WOMEN'S ROUND TABLE: Postnatal Depression

Today, Sunday I will be discussing issues that affect woman of different size and colour, it won't be for today alone but every Sunday.
Its a new post am introducing on my blog called WOMEN'S ROUND TABLE.... Here we will be discussing issues as it affects us women.


Today I will be talking on post natal depression..... You just had your baby, after a nine month journey, you just couldn't wait to see your bundle of joy, the baby arrives instead of being happy you are always sad and weepy. Then you ask your self what could be the matter am I possessed or what?
You ain't possessed in fact you are not the only one going through it, most women go through post natal depression.....its just that some are shy to come out, so they won't be termed a bad mother.

Below are some tips to help you or anyone you know over come post natal depression.......

What is postnatal depression?

Postnatal depression is a type of depression some women experience after having a baby.

It can develop within the first six weeks of giving birth, but is often not apparent until around six months.

Postnatal depression is more common than many people realise, affecting around one in 10 women after having a baby.

Women from all ethnic groups can be affected. Teenage mothers are particularly at risk.

Postnatal depression can sometimes go unnoticed and many women are unaware they have it, even though they don't feel quite right.

The symptoms of postnatal depression are wide-ranging and can include low mood, feeling unable to cope and difficulty sleeping.

Signs and symptoms

Mood changes, irritability and episodes of tearfulness are common after giving birth. These symptoms are often known as the "baby blues" and they usually clear up within a few weeks. However, if your symptoms are more persistent, it could be postnatal depression.

Some women don’t recognise they have postnatal depression, or they choose to ignore their symptoms because they’re afraid of being seen as a bad mother.

If you think that a partner, relative or friend is showing the signs and symptoms of postnatal depression, be supportive and encourage her to see a GP.

It's very important to understand that postnatal depression is an illness. If you have it, it doesn't mean you don't love or care for your baby.

Postnatal depression screening

Your GP will ask you the following two questions if they suspect you have postnatal depression:

During the past month, have you often been bothered by feeling down, depressed or hopeless?During the past month, have you often taken little or no pleasure in doing things that would normally make you happy?

It's possible you have postnatal depression if you answer yes to either question. If you answer yes to both questions, it's likely you have postnatal depression.

If you answer yes to either of the above two questions, your GP may also ask you:

Is this something you feel you need or want help with?

Treating postnatal depression

Postnatal depression can be lonely, distressing and frightening, but there are many treatments available.

As long as it's recognised and treated, postnatal depression is a temporary condition you can recover from.

It's very important to seek treatment if you think you or your partner has postnatal depression. The condition is unlikely to get better by itself quickly and it could impact on the care of the baby.

Treatment for postnatal depression includes:

self-help advicetalking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)antidepressant medicating

Why do I have postnatal depression?

The cause of postnatal depression isn't clear, but it's thought to be the result of several things rather than a single cause. These may include:

the physical and emotional stress of looking after a newborn baby, particularly a lack of sleephormonal changes that occur shortly after pregnancy; some women may be particularly sensitive to these changesindividual social circumstances, such as money worries, poor social support or relationship problems

The following will put you at greater risk of developing postnatal depression:

a previous history of depression or other mood disorders a previous history of postnatal depression if you experience depression or anxiety during pregnancy

Preventing postnatal depression

You should tell your GP if you've had postnatal depression in the past and you're pregnant, or if you're considering having another baby. A previous history of postnatal depression increases your risk of developing it again.

If you keep your GP informed, they'll be aware that postnatal depression could develop after your baby is born. This will prevent a delay in diagnosis and treatment can begin earlier. In the early stages, postnatal depression can be easy to miss.

The following self-help measures can also be useful in preventing postnatal depression:

get as much rest and relaxation as possibletake regular gentle exercisedon't go for long periods without food, as low blood sugar levels can make you feel much worse don't drink alcohol because it can make you feel worse eat a healthy, balanced diet

I had baby blues when i gave birth to my first child, didn't even know it was called baby blues.
So, next week I will be discussing Baby blues they are quiet similar but post natal depression is more advanced than baby blues.....
So see you next week!!