WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ANTENATAL AND POSTNATAL DEPRESSION?

Symptoms can include changes in your emotions, your thinking, your physical functioning, the way you behave and the way you feel about your baby and being a mother.

Depression is not just about feeling sad but lots of other symptoms too. Some common symptoms of depression that help doctors to diagnose the condition are described below. You may wish to make a note of the ones that apply to you:

Symptom:

Low or sad mood
Loss of interest or pleasure in things
Tearfulness

And at least 4 of the following symptoms:

• Disturbed sleep
• Guilt or low self worth
• Pessimism or hopelessness about the future
• Decreased sex drive
• Mood variation during the day
• Poor concentration
• Suicidal thoughts or acts
• Thoughts of harming your baby
• Loss of self confidence
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Agitation or slowing of movement or speech

You need professional assistance if you have thoughts of suicide and/or thoughts of harming your baby. Thoughts of harming your baby are particularly distressing but not uncommon. It is reassuring to know that women rarely act on these feelings. Telling someone is the first step to feeling better. You may not care if you live or die at the moment but this is a symptom of the disorder and you can think differently with help.