What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Postnatal Depression?

Around 10% of women experience postnatal depression in the first year following the birth of a child. Partners may be the first to notice changes and call for help.

Many new mothers develop the 'baby blues' which pass quickly but some end up developing PND. It is essential to be aware of the physical symptoms of being depressed and talk to your doctor, health professional or midwife.

Lack of sleep

The demands of caring for a newborn baby can be exhausting and sleep lack is common among new mothers. If mothers' sleeplessness is accompanied with other PND symptoms (low sex desire and difficulty concentrating) it could indicate that she needs professional assistance.

The majority of women experience a bit of a mood drop during the first week following having given birth, and this is known 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 issues could indicate depression in newly-born mothers. For instance studies have revealed that women's self-reported change in sleep latency (how long it takes her to fall asleep at night), daytime dysfunction (difficulty staying awake during the day) and her subjective assessment of her own sleep quality are linked to greater levels of depression symptoms after seven months postpartum.

The mothers' partners are often the first to notice the signs of trouble and can play a critical role in her recovery. They can help her talk about her feelings with family members, friends or a GP. They can also try to avoid criticising her body and weight gain, or suggesting she lose weight. They can also call the PANDAS national helpline if they have concerns about her.

Difficulty 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 isn't a normal part of being a new parent, and to seek help if this is worrying you or your partner.

In a few cases, women with PND can develop a more severe type of depression called postpartum psychosis. This is an emergency in the field of psychiatry that has to be treated in hospital and requires immediate attention. Women suffering with this condition can be very risky to themselves and their children If you experience any signs of this, it is essential to seek treatment straight away.

This isn't a complete list of all the signs and symptoms that could indicate postnatal depression. It can appear in a variety of forms and isn't always easy for new mothers to spot. Speak to your GP if you are concerned. They'll be able to evaluate your symptoms, and if necessary refer you to a service for mental illness perinatally.

It can be a stressful and exhausting moment, but it can also be an exciting time. It is essential that you and your partner find ways to stay healthy together. This includes getting enough sleep/rest and eating well. You can also try to spend time with your child and try to spend time with your others and pursue other interests or hobbies.

Loss of interest in the things you used to enjoy

A mother who is suffering from postnatal depression can lose interest in things she once enjoyed. This can be a big problem because she may not have the motivation or desire to do things for herself and her child. It is essential to receive support from her family, friends and health experts to help her regain confidence and enthusiasm.

It's not unusual to feel a lack of interest in certain activities from time to time, but it shouldn't become a pattern. If it does occur, it's a good idea consult your physician or mental health professional. They can help you identify the root of your symptoms, and help you find the treatment that can bring you back to normal.

You may require psychological (talking therapies) or medication or the combination of both to manage your symptoms. Your GP will go over with you the pros and cons for various treatments, so that you can determine which is the best for you.

Remember that PND can affect your entire family. It's often a challenge for the partner to cope with the new role and, at times, they feel like they're managing everything on their own. It is important for a mother to be able to access professional, family and friends to assist with the everyday tasks of caring for a child and themselves.

Difficulty concentrating

Women suffering from PND might find it difficult to concentrate or think clearly. They may also feel tired all the time. It can be difficult for her to care for her baby and manage the daily chores. It is possible that she will withdraw from her family and friends, and lose enthusiasm for the activities she used to enjoy.

This can be a sign that a woman suffers from postnatal depression. It's normal for a newly-born mother to feel this way. It isn't easy for partners, friends and family members to acknowledge that a woman has a serious illness but it's important that they recognize it. They can help her by being attentive, patient, encouraging and offering support. They can also suggest that she join an organization that supports mothers and babies, or talk to a counselor.

It is important to pay attention if she starts to discuss harming her or the baby. This is a sign of a more serious sign of depression that needs to be taken seriously. It is important that she see her doctor or health care professional as soon as she can.

Discovering that your partner suffers from postnatal depression can be a emotional and stressful experience. It is quite common and it is treatable. Most women can recover within a few months with the right support. This includes self-help methods and therapy. It's important that you recognise the signs of PND and seek out your GP to test her for it.

Feelings of hopelessness

Depression can be indicated by the feeling that life is unimportant. Women frequently feel this way following the birth of a child, and it may cause them to think that they aren't worthy of happiness as mothers. There may be feelings of despair that can affect their daily functioning and that can also interfere with their relationships with family members and friends as well as professional support persons e.g. psychologists or social workers.

It is essential for women to have access to their support people if they are experiencing PND. They should not cut off contact with these people but continue to engage with them. The more support that is provided to a woman suffering from PND, the better her recovery will be.

Encourage a new mother with these signs to seek assistance. Inform them that their health professional or doctor can offer psychological (talking therapies) treatment or medication, or the combination of both for postnatal depression. It is best to get the issue addressed early, as the sooner the condition is treated and diagnosed, the faster the mother will 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 crucial to view their partner as someone who needs assistance and not blame themselves. It is crucial to remember that paternal depression can also happen within the first 12 months after the child is born.

Feelings Of Guilt

If a mother-to-be feels guilty about the smallest things, this could be an indication of postnatal depression. This is especially true if the feelings last more than two weeks. These emotions can make it difficult for her to bond with others and take part in other activities, such as walking or spending time with her friends.

Feelings of guilt are a frequent indication of depression, and they can be triggered by a variety of causes. These include:

High expectations - Parents and caregivers who expect perfection from their children could develop guilt 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 have failed their child if they don't meet their expectations.

Childhood experiences - Those who have been raised in families or cultures that encourage feelings of guilt, or have experienced abuse in their relationships in the past are more likely to develop an attitude of self-blame. These patterns are difficult to break, even when the person is no longer in that situation.

Talk with your partner as quickly as you can if you're worried that they are suffering from postnatal depression. It's important to recognise the signs to ensure they receive assistance and support, since it will assist them in recovering more quickly.