Postnatal Depression

[BlackVelvet]

Inspired by Du$ty

I think a lot of us have done a disservice to our fellow member, we should educate ourselves so if we are ever in the same situation again we can give better advice.

What is Postnatal Depression?

Postnatal depression (PND) is a type of depression some women experience after they have had a baby. It usually develops in the first four to six weeks after childbirth, although in some cases it may not develop for several months. There is often no reason for the depression


Who is affected?

PND affects about one in 10 mothers in the UK. If you feel depressed most of the time and the feelings do not go away, you may have PND. Your GP will be able to determine whether you have the condition and suggest an appropriate course of treatment.

Also, although postnatal depression is more common in women, men can be affected too. The birth of a new baby can be stressful for both parents and some fathers feel unable to cope, or feel they are not giving their partner the support she needs. They can also find it difficult to adjust to the big changes and demands made by a new baby.


What are the symptoms?

The symptoms can begin soon after the birth and last for months, or in severe cases can last for over a year.

The symptoms of PND usually include one or more of the following:

- low mood for long periods of time (a week or more)
- feeling irritable for a lot of the time
- tearfulness
- panic attacks or feeling trapped in your life
- difficulty concentrating
- lack of motivation
- lack of interest in yourself and your new baby
- feeling lonely
- feeling guilty, rejected or inadequate
- feeling overwhelmed
- feeling unable to cope
- difficulty sleeping and feeling constantly tired
- physical signs of tension, such as headaches, stomach pains or blurred vision
- lack of appetite
- reduced sex drive

Some women who have PND get thoughts about harming their baby. This is quite common, affecting about half of all women with the condition. You may also have thoughts about harming or killing yourself. These thoughts do not mean you are a bad mother, and it is very rare for either mother or baby to be harmed


What causes PND?

Stressful events around the birth of your child can increase your risk of getting PND. This may include factors such as:

- depression during the pregnancy
- worry and anxiety about the responsibility of having a new baby
- a difficult delivery
- lack of support at home
- relationship worries
- money problems
- having no close family or friends around you
- mental health problems in the past, such as depression or previous postnatal depression
- physical health problems following the birth, such as anaemia or urinary incontinence

Genetics

As depression tends to run in families, genetics are thought to play a part in PND, but the exact nature of the link between the condition and genetics is not fully understood.

Hormones

The huge changes in hormone levels that occur during and after pregnancy were once thought to cause PND. However, there is no evidence to suggest this is the case. It is much more likely that the condition is related to the combination of life changes that occur after childbirth.

Diagnosis

- disturbed sleep
- had problems concentrating or making decisions
- low self-confidence
- a loss of appetite or an increased appetite (comfort eating is often a symptom of depression)
- been feeling anxious
- been feeling tired, listless and reluctant to undertake any physical activity
- been feeling guilty or self-critical
- been experiencing suicidal thoughts


Treatment

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Postnatald ... tment.aspx

Prevention

- Get as much rest and relaxation as possible.
- Take regular gentle exercise.
- Do not go for long periods without food because low blood sugar levels can make you feel much worse.
- Do not drink too much alcohol because heavy drinking can make you feel worse.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
- Do not try to do everything at once. Make a list of things to do and set realistic goals.
- Talk about your worries with your partner, close family and friends.
- Contact local support groups or national helplines for advice and support.
- Do not despair. PND can affect anyone and you are not to blame.



Source: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Postnatald ... ction.aspx

For personal experiences and more information: http://www.postnataldepression.com/

[SultanOrder]

It says 1/10 mothers in uk are affected, most of these developed countries have high amount of kids being born out of wedlock, I think some 50% here in the united states, I believe this is a major contribution to it. I knew this girl who was 17 who had her kid out of wedlock in another state from the babies father, she had it pretty bad, she was white. I'm not saying this is the only reason where it can happen. But most likely in a stable home, it is less likely.

[BlackVelvet]

Definitely, stability and support are crucial in preventing and overcoming PND.

It's not just unmarried mothers though, some women are married and their husbands just aren't there for them. It's probably even more difficult for them because with single mothers there's the expecation of being alone, so they might be mentally better prepared, their families/friends might naturally fill that void which they know is there etc. But when the woman is married, everyone expects the husband to be doing these things and when he's not, sometimes there just isn't anyone else and the woman suffers in silence. Depression is a hard thing to talk about in a lot of cultures including our own.

[HELWAA]

The sad part is not many knows about it or even realize they have it.

[DANGIRL]

Postnatal depression affects dads too. Anywho, murax get some help buddy.

[Xamud.]

Postnatal depression affects dads too. Anywho, murax get some help buddy.

WTF!

[BlackVelvet]

The sad part is not many knows about it or even realize they have it.

True.

[Du$ty]

The sad part is not many knows about it or even realize they have it.

Next Time Take It Easy On HaniDD

[burhaan2010]

if u read quran and u are muslim. u will not be debressed

[HELWAA]

The sad part is not many knows about it or even realize they have it.

Next Time Take It Easy On HaniDD

I dont think Hani is depressed, just sick and tired of her life.Being alone day and night with kids without any help
from outside can realy mess up ur head.Pple get married to share their life with someone not living it alone.
Aduunka qayro masuul meeran ba ka buuxa...Ninku hadaanu masuuliyad qaadi karin inu guursado maaha oo qof kale nolosha ka xumeeyo.

[Murax]

Postnatal depression affects dads too. Anywho, murax get some help buddy.

How did I miss this

[haniDD]

Definitely, stability and support are crucial in preventing and overcoming PND.

It's not just unmarried mothers though, some women are married and their husbands just aren't there for them. It's probably even more difficult for them because with single mothers there's the expecation of being alone, so they might be mentally better prepared, their families/friends might naturally fill that void which they know is there etc. But when the woman is married, everyone expects the husband to be doing these things and when he's not, sometimes there just isn't anyone else and the woman suffers in silence. Depression is a hard thing to talk about in a lot of cultures including our own.

This is the best indirect statement i've ever read in my 25 years of existence.
well done Blackvelvet but u couldnt be more wrong.

[BlackVelvet]

Definitely, stability and support are crucial in preventing and overcoming PND.

It's not just unmarried mothers though, some women are married and their husbands just aren't there for them. It's probably even more difficult for them because with single mothers there's the expecation of being alone, so they might be mentally better prepared, their families/friends might naturally fill that void which they know is there etc. But when the woman is married, everyone expects the husband to be doing these things and when he's not, sometimes there just isn't anyone else and the woman suffers in silence. Depression is a hard thing to talk about in a lot of cultures including our own.

This is the best indirect statement i've ever read in my 25 years of existence.
well done Blackvelvet but u couldnt be more wrong.

Please explain