Although postnatal depression isn’t something that many of us like to talk about, or even consider happening to us it is something that is a reality for many new mums. It is nothing to do with no loving or wanting our baby but more to do with us and how we are coping with the big changes that are happening to our lives.
It is not yet known but exactly causes these ‘baby blues’ however they happen to around 15% of new mothers and are thought to be do to with the hormones in your body becoming unbalanced.
Symptoms are very much the same as depression. A sufferer may feel generally down and tearful for no real reason at all. Even when they are ‘happy’ during fun times they feel separated from their loved ones and do not enjoy it as much as they should.
You may also find that sleeping and getting into a regular sleeping pattern is hard. You can also find that you don’t have an interest in food at all and have no appetite. You become anxious and unable to settle. Because you experience all of this you feel that you are a bad mother and then can lead to a vicious circle of feeling useless and unwanted.
The good news is that this postnatal depression can be treated easily. As soon as you or some one you know experiences any mixture of these symptoms you should see your doctor as soon as possible so that they can begin treatment for this condition.