Having a baby is one of the most memorable and precious moments of your life. Like many people, you have probably dreamt of the day that you will have a baby! Although this is a wonderful time in your life, it can also be quite stressful! Having a baby is a major life change and it takes time for new parents to adjust to a new way of life. It is normal to feel overwhelmed at times but if you are feeling depressed, overwhelmed or anxious most of the time for more than two weeks, you may be experiencing symptoms of Postnatal Depression.
In fact about 1 in 7 women in Australia develop Postnatal Depression after giving birth to their baby! Postnatal Depression is a mental illness that can develop from one month up to one year after the birth of a baby. If you or someone you know are experiencing symptoms of Postnatal Depression, make an appointment to see your GP as there is treatment and support available.
Symptoms of Postnatal Depression
These are some common symptoms people may develop of Postnatal Depression:
Contributors to Postnatal Depression
There are a number of factors that are thought to contribute to someone developing Postnatal Depression.
1. Social changes: Becoming a parent usually involves some significant changes to your social life. If you are taking time off work, you may begin to feel a bit isolated. You may feel less able to maintain relationships with work colleagues and friends. You may also have taken a cut to your pay if you have taken time off work, which can impact your lifestyle.
2. Physical changes: Having a baby can take its toll on a woman body. After you have a baby, there is a huge drop in pregnancy hormones which can effect your mood. Exhaustion and sleep deprivation that often come with a newborn can also effect your mood.
Treatment of Postnatal Depression
Unfortunately, Postnatal depression is something that is unlikely to get better on its own. The good news is that you don’t have to cope on your own. There are effective treatment and support services available. If you think that you may have Postnatal Depression, make an appointment to see your GP, or contact us here at Swan Valley Psychology on ph 08 93793580.
Symptoms of Postnatal Depression
These are some common symptoms people may develop of Postnatal Depression:
- Difficulty sleeping/ sleeping too much
- Loss of interest in things you would normally enjoy
- Feeling tearful
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Thought of harming yourself or the baby
- Feeling sad most of the day
- Feeling like a failure
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Feeling exhausted!
Contributors to Postnatal Depression
There are a number of factors that are thought to contribute to someone developing Postnatal Depression.
1. Social changes: Becoming a parent usually involves some significant changes to your social life. If you are taking time off work, you may begin to feel a bit isolated. You may feel less able to maintain relationships with work colleagues and friends. You may also have taken a cut to your pay if you have taken time off work, which can impact your lifestyle.
2. Physical changes: Having a baby can take its toll on a woman body. After you have a baby, there is a huge drop in pregnancy hormones which can effect your mood. Exhaustion and sleep deprivation that often come with a newborn can also effect your mood.
Treatment of Postnatal Depression
Unfortunately, Postnatal depression is something that is unlikely to get better on its own. The good news is that you don’t have to cope on your own. There are effective treatment and support services available. If you think that you may have Postnatal Depression, make an appointment to see your GP, or contact us here at Swan Valley Psychology on ph 08 93793580.