Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month

9. Mai 2024

May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month and if you are currently pregnant that might not mean much to you right now.

1 in 5 mothers will experience some symptoms of anxiety, mood disorder, post natal depression after birth. Usually these symptoms can be masked in feeling tired, run down and a lack of energy. This is to be expected post baby, especially after your first.

But if you are experiencing these feelings for a persistent amount of time (2-3 weeks), then it could be more than just tiredness of minding a small baby.

From my own experience and having had PND I know how debilitating it can be but also how hard it can to your partner to spot the symptoms, the following might help you decide if your friend, partner, relative might be going through a hard time. If you spot these signs, please give them the space and time to talk. It is not easing opening up an admitting you have these feelings about yourself and your baby.

Persistent Sadness or Low Mood: Feeling sad, hopeless, or down most of the time, often without a specific reason.
Loss of Interest or Pleasure: Losing interest in activities that were once enjoyable, including activities related to caring for the baby or oneself.
Fatigue or Lack of Energy: Feeling tired or lacking energy, even after getting adequate rest.
Changes in Appetite or Weight: Significant changes in appetite, leading to either significant weight loss or weight gain.
Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, even when the baby is sleeping soundly.
Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt: Feeling worthless, guilty, or like a failure, especially in relation to parenting or other responsibilities.
Difficulty Concentrating or Making Decisions: Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things, which can impact daily functioning.
Irritability or Agitation: Feeling easily annoyed, agitated, or on edge, even over small matters.
Anxiety or Panic Attacks: Experiencing excessive worry, anxiety, or panic attacks, which may include symptoms like racing thoughts, sweating, trembling, or shortness of breath.
Withdrawal from Family and Friends: Avoiding social interactions or withdrawing from relationships with family and friends.
Physical Symptoms: Experiencing physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach problems, or muscle pains without a clear medical cause.
Thoughts of Self-Harm or Suicide: Having thoughts of harming oneself or suicidal ideation. This is a serious symptom that requires immediate attention.