8 Signs You May Be Suffering From Postnatal Depression
By: First Time Mama
Tags: Motherhood, Baby, Pregnant, Signs, Postnatal Depression

You’ve just had a baby, and you expected to be filled with joy and happiness about your newborn. Instead, your feeling down, consumed with sadness and guilt and you’re not sure if you’re cut out to be a mum. While it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and have feelings of sadness and uncertainty, especially in the first few months. It’s not normal for these feelings to be so severe that they stop you from enjoying life.

If you are struggling, it could be a sign of postnatal depression. Around ten percent of new mums experience postnatal depression. The problem is, many new mums don’t realise they are suffering from postnatal depression and think it’s the way all new mums feel. Being tired is normal, but prolonged feelings of hopelessness are not.

If you’re not sure if the way you are feeling is normal, here are eight signs that you may need to seek some support from your doctor. The earlier you seek treatment, the sooner you can start to feel like yourself again.

THE ‘BABY BLUES’ DON’T GO AWAY

The baby blues affect up to 80% of women after they give birth. Women who experience the baby blues can expect to feel down for a little while shortly after having their baby. They probably occur due to the sudden hormonal and chemical changes that take place in your body after childbirth.

They usually last between 10–12 days after having your baby. If you continue to feel down and hopeless for more than two weeks, it’s a sign that something is amiss.

YOU LOSE INTEREST IN THINGS YOU USUALLY ENJOY

Are you enjoying spending time with your baby? Are you enjoying going out with your baby for walks? Are you eating and enjoying your favourite foods? Are you laughing at your partners silly jokes? If the answer is no, its a sign, you need to talk to your doctor about the way you are feeling.

YOU FEEL SAD AND GUILTY MOST OF THE TIME

It’s completely normal to feel a little down at times; your hormones are all over the place after you have had a baby, and the lack of sleep can have a real impact on your mood. It’s normal to find yourself questioning if your ‘good enough’ or if you are cut out to be a mum. But, to feel consumed by sadness, to cry frequently for no apparent reason and to feel unhappy about being a parent isn’t normal and maybe the first signs of postnatal depression.

YOU DON’T FEEL LIKE YOURSELF ANYMORE

Having a baby undoubtedly causes a massive shift in identity. When you become a parent, personal freedom gives way to responsibility and self-love gives way to a type of all-consuming love for another that only a parent can understand. While becoming a parent changes us as people, if you are feeling lost and hopeless and don’t feel like yourself anymore and the feelings are all-consuming and last for a prolonged period, it could be a sign that something is wrong.

YOU WANT TO SLEEP ALL DAY OR STRUGGLE TO REST

Of course, when you have a baby, you expect your sleeping patterns to change. When your up all night with a new baby its normal to want to nap during the day, But, if you feel like you want to sleep all day and not tend to your babies needs. Or, your unable to rest or sleep when your baby is sleeping — its a sign that something is wrong.

YOU ARE IRRITABLE AND ANGRY

When you’re looking after a new baby and not getting much sleep, it’s normal to be a bit grumpy and short. However, it’s not normal to have uncontrollable and irrational feelings of anger and rage. If you are struggling to keep your temper under control, it might be time to speak to someone.

YOU STRUGGLE TO MAKE DECISIONS

Sometimes when you’re a new mum, you can feel so tired you’re not sure whether you’re coming or going! If your finding day to day life particularly tricky and can’t make decisions on simple things such as staying in or going for a walk. Making yourself something to eat or not eating at all or whether you should change your babies nappy. It could be early signs of postnatal depression.

YOU THINK ABOUT HARMING YOURSELF

Having suicidal thoughts or thoughts about harming your self or your baby is an advanced sign of postnatal depression. It’s nothing to feel ashamed about, and you shouldn’t keep these feelings yourself. Speak to your partner or a close family member about how your feeling and contact your doctor, midwife or health visitor straight away.

There is a range of help and support available and several helplines you can call to speak to someone impartial. Visit the NHS website for help and support: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/suicide/