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Signs and Symptoms of Post Natal Depression
Signs and Symptoms of Post Natal Depression
When you give birth people around you expect you to be ecstatic, over the moon and overcome with happiness. That’s maybe so for about 90% of new mothers, but if you’re feeling far from joy after having your new baby, you’re not alone; between 10% and 15% of new mums experience postnatal depression. Yet, despite its common occurrence, it’s seldom mentioned in pregnancy books and often not discussed in ante-natal classes. As a result, many new mums suffer post-natal depression in silence.
According to a research conducted in 2011 by 4Children, nearly a third of new mums who experienced the illness don’t report it because they fear that their children will be taken away from them. Some think that their symptoms aren’t bad enough to warrant a visit to the GP and others are still worried about the stigma attached to post natal depression. These misconceptions can lead to longer suffering.
Just Baby Blues or Post Natal Depression?
About half of new mums suffer baby blues a few days after giving birth. It’s not surprising considering that giving birth, even though very rewarding, is a stressful process. And of course, having a new baby is demanding. If you have “Baby Blues”, you may experience some of these symptoms:
· Mood Swings
· Anxiety, sadness or feeling overwhelmed
· Loss of appetite
· Sleeplessness (yes, you won’t get much sleep but you should be able to go back to sleep if your baby gives you the chance)
These symptoms should go away after a few days or within a week. They are usually mild and don’t need treatment.
If you feel that the symptoms are severe and if you’ve been feeling it for over two weeks, then you could be suffering from post natal depression or PND.
PND can start anytime within a year after you’ve given birth, so if you started feeling the symptoms mentioned above when your baby is three months old, don’t discount it.
Symptoms of Post Natal Depression:
· Feeling low and tearful for most of the time
· Easily irritated or angry towards your partner, baby or other children
· Exhausted and lack energy. (As a new mother, you will be tired, but if you’re suffering from PND, you’ll feel that you have no energy at all. Many things feel too much.)
· Insomnia (You can’t sleep even if you are very tired.)
· No interest to do anything enjoyable. You may not enjoy being with your baby
· Lost sexual interest
· Extreme anxiety (Most mothers worry about their babies, but with PND you will also feel some physical symptoms of anxiety including breathlessness, sweating, high pulse rate and thumping heart.)
· You don’t want to see your friends and family
· You feel hopeless
The list is not exhaustive, but they are the most common symptoms. Recognising Post Natal Depression is your first step to coping with it. Talk to your partner or someone you trust. Most importantly, let your health visitor and GP know.
What can you do to help yourself?
· Find time for to relax and rest
· Set some adult time with your partner
· Let your partner help you with looking after the baby
· Exercise
· Try to eat healthy and don’t miss any meals
Further Readings
Available Support
Helpline: 0207 3860 868
Their helpline is open Monday to Friday; 10AM to 2PM. They offer support to mothers suffering from postnatal depression and their partners. They also have volunteers who experienced PND and are willing to support you.
Tel. no. 0845 1232320
They have a nationwide network of self-help groups where you can talk to people in the same situation as you and who can offer you support and share their coping strategies.
Tel. No. 020 7254 6251
Family Action offer practical help and support to families affected by mental illness. It’s “Newpin” service exclusively support parents with children under five years old and are worried about their mental health.
Help Line: 0843 2898401
Panda support individuals and families of individuals who suffer pre- and postnatal depression. Their help line is manned by volunteers who experienced pre and post natal depression and are trained to listen and support you over the phone. They also have a network of support groups you can join.
Thursday, 08 March 2012
"So very glad you are highlighting this issue little is still known about the condition and any help is very hit and miss, I was suididal with my eldest two and when I was eventually diagnosed wih my second I was given drugs upon drugs and put on a waiting list for councelling, she is 4 now and I still haven't had and. I got better more though time and love from hubby, I came off the drugs in order to concieve (again no help) and luckily I havent suffered it with my third. I still feel guilt over the lost time and bad feelings I had with the eldest two and have had no support. More needs to be done to help Moms who are suffering and I urge anyone who is feeling low to try and get help, you are not alone and it does eventually get better x"