September 2015 Moms

Awareness of PND

I'd like to just put this out there as I feel that postnatal depression goes unrecognised & undetected. And in some cases it can get quite bad and mums feel ashamed of talking to anyone about how they are feeling because they feel like they may disappoint or be ashamed of themselves. Speaking from experience it's ok to feel this way. I suffered with PND with my 1st and I had it quite severe. I was embarrassed and ashamed of myself for not loving my baby and for feeling how I was feeling. When I finally spoke to someone and got diagnosed I realised that a mental illness (because that's what it is) is ok to have and there are many ways that it can be delt with. So please fellow mums if you feel like you may be suffering with PND after baby is born do speak to someone. Below is just a heads up on what you may feel IF you think you could be suffering from PND..
Postnatal depression can develop within the first six weeks of giving birth, but is often not noticed until around six months. It's more common than many people realise, affecting around one in 10 women after having a baby. 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. Symptoms such as 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 person. 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.

Re: Awareness of PND

  • I'm glad you posted this and you are absolutely correct. I'm a licensed counselor, so to add to what you are saying.. The exact diagnosis from the DSM-5 (diagnostic manual for all mental health professionals) terms this Major (or Persistent) Depressive Disorder with peripartum onset. It's called peripartum because it can begin before you even give birth or up to 4 months after and the term peri refers to both pre- and post partum. Symptoms include, but are not limited to depressed mood for most of the day, nearly every day, diminished interest in almost all activities, nearly every day, significant weight loss or gain, insomnia or hypersomnia, fatigue or loss of energy, feelings or worthlessness or excessive guilt, restlessness, low self esteem, diminished ability to concentrate, and recurrent thoughts of death.
    This can be addressed and you do not have to go on feeling this way! It may be a good idea to get family members at least somewhat educated about this phenomenon, so that they can help you get the help you may need, because if/once you feel this way it may be very difficult to find the energy and courage to seek help on your own!
  • I totally agree @snikai you need a lot of support. I was in a very dark place as I said I had it quite bad. But not all people will be understanding and that's ok to because unless you've been through it yourself it is very hard to understand why someone is feeling they way they are feeling after having a baby. Some off family members were very supportive where others were not. Which is why I wound up spilling all how I was feeling to my HV. I did suffer with PND with my second by no where near as bad withy 1st because (and this was the important bit to me) I recognised the symptoms this time myself & got help straight away..
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