Login

Perinatal Depression


Categories


Email Newsletter


Sign up to our newsletter for a weekly round-up of all things birth. Subscribers receive a 10% discount when they purchase the Online Childbirth Education Program.

Subscribe

02/09/2018

Why am I feeling so sad at a time in my life when I should be excited and joyful?

Getting pregnant and expecting a baby is meant to be a time in the life where you feel happy and excited about this new adventure. Even with the morning sickness and aching body – there is an expectation that you should be grateful and excited.

But what if you dont feel that way?

Up to 1 in 10 women and 1 in 20 men experience antenatal depression. Anxiety is just as common, and many expecting parents can experience both anxiety and depression.

For most people having a baby is an exciting and also challenging time, however when the Mother or partner experience a more pronounced level of low mood or anxiety it is known as antenatal anxiety or antenatal depression.

Some of the symptoms include:

  • Panic attacks
  • Persistent, generalised worry, often focused on fears for the health or wellbeing of the baby
  • The development of obsessive or compulsive behaviours
  • Abrupt mood swings
  • Feeling constantly sad, low, or crying for no obvious reason
  • Being nervous, ‘on edge’, or panicky
  • Feeling constantly tired and lacking energy
  • Having little or no interest in all the normal things that bring joy (like time with friends, exercise, eating, or sharing partner time)
  • Sleeping too much or not sleeping very well at all
  • Losing interest in intimacy
  • Withdrawing from friends and family
  • Being easily annoyed or irritated
  • Finding it difficult to focus, concentrate or remember (people with depression often describe this as a ‘brain fog’)
  • Engaging in risk-taking behaviour (for example, alcohol or drug use)
  • Having thoughts of death or suicide, or self-harm

It can be difficult to talk with friends or family for fear of judgment about these feelings about what ‘should be a happy time’. However antenatal depression is a serious illness and requires support and understanding from friends, family and professional support.

Early support makes a difference, a good place to start is with your GP, they can help you understand what you are experiencing and offer you appropriate treatments which may include counselling, methods of self-care or medication.

PANDA – Perinatal Anxiety & Depression support women, men, and families across Australia affected by anxiety and depression during pregnancy and early parenthood and are a wonderful place to start if you are concerned about how you are feeling.

Thanks to PANDA for their stats and information.




Ready to create your best birth?

Join Australia's leading online childbirth education program.

Sign up today



©2024 About Birth Pty Ltd |