depression-symptoms

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Postnatal Depression?Around 10% of women suffer from postnatal depression during the first year following the birth of a child. Sometimes, partners are the first to notice changes and ask for assistance.Many new mothers develop the “baby blues,” which can be cured quickly, but some mothers develop PND. It is essential to recognize the signs and consult your GP or health visitor.Lack of sleepThe demands of caring for a new baby can be exhausting and sleep lack is common among new mothers. If mothers’ sleeplessness is accompanied with other PND symptoms (low sexual desire and difficulty concentration), it could be an indication that she needs professional assistance.Most women experience a little of a slump in their mood in the first week after the birth, which is referred to as the “baby blues’. If the sadness, worry, and tears persist for longer than two weeks, it could be postnatal depression.Research has shown that self-reported changes in sleep may indicate depression in new mothers. Studies have demonstrated, for example, that changes in sleep latency, which is the time it takes for women to fall asleep – or daytime dysfunction – difficulty staying awake during the day and her subjective rating on her sleep quality are associated to depression symptoms for seven months after the birth of a child.Parents of new mothers are often the first to know when something is not right and can play a significant role in her recovery. They can encourage her talk about her feelings to family members, friends or a GP. Also, you should avoid criticizing her weight gain and body or suggesting she lose weight. They can also call the PANDAS national helpline if they have concerns for her.Difficulty bonding with your babyPostnatal depression can cause new mothers to experience difficulties bonding with their children. It’s important to realize that this isn’t something that is normal for a new mother and seek out help if you notice something troubling you or your partner.In a few instances, women suffering from PND may develop a more severe type of depression known as postpartum psychosis. This is a psychiatric crisis that requires immediate hospitalization. Women who suffer from this condition are extremely risky to themselves and their child So if you notice any indications of this, it’s crucial to get help immediately.This is not a complete list of signs and symptoms that may indicate postnatal depression. Postnatal depression can come in a variety of forms and it’s not always easy to recognize particularly since many of the symptoms are common among new mothers. If you’re concerned, speak to your GP or midwife. They’ll evaluate your symptoms and refer you to the perinatal mental health services should it be necessary.It can be a stressful and exhausting time, but it’s also an exciting time. It’s crucial that you and your partner find ways to remain healthy and happy together. This includes getting enough rest and sleep and eating well. You can also spend some time away from your baby and make it a point to be social and pursue other hobbies or interests.Loss of interest for things you used to loveA mother who is suffering from postnatal depressive disorder can lose interest in the activities she once enjoyed. This can be a big issue as she may not have the motivation or desire to take care of herself and her child. It is important that she receives the support of her family and friends as well as health professionals to help her regain confidence and her interest.It’s normal to feel an absence of interest occasionally. However it shouldn’t turn into an habit. It is important to talk to your doctor in the event that you feel this way. They can help you find the cause of your symptoms and offer solutions that can bring you back to where you want to be.You may require psychological (talking therapies) or medication, or a combination of both to manage your symptoms. Your GP will discuss with you the pros and cons for different treatments, so that you can decide which is best for you.It’s also important to remember that PND can affect the whole family. It can be difficult for a spouse to adapt to their new role, and they may feel like they’re doing everything all by themselves. It is important for a mother to have access to a professional friend and spousal support to help with the everyday chores of taking care of a baby and for themselves.Trouble concentratingWomen suffering from PND might have difficulty to concentrate or think clearly. She might also feel tired constantly. It is often difficult for her to care for her baby and manage the daily tasks. She may even begin to withdraw from her family and friends, and lose interest in the activities she used to enjoy.This can be an indication of postnatal depression, but it’s also normal for new mothers to feel this way after having a child. It isn’t easy for partners, friends and family members to understand that a woman has an illness that is serious but it’s important that they do. They can help by being patient and encouraging by listening to her and offering assistance. They can also ask that she join an organization that supports mothers and infants or talk to a counselor.It is important to pay attention when she begins to discuss harming her or the baby. This is an advanced indicator of depression and has to be taken seriously. It is essential to speak with her doctor or health professional immediately.It can be very upsetting and stressful to discover that your partner has postnatal depression. It is quite common and can be treated. The majority of women recover in a couple of months with the right support. This includes self-help strategies and therapy. It’s vital that you recognize the signs of PND, and ask your GP whether she should be checked for it.Feelings of hopelessnessThe feeling that life has no significance or purpose could be a sign of depression. It is normal for women to feel this way after the birth of their baby and can lead them to believe they don’t deserve the joy that comes from motherhood. There may be feelings of despair that can affect their daily lives and can also interfere with their relationships with family members and friends as well as professional support persons e.g. psychologists or social workers.Women suffering from PND should have access to the people who can help them. They shouldn’t withdraw from those who support them but continue to engage them. The more support a woman with PND receives, the more she recovers.If you know a mother-to-be who is suffering from these symptoms, be supportive and encourage them to seek help. Inform them that their health care provider or doctor can offer psychological (talking therapies) treatment as well as medication or an amalgamation of both for postnatal depression. It is important to diagnose the issue early, because the earlier it is treated it is the faster the mother will recover and be able to be happy with her baby. It can be a difficult time for the spouse of a mother who is depressed, but it’s vital that they see their partner as a person who needs support and not to blame themselves. It is important to remember paternal depression is also a possibility within the first twelve months after the child is born.Feelings of guiltIf a new mother feels guilty for the smallest things, this could be an indication of postnatal depression. This is particularly true if the feelings last more than two weeks. severe depression and anxiety symptoms www.iampsychiatry.com can make it difficult for a mother to bond with her baby and to take part in other activities such as walking on the trails and spending time with her friends.Feelings of guilt are a typical indication of depression, and they can be triggered by a variety of factors. These include:High expectations – Parents or caregivers who demand perfection from their children could feel guilty if things go wrong. This could be due to the fact that they believe that their child deserves better, or because they believe that they are failing their child if they do not meet their expectations.Childhood experiences – People raised in families and cultures that promote guilt or have had an abusive relationship in the past are more likely than other people to develop a pattern of blame for themselves. These patterns are hard to break, even if the person no longer lives in that particular situation.If you’re concerned that your partner may be suffering from postnatal depression, speak to them about it immediately. It’s important to recognise the symptoms so that they can get help and support, as this will allow them to recover more quickly.