Postnatal Depression (PND)
- how do we know we have PND?
- who does PND affect?
- overcoming PND
- and ways to avoid postnatal depression.
Postnatal depression occurs any time in the 12months following the birth of your baby, and will affect over 10% of new mums today in some degree.
Symptoms of Post Natal Depression (PND)
There are a wide variety of symptoms, which vary from woman to woman. This can also occur in a small number of women while they are pregnant (otherwise known as antenatal depression).
Symptoms include:
Physical
- Sleeplessness
- Lack of energy
- Unable to do normal housework
- Tiredness
- Exhaustion
- Changes in appetite
- Loss of libido
- Headaches
Psychological
- Anxiety
- Fear of being alone
- Inability to cope
- Feelings of helplessness
- Inability to enjoy motherhood
- Feelings of inadequacy, failure as a mother
- Anger, guilt, resentment
- Lack confidence
- Sadness, weeping
- Irrational fears about baby or self
- Inability to concentrate
- Forgetfulness
- Thoughts of suicide
Many new mums can have some of these symptoms at some stage after giving birth, although they are only transient, and most mums can get past them in a day or two, then go on to enjoy being a mum.
If you (or someone you know) are experiencing any of these symptoms on an ongoing basis in your baby's first year of life, then you need to see your doctor or health professional to discuss these issues.
PND is treatable with medication, and women, once treated, can start to enjoy motherhood as it is meant to be enjoyed.
More about LynHere in the Illawarra, Melinda McKeown is our contact for Beyond Blue. Melinda runs free groups in Balgownie and has a book available called ' Little book of Hope'.
contact Melinda through her website:
Melinda McKeown Counselling - for the treatment & recovery of anxiety and its associated disorders.
