partner may be suffering from PND symptoms, it's crucial to seek treatment early.
It is normal for new mothers to feel down, tearful, or anxious during the first week following the birth of their child. If these feelings last for more than two weeks and become worse, it could be the sign of PND. PND symptoms are difficult to identify, but with the correct support you can recover.
Your doctor may ask you questions about your emotions and how they are affecting your life. He may also give an assessment form for depression for you to fill out. Your answers should be truthful. He may do some tests, for example to test the levels of thyroid hormone, since low levels of these can cause PND.
You may be at higher chance of developing PND if you have an ancestry of depression or other mood disorders in your family. Other risk factors include:
It's a wonderful experience to have a child, but it can also cause many emotional issues. If you're having thoughts of harming yourself or your child it is a severe warning indication and should be treated as an emergency. It is recommended to contact your doctor or the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately for help.
You can seek help for PND by speaking to your doctor or public health nurse, or midwife. You can also ask for the referral to an expert perinatal mental health service, in the event that it is available in your area.
It can be difficult to express how you feel, but it is worth trying. It's a great relief to to speak to someone you are comfortable with. Alternatively, you can go to a women's support group or consult a counsellor to get help and advice. This website contains an index of local service providers.
3. Feelings of helplessness
Many people suffering from depression feel hopeless or helpless and may have constant thoughts about harming themselves or a child. They may also have difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions. These symptoms can be especially distressing for new parents who are trying to care of a small child.
Postnatal depression isn't easy to spot because it develops slowly. You should encourage a newly mother to share her feelings when you notice she is more emotional, anxious or down than usual. It could be you, a friend or her doctor or health professional.
Depression can affect a person's mental and physical health, so it is vital to seek treatment when you or someone you know suffers from these symptoms. It can be difficult to admit that you are depressed. However, with proper treatment and support, most people can recover.
Depression after childbirth can be due to the rapid decline in hormone levels. These hormones, like estrogen and progesterone, rise 10 times during pregnancy, and then quickly decrease after birth. This may lead to an imbalance in brain chemicals that control emotions and can cause symptoms of depression.
It can be very stressful to have a baby, and it's more difficult for new moms if they're struggling financially. Additionally, due to these factors there are women who have an inadequate support system or other family problems may be more prone to developing postnatal depression.
It is crucial to recognize the symptoms of perinatal depression and get treatment as soon as you can as the earlier 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 you to determine if there are any underlying health issues that need to be addressed. Then, he will recommend the right type of treatment for you. This could include counselling, antidepressants or talking medicines. You might be advised to avoid major life changes, like moving or changing jobs, until you feel better.
4. Feelings of despair
Some mothers who suffer from postnatal depression (PND) are afflicted with overwhelming anxiety and feel like they are losing their minds. These fears may include harming their child and result in feelings of despair. These are serious signs, but fortunately, few women take action on them. It is crucial for a mother-to-be to seek assistance if she feels this way. They should talk to their GP, midwife or maternal and child health nurse, and/or the PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) national helpline at 1300 726 306 to get help.
There are a variety of treatments that are available for perinatal depression. They aim to improve relationships, increasing access to social support, and changing negative thought patterns. They are commonly referred to as psychotherapies. These include cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), schema therapy, and interpersonal therapy. These psychotherapies may be combined with antidepressant medications to improve the effectiveness of treatment.
Health professionals and nurses from public health can test for PND within the first few days following birth. This is done by asking the woman about her mood, how she's been sleeping and what she eats. These factors can have a major effect on depression. Some GPs refer women to specialist community mental health teams during pregnancy for further treatment options.
Many people suffering from depression can recover by undergoing the appropriate treatment and help. This can be achieved through an exercise routine, a healthy diet and rest, taking time to meet with friends, getting help from family members and joining a parenting support group. It is also crucial for fathers to be involved, as he is likely to be a victim of the symptoms of depression and their impact on relationships.
PND is often difficult to detect in new mothers, as they are often overwhelmed by the demands and responsibilities that come with being a parent. It is crucial to be aware of the symptoms and encourage women who you recognize to seek medical treatment. A midwife, doctor or obstetrician will be able to perform a quick screen for PND. They can also arrange for psychologists or psychiatrists to be consulted if needed. In extreme cases, a psychiatrist may refer mother to a specialist mental health program or a hospital for assessment and treatment.