Postnatal Depression can cause feelings and lead to experiences that make being a mother very difficult.
Postnatal Depression is common; 10 – 20% of mothers of babies under one year experience a degree of postnatal depression. It may last for weeks or months.
Symptoms of Postnatal Depression include:
-
loss of control when usually able to manage
-
poor self-image
-
inability to do household tasks
-
inability to think clearly or find the right words
-
tearfulness for no apparent reason
-
exhaustion and over-concern about lack of sleep
-
overwhelming feeling of anxiety
-
depressed mood
-
poor appetite or overeating
-
loss of sexual interest
-
fear of being alone
-
fear of social contact
-
obsessional thoughts or activities
-
exaggerated fears about health and safety of self
-
suicidal thoughts, plans or actions baby or partner
Most mothers feel some of these symptoms some of the time. If you feel many of these symptoms most of the time for a period of longer than two weeks you may have Postnatal Depression.
A questionnaire for post natal depression is offered to all women following birth at 6-8 weeks and again at six months.
For support and further information contact:
-
Child and Family Health Nurse
-
General Practitioner
-
Parenting Line 1300 808 178
-
Parenting Centres: Burnie 6434 6201 Launceston 6326 6188 Hobart 6233 2700