Having a child is exciting especially to parents who are expecting and longing to have a baby. Preparation such as going for a prenatal check-up, buying stuff for the baby, thinking what name to decide for the baby and even feeling excited about the christening are all enjoyable, but not all soon-to-be parents know that after giving birth could be distressful.
Women commonly experience PND (Post Natal Distress) after the childbirth. You might have noticed some changes especially to the new mothers. Most early parents and new parents experience this anxiety.
You may notice the following symptoms:
- trauma from difficult birth
- gets angry and irritable easily
- mood swings
- forgetfulness
- poor appetite
- sleeping difficulties
- crying a lot
- worrying too much about the baby
- avoiding friends and family
- feeling alone
- poor hygiene
- feeling guilty all the time
- lots of complaints
- feeling exhausted
- panic easily
- losing focus
- confusions
- want to be alone or afraid to be alone
There are lots of treatment and support for parents experiencing post natal distress. Before getting help, it is important to check if things are really unusual. If depression develops, there are some ways to deal with it and feel better.
- The comfort and support from a partner or a family member can be a great help to treat the distress. Understanding that this happens because of a certain reason could help find solutions for the depression. A partner or any of the family members can take over the household chores and help the mother in taking care of the baby.
- It is also best to see a doctor or health professionals to receive an advice and treatment.
- It is helpful to get moral support and encouragement from those who have similar experiences to uplift the feelings from sadness.
- Counselling is also an effective help for the recovery from depression. Some may have weekly or monthly counselling session.
- Self-help is another way to treat the post natal distress. Believing in yourself that you will get better can help you feel better. Thinking of the things that cause depression and doing actions on how to deal with them can lighten the feeling. Avoid sleeping late and eat nutritious food.
It is important to understand that this illness is temporary but this may also lead to severe if left untreated. It is best to deal with the distress and ask for help. Know that this illness is normal and it does not mean that having depression is a sign of being weak. It is because of going through many things during pregnancy and after the delivery. It may take time to heal the pain but being positive is essential. Being aware about this kind of distress can help find solutions.
