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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 baby. Sometimes, the partners are the first to notice and seek assistance. Some mothers who are new experience the “baby-blues,” which pass quickly. Some develop PND. It is important to recognise the symptoms and talk to your doctor, health professional or midwife. Lack of sleep Sleep deprivation is common for new mothers because of the demands of caring for their infant. If a mother's lack of sleep is coupled with other signs of PND (low sexual drive and difficulty concentrating) it could indicate that she requires professional assistance. The 'baby-blues' is a common mood swing that most women experience during the first few days after giving birth. If the sadness, anxiety, and tears persist for longer than two weeks, then it could be postnatal depression. Self-reported sleep problems could be a sign of depression among new mothers, according to studies. For example, studies have found that women's self-reported change in sleep latency (how long it takes her to fall asleep at night) and daytime dysfunction (difficulty staying awake during the day) and her subjective assessment of her own sleep quality are linked to higher levels of depression symptomatology at seven months postpartum. They are usually the first to know when something is not right, and they play a vital role in her recovery. They can encourage her talk about her feelings with family members, friends or a doctor. I Am Psychiatry should also try to refrain from criticizing her body and weight gain or suggesting she lose weight. They can also contact the PANDAS national helpline if they are concerned about her. Trouble bonding with your baby It's common for new mums to have issues bonding with their infant and this can be an indication of postnatal depression. It's important to realize that this is not an expected aspect of being a new mother and to seek help if it's worrying you or your partner. In certain instances, women suffering from PND may develop a more severe form of depression known as postpartum psychosis. This is an emergency in psychiatry that requires to be treated in hospital and requires immediate attention. This type of condition is risky for both mother and child. If you experience any of the symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately. This isn't a complete list of all the signs and symptoms that could indicate postnatal depression. The condition can take many forms and it's not always easy to spot, especially since many of the symptoms are common amongst new mothers. If you're concerned, speak to your GP or midwife. They'll be able to examine your symptoms and refer you to the perinatal mental health services should it be necessary. Being a new mother can be exhausting and stressful But it's also a wonderful time in life. It is essential to find ways of keeping healthy, including getting enough rest and sleep, eating well and exercising regularly. You could also spend some time away from your child, and make it a priority for you to socialise and have other interests or hobbies. Loss of interest in the things you used to love A mother suffering from postnatal depressive disorder can lose interest in the things she used to enjoy. This could be a problem since she may lack motivation or drive to care for her and her child. It's important that she gets support from friends, family and health professionals, to assist her in regaining her confidence and her interests. It's normal for people to feel a lack in interest at times. However it shouldn't become an habit. It's crucial to speak with your doctor if you feel this way. They can help you determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and find the treatment that can get you back on track. You might need to take medication or psychological therapy (talking therapies) to manage your symptoms. Your GP will go over the advantages and disadvantages of the various treatments to help you determine which one is best for you. Be aware that PND can affect the entire family. It can be challenging for a spouse to adjust to their new role and they may feel as if they're all by themselves. It is essential that a mother has access to spousal, family member, and professional support to assist her with the day-to-day tasks of looking after the baby and her own needs. Difficulty concentrating Women suffering from PND may find it difficult to concentrate or think clearly. They may be tired all the time. This could make it difficult to take care of her child and keep up with everyday tasks. It is possible that she will be more distant from her family and friends and lose interest in the activities she used to enjoy. This could be a sign of postnatal depression. However, it's normal for new mothers to feel this way after having a baby. It can be difficult for friends, partners and family members to understand that a woman has a serious illness, but it is important to recognize it. They can help by being compassionate and supportive by being attentive to her and providing support. They can also suggest to join a mother and baby support group or talk to a counselor. Also, you should be aware whenever she begins to talk about harming her or the baby. This is a symptom of depression and should be taken very seriously. It's very important that she consult her doctor or health professional as soon as possible. Discovering that your partner suffers from postnatal depression can be a difficult and traumatic experience. It's actually quite common and is easily treated. With the right treatment that includes self-help strategies as well as therapy, the majority of women recover in a few weeks or months. It's important that you recognise the signs of PND and request your GP to check her for it. Feelings of hopelessness The feeling that life is without significance or purpose could be a sign of depression. It is common for women to feel this way following the birth of their baby and it can cause them to believe they don't deserve the joy that comes from motherhood. They may feel a sense of hopelessness that affect their daily lives and can affect their relationships with their family, friends and professional support persons e.g. A psychologist or social worker. It is important for women to be able to access their support people in the event of PND. They should not withdraw from them, but instead engage them. The more support given to a woman with PND, the better her recovery will be. Encourage a mother-to-be with these signs to seek out help. Inform them that a physician or health professional could prescribe medication, or talk therapy (psychotherapy) to treat postnatal depression. It is best to get the issue addressed early, as the sooner the condition is addressed and the sooner the mother can recover and be able to enjoy time with her baby. It can be difficult for a partner of a mother who is depressed, but it's vital to see your partner as someone who requires support and not to blame themselves. It is crucial to keep in mind that paternal depression can also occur in the first 12 months after a child is born. Feelings of guilt If a new mum is constantly feeling guilty about small things, it can be an indication that she is struggling with postnatal depression. This is especially relevant if these feelings are lasting longer than two weeks. These feelings can also make it difficult for the mother to bond with her child and to enjoy other activities like going on walks and spending time with her friends. Feelings of guilt are a typical indication of depression, and they can be triggered by a number of triggers. They include: Expectations too high Parents or caregivers who expects perfection from their child may be more likely to experience feelings of guilt if something goes wrong. This could be due to the fact that they feel that their child deserves more or they believe that they have failed their child if they fail to meet their expectations. Childhood experiences – Those who grew up in cultures and families that promote guilt or have been in abusive relationships in the previous are more likely than others to develop a pattern blaming themselves. These patterns are hard to break, even when the person no longer lives in the same situation. If you're worried that your partner might be suffering postnatal depression, talk to them immediately. It's crucial to recognize the symptoms to be able to get assistance and support, as it will assist them in recovering faster.