Having a baby involves huge changes, both to your body and your life. It is very common to feel overwhelmed and anxious after a birth but how do you know when your feeling goes beyond ‘baby blues’ and becomes postpartum depression?
A common issue
Experiencing baby blues is common, with as many as 80% of new mums experiencing mood dips due to the likes of stress and the demands of a new baby. This normally only lasts for a couple of weeks, however, unlike post-partum depression which can be a much longer-term condition.
Around 10% of mothers will get PPD, especially those women who have experienced depression previously or who have a family history of depression. Other risk factors can include a stressful life, a particularly fussy baby, general worries, a multiple birth, a lack of support, or doubts about the pregnancy or your relationship status.
Signs of PPD
People completing mental health training courses Plymouth and elsewhere with companies such as //www.tidaltraining.co.uk/mental-health-training-courses/plymouth/ will learn about the symptoms of postnatal depression, but all new mums and those involved in their lives should be aware of the symptoms. This can help to ensure early access to support and treatment.
Signs of postpartum depression include feeling alone, crying often, feeling unworthy, and being unable to sleep, eat, or function properly. You may experience panic attacks or feelings of anxiety, become withdrawn or angry, lose interest in things you previously enjoyed, feel listless or restless, feel guilty, or have thoughts about harming your baby or yourself.
