Up to 1 in 10 women and 1 in 20 men experience antenatal depression, with anxiety being just as common. This could include symptoms such as panic attacks, persistent, generalised worry, feeling constantly sad or having abrupt mood swings. Sometimes these symptoms continue even after pregnancy and may affect your ability to bond with your newborn.
If you or someone that you know is suffering from these symptoms, it is important to know that there is help, you are not alone. Please pop by and see me in clinic for more information.
Up to 1 in 10 women and 1 in 20 men experience depression during pregnancy. Anxiety is also a common symptom in expecting parents.
Other symptoms include; panic attacks where your heart is racing, feeling of worry, mood swings, feeling sad, having little or no interest to things that usually bring joy or thoughts of self harm.
Parents who have had a baby recently may also experience feelings of low mood, this affects 1 in 7 new mums and 1 in 10 new dads. These feelings may be present after delivery or may gradually appear over a period of a few weeks or months during the first year of brith.
It is really important that if you or your partner experience any of these symptoms or have any concerns that you seek medical advice. There is plenty of help so you do not need to be alone. Treatment will vary on an individual basis but may include speaking therapies, medication or support groups.
If you have any concerns please pop by and see me in clinic.
