Since I'm studying mental health and have an interest in maternal mental health I thought it would…
Since I'm studying mental health and have an interest in maternal mental health I thought it would be useful to share some occasional knowledge. Even if it just helps one person it will be worth it.
BABY BLUES OR POSTNATAL DEPRESSION?
The baby blues occurs in a large percentage of population, upto 80%. It is normal to feel many fast changing emotions after birth from tears of fear to tears of joy. Not only this but you may even feel your not bonding with baby, especially if feeding is difficult. However, this should last no longer than two weeks and you should begin to feel happier and enjoy your new role.
If these emotions continue or worsen. In the form of hopelessness, feelings of giving up, wanting to abandon baby or harm yourself or others. Lacking motivation and feeling extreme fatigue or experiences of anxiety (fast heart rate, panic, worry, change in appetite) you may be experiencing postnatal depression. It is important that you seek help from your health visitor or midwife. People often avoid seeking help through fear of being judged and a bad mother, of which you are not! This is common is a common illness caused by the sudden drop of hormones. People with a past history of anxiety and depression are more at risk, so be aware of any early warning signs and get your family or friends involved to help you out. Being a mummy isn't easy for anyone, Don't suffer alone! 😘
Pernilla·
В ожидании первенца
Gosh I'm so scared of this happening to me. I can't find the happiness I would've expected in this pregnancy, I've suffered from undiagnosed depression since 6 years old, and some days I feel like it'd be better if the child didn't exist 🙊 makes me feel awful even saying that!
we had a case of this in the family quite a few years ago, my dad's "sister" (grandads wife's daughter) committed suicide as a result of post natal depression. :/
sp28346·
thanks for this 💜
Stacey Marie·
Thank you for sharing. It's great to learn, as some do suffer in silence. Very helpful! 😊😊 xx
Kerry·
Мама сына (7 лет), беременна (22 нед.)
@nillasworld, sounds like you let having a tough time. Have you let your midwife know so that you can get checked out by your local mental health team? In some areas they offer support groups, psychotherapy and medication advice. But the GP/midwife is the gatekeeper for these services (so you can't self refer). But considering the way you are feeling and past history it's definitely worth letting them know. After all. You want to be able to enjoy this baby when they arrives xx