Key Signs Of Postnatal Depression And How To Get Help
Mothers who are experiencing postnatal depression should not brush it off and leave it undiagnosed. In fact, recent research has shown that around three-quarters of mothers who go through postnatal depression are left untreated because they are too ashamed to talk about their feelings.
This should not be the case, because postnatal depression is a very common condition that can be treated in six months or less. You are not alone in this. Let’s learn more about postnatal depression, especially the key signs and how to get support and treatment.
Who Is Affected by Postnatal Depression?
Women, particularly teenage mothers, are significantly at risk. Meanwhile, men can also be affected with postpartum depression. Sadly, this is often ignored, which then leaves men suffering in isolation.
The following are situations or conditions that may put any woman at risk of developing postnatal depression:
● Previous history of mental disorders such as depression
● History of postnatal depression
● Experience anxiety or depression during pregnancy
● Difficult or traumatic childbirth
Key Signs of Postnatal Depression and How to Get Help
Postnatal depression is very common, and most people realize it is a consequence or result of several factors. These include:
● Emotional stress and physical stress of taking care of a newborn infant
● Lack of sleep most mothers experience after childbirth
● Difficult time during labor and birth
● Hormonal changes subsequent to pregnancy
● Personal problems such as financial or relationship issues
What Are the Symptoms of Postnatal Depression?
Recall that each person is distinct, and symptoms of another may not be the same for others. The following are common symptoms of postnatal depression:
● Anxiety
● Loss of interest in life and daily activities
● Constant feeling of sadness
● Fatigue
● Little to no energy
● Disrupted sleeping
● Always feeling tired
● Difficulties in making decisions and concentration
● Low self-confidence
● Feeling either agitated or very apathetic
● Changes in eating and sleeping habits
● Drastic weight loss or gain
● Blames herself for everything
● Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
Moreover, if you are suffering from postnatal depression, you may also experience the following crucial signs:
● Low libido
● Headaches
● Blurred vision
● Stomach aches
● Panic attacks causing sweating, fainting, sickness, and rapid heartbeats.
Anxiety often occurs at the same time as postnatal depression. Sometimes, one may trigger the other disorder. When this happens, it may be complicated to treat the two illnesses because they require separate treatment.
Although you may not experience all of those symptoms at once, if you are experiencing a lot of those symptoms, and are constantly feeling worse about your situation, then seek help from a mental health professional.
How Can I Tell If I’m Having Postnatal Depression and Not a Normal Experience of Motherhood?
Many of the symptoms of postnatal depression may also occur to all new mothers. Ultimately, your body has gone through a lot and your little angel is probably disrupting your sleep.
If you feel differently, or if any key signs of depression are taking over your life and they last further than two weeks, then it would be best to consult with a mental health professional.
How to Get Help
If you think you are suffering from postnatal depression, immediately seek medical attention to treat your condition within a few months.
● Antidepressant drugs: This is probably the best form of medical treatment that you can take when breastfeeding and during therapies.
● Cognitive treatment: Your doctor may recommend weekly counseling to practice cognitive therapy. You can find out more about how a counselor can help your recovery here. This treatment challenges your negative thought patterns, your anxieties, and teaches you how to control intense feelings. Furthermore, it speeds up recovery and teaches you coping skills that can help after recovering from this illness.
● Healthy diet: This includes plenty of vegetables, fruits, protein, and whole grains to maintain a healthy immune system. Your doctor should give you information on how you can enhance your diet.
If You Need Help, Consult a Professional
Keep in mind the key signs of postnatal depression to determine if you are suffering from it. If you need help, consult with a mental health professional near you. Visit Psychologist Southern Sydney for further information about postnatal depression and how to deal with it. For more information about the role a counselor can play in recovery, take a look at this article.
Janice Killey
Janice has a wealth of experience and training. She holds a Diploma of Education, Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), Master of Arts (Counselling), Diploma of Clinical Hypnotherapy (ASH) and is a Registered Psychologist at Psychologists Southern Sydney. She’s also a member of the Australian Psychological Society.