“I’m having panic attacks, feeling scared, helpless and overwhelmed. I don’t know who to talk to, am I alone? It’s been a few months – surely by now I’m supposed to be happy with my new baby?”
If you identify with this, you may be suffering from post-natal depression.
Isn’t it Just the Baby Blues?
Many women go through the “baby blues” in the first few weeks after giving birth. They have trouble sleeping, feeling teary, moody and overwhelmed. The big difference: they can have these feelings while still being happy about their babies. Also, these feelings usually go away within a week or two.
What is PND?
Postnatal depression (PND) is a serious illness that can happen in the first few months after childbirth, and also after miscarriage or stillbirth. Moms with PND may feel:
- very sad
- hopeless
- worthless
- that they have trouble caring for and bonding with their babies
These symptoms can last for months.
Why Do I Have PND?
It seems that PND is brought on by changes in hormone levels that occur after pregnancy. Also, the chances of getting PND are higher for moms with:
- history of depression
- previous PND
- sick, or colicky babies
- a close family member with bipolar disorder
PND Can be Treated!
Do you want the good news? Treatment is available.
If any of this feels familiar, remember: you don’t have to struggle along on your own. It’s very important to see your doctor if you have symptoms of postnatal depression
New moms with PND often struggle with guilt about their feelings. Are you the friend or family member of a new mom? Here’s a list of symptoms that may point to PND, and open the way for help:
Key PND Symptoms:
- a feeling of sadness and low mood that just won’t lift
- you can’t enjoy things that used to give you pleasure and you’ve lost interest in the world around you
- lack of energy and feeling tired all the time
- disturbed sleep, such as not being able to fall asleep during the night and then being sleepy during the day
- feeling very apathetic or agitated
- low self-confidence
- battling to concentrate or make decisions
- marked change in appetite
- feelings of guilt and self-blame
- thinking about suicide and self-harming
Getting help for PND doesn’t mean you’re a bad mother, or that you can’t cope. You are not alone! Make an appointment with your doctor today, because doctors know that you can’t just snap out of PND. If you’re shy, why speak to one of our doctors for advice? We’d love to help!
Joanne Hart for HelloDoctor.com