However, no matter how it affects you, it is important you know the signs and symptoms to look out for and seek help before it gets out of control or worsens.
1. Main symptoms
The following are the main or most common symptoms you can experience:
- Persistent low mood or feelings of sadness.
- Fatigue, lack of energy and a need to sleep a lot.
- A lack of interest in your surrounding environment.
- Difficulty bonding with baby.
- No interest in family and friends.
2. Other symptoms to be aware of
- Difficulty sleeping but feeling tired all the time.
- Severe mood swings.
- Inability to concentrate and feeling irritable.
- A change in your appetite; eating less or comfort eating.
- Feeling agitated and anxious or apathetic.
3. Severe symptoms
While rare, some new mums can experience frightening thoughts such as self harming or not wanting to care for your baby. New mums might also experience postpartum psychosis such as confusion, paranoia or delusions. While it can be difficult to be open about these kinds of thoughts, it is important you speak to someone who you trust, like family, friends or a medical profession.
4. When to contact your GP
You should contact your GP as soon as you start to feel unwell or unable to cope, especially if you are struggling to care for your baby, are finding it difficult to complete tasks or are getting worse.
5. How long will it last?
Postnatal depression can last any length of time, but in severe cases women can experience it for a year or more. While it can be frightening, it is important to know that you can and will get treated for it and it won’t last forever.
6. When are you more at risk?
Postpartum depression can happen to any mother after their first, second, third, fourth or subsequent children. However, you are more at risk if you have bipolar, a history of depression, don’t have a support system or are experiencing financial or relationship difficulties.
Remember, talk to your GP or midwife if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or you can speak in confidence to Aware on 1890 303 302.
