Post-natal depression is type of depression that occurs either during pregnancy or after giving birth. Post-natal depression is a serious psychological condition that primarily affects women, but it can also have a significant impact on their partner. Post-natal depression can severely affect the new mothers’ ability to taken care of themselves and their baby.
Some of the most common symptoms of depression are:
- Persistent sadness and low mood
- Lack of energy and feeling exhausted all the time
- Self-blame, feelings of guilt and shame
- Difficulty creating a bond with your baby (boredom, indifference and/or frustration towards your baby)
- Disturbed sleep such as trouble sleeping at night and feeling sleepy during the day (in addition to disruption from night feeds)
- Excessive worry about your health and your baby’s health
- Feeling unable to cope with the baby
- Frightening and disturbing thoughts, such as hurting your baby
- Loss of enjoyment and interest in the wider world
- Loss of appetite or increased appetite
- Poor concentration and decision making
- Contemplating self-harm or suicide
- Withdrawing from others and isolating yourself
When to seek help
If you are experiencing the above symptoms, it is important that you ask for help as soon as possible. Post-natal depression can last for months and worsen having a significant impact on you and your baby. Dr Maria Pournara, Chartered Psychologist offers therapy/ counselling for post-natal depression online.