Post Natal Depression

As I said in my last blog, some form of anxiety affects approximately 80% of all mothers in the weeks leading up to or following giving birth. According to Beyond Blue (http://www.beyondblue.org.au), one in 10 mothers experiences antenatal depression and 7 out of 10 mothers experience postnatal depression (which is why a far more appropriate term is "perinatal depression".) For some this gradually develops: for others it happens very suddenly and without apparent warning.

Various authorities nominate indicators that you should look out for including:

• low self esteem and lack of confidence
• feelings of inadequacy and guilt
• negative thoughts
• feeling that life is meaningless
• feeling unable to cope
• tearfulness and irritability
• difficulty in sleeping or changes in sleeping patterns
• low sex drive
• anxiety, panic attacks, or heart palpitations
• loss of appetite
• difficulty concentrating or remembering things

These symptoms are not unique to baby blues or perinatal depression. They may indicate something quite different - and that is why discussing them with your medical practitioner or other health professionals is so important. The important thing to understand is that symptoms like these should not be ignored. The earlier you seek help, the more likely it is that things return to normal quite quickly.

For more information about me and how I may be able to help you. see http://www.angelalong.com.au

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