What is Postnatal depression?
Postnatal (or postpartum) depression differs from other forms of depression in that it’s onset is always associated with having a new baby within the past year. Symptoms are similar to other forms of depression and include:
- Depressed mood / extreme sadness
- Loss of interest in activities
- Hopelessness
- Thoughts of suicide
- Fatigue
- Lack of care for the baby and oneself, or thoughts of harming the baby or oneself
- A sense of dread or feelings of fear or anxiety
- Feeling disconnected from loved ones and the new baby
- Feeling guilty or ashamed,
- A change in appetite and / or sleeping pattern
- Difficulties bonding with baby