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Blog entry by Annetta Pegues

What Is The Heck What Is Postnatal Depression Symptoms?

What Is The Heck What Is Postnatal Depression Symptoms?

psychology-today-logo.pngPostnatal Depression Symptoms

Many people who develop PND have never had depression or other mental health difficulties before. Some suffer from depression during pregnancy (called "antenatal depression") or shortly after birth.

PND is more common in those with a family history of depression. It could also be caused by hormonal changes after pregnancy.

1. Feelings of despair

A newborn baby is a joyful experience, but it also alters the hormone levels of the body. This can cause feelings of anxiety, sadness or hopelessness. These feelings can last for a few days, and then disappear on their own. If they continue or become excessive, you should talk with a doctor about these feelings.

A health professional or doctor will ask you questions about your feelings and if your feelings have changed over time. They may also conduct a depression screen test to determine the severity of your symptoms. They will also check to see if there are any other conditions which might be causing your symptoms, like thyroid issues.

Perinatal depression can affect any woman who's given birth regardless of age, race, ethnicity, income, education or culture. It can develop during pregnancy or within one year after delivery. It can be a problem for fathers and partners. However, this is less common.

The most frequent signs of depression returning of postnatal depression are feelings of sadness, anxiety and despair. These can be very difficult to manage and can disrupt daily life or work, as well as relationships. Having these feelings does not mean that the person is an unloving mother or that they don't love their child, but it is crucial to seek help for depression as soon as you can to prevent it getting worse.

Some people can manage perinatal depressive disorder on their own. Others require the assistance of a psychiatrist or psychiatric nursing practitioner. They can provide psychological (talking) therapy as well as medications to treat depression. These medicines are safe for most breastfeeding mothers and are available while the woman is caring for her child.

It is also advisable to speak with your family and friends to let them know how you feel. They can help you find a support network and give you practical advice about how to take care of your baby. You can also talk to your doctor or health care professional who will be able to connect you with local support groups and services.

2. Feelings Of Guilt

One woman in 10 will suffer from postnatal depression in the first year following the birth. While it's not as common is the fact that it can also affect men who have partners. If you're concerned that your partner might be suffering symptoms of PND it is crucial to seek out help as soon as possible.

It is normal for mothers of newborns to feel down or tearful in the first week following the birth of their child. If these feelings last for longer than two weeks, and become worse, it could be a sign of PND. PND symptoms are difficult to identify however with the right support you can recover.

Your doctor could inquire about your emotions and their impact on your life. He might also give you the opportunity to fill out a form called a depression screening questionnaire. Your answers must be honest. He may do some tests, for example to check your thyroid hormone levels, as low levels of these can cause PND.

If you have an ancestral history of depression or mood disorders or mood disorders, you could be more likely to develop PND. Other risk factors include:

It's a wonderful experience to have a baby, but it can also cause lots of emotional problems. If you have thoughts of harming your baby or yourself, this is an important warning sign that needs to be taken seriously as an emergency. It is recommended to contact your doctor or the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately for help.

You can seek assistance for PND by speaking to your GP, public health nurse or a midwife. You can also ask to be directed to a perinatal mental service should one be available in your region.

It isn't easy to talk about how you feel however it's worth trying. If you're able to talk to someone who you trust, it may be a relief. Alternately, you can visit a women's supportive group or consult a counsellor to get help and advice. You can find an inventory of local services by visiting this website.

3. Feelings of helplessness

Many people with depression feel hopeless or helpless and may have recurring thoughts of harming themselves or their child. They may also have difficulty being focused, thinking clearly or making decisions. These signs can be stressful for parents with new children, especially when they have to look after a young baby.

Postnatal depression symptoms can develop gradually and may be hard to detect. You should encourage a new mother to share her feelings when you notice she is more emotional symptoms of depression, anxious or down than usual. A friend, a family member or her doctor or health worker could be the right person to talk to.

Depression can impact 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 is hard to admit you are depressed. However, with the proper treatment and support, most people can recover.

Depression after childbirth may be linked to the rapid decline in hormone levels. The hormones estrogen and progesterone rise tenfold in pregnancy, and then drop rapidly after birth. This can cause an imbalance in the brain chemicals that regulate emotions and may cause symptoms of depression.

It can be extremely difficult to have a baby, and it can be more difficult for new mothers who are struggling financially. In addition to these factors women with a low support network or other family problems may be more prone to developing postnatal depression.

It is crucial to recognize the symptoms of perinatal depression and seek treatment as soon as is possible since the sooner it is treated, the better the chance of a complete recovery. Your GP can help you learn about the various treatment options for depression. The doctor will evaluate your body to determine if there are any health issues that should be addressed. Then, he will suggest the best type of treatment for you. This could include talking medications, antidepressants or counselling. You might also be advised to avoid major life changes, such as moving houses or changing jobs, until you are feeling better.

4. Feelings of despair

Many mothers suffering from postnatal depression (PND) have overwhelming fears and feel that they're losing their mind. These fears can include harming their child and can cause feelings of despair. While these are serious signs, fortunately few women ever take action on them. It is important for a mother-to-be to seek assistance when she is feeling this way. They should speak to their doctor, midwife or maternal and child health nurse, and/or the PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) national helpline on 1300 726 306 for support.

Many different treatments are available for perinatal depression. They are designed to improve relationships, enhancing access to social support, and transforming negative thought patterns. They are sometimes called psychotherapies. They may include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy and schema therapy. These psychotherapies are often used in conjunction with antidepressant medications to improve treatment effectiveness.

GPs and public health nurses are able to screen for PND in the first few days after birth. This is usually done by asking about the woman's mood and how well she has been eating and sleeping, since these factors can be major influences on depression. Some doctors refer women to community mental health teams that specialize in perinatal mental illnesses for additional treatment.

Many people who suffer from depression can overcome it by undergoing the appropriate treatment and assistance. This means a healthy diet, exercising, and resting, as well as taking time to socialise and spend time with your friends. Also, it is important to seek help from your family and joining a support group for parents. It is important to involve the father in the process since he might be impacted by depression symptoms and the impact on the relationship.

iampsychiatry-logo-wide.pngIt can be difficult to spot the signs of PND in new mothers especially since they are often so overwhelmed by the demands of a new parenthood. It is essential to recognize the mild signs of feeling down of depression - lynxjumper5.werite.net, and encourage women they know to seek medical care. A doctor, midwife or obstetrician may perform an initial screening for PND and arrange to see a psychologist or psychiatrist if necessary. In the case of severe cases, a psychiatrist may refer a mother to an intensive mental health program or hospital for evaluation and treatment.

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