Depression

‘I have a beautiful baby, why am I feeling like this?’

Perinatal depression refers to depression symptoms which develop during pregnancy or within the first few weeks after the birth of a child. Perinatal depression or postpartum depression is different from the ‘postpartum blues’ or ‘baby blues’ in that the symptoms last longer than two weeks and can be more intense. Some symptoms include feeling low most days, lacking enjoyment and pleasure, feeling inadequate or guilty within your role as a parent, feeling hopeless about the future and potentially thoughts of harming yourself.

It is estimated that perinatal depression is experienced by one in seven mothers in Australia, and can be experienced by fathers too. Sometimes the symptoms develop during pregnancy and can be so overwhelming that we struggle to take care of ourselves.

Practical and emotional support from family and friends can be of great assistance, however be open to accepting the help of a psychologist and potentially antidepressant medication too.

‘Sometimes I feel like I just can’t slow down, other times like I can’t move at all.’

While it is completely normal to experience both highs and lows in response to life events, for those with bipolar disorder, these fluctuations can be very intense. Bipolar disorder is characterised by both extreme “highs” (referred to as mania) and extreme “lows” (referred to as depression). 

Symptoms of mania include feeling euphoric or invincible, racing thoughts, little need for sleep, increased impulsivity and irritability, and delusions and hallucinations.

Symptoms of depression can be feeling sad or hopeless, losing interest in pleasurable activities, withdrawing from friends and family, changes in sleep patterns, loss of energy, poor concentration and feelings of guilt. Suicidal thoughts can also be present with depression, in some instances.

Bipolar disorder is used to describe a group of symptoms and it is important to speak to a professional to gain a clearer understanding of the specific diagnosis and treatment available for the depression disorder you may be experiencing.

‘I can hardly remember a time I didn’t feel like this, it has been years now’

People who have been diagnosed with dysthymia typically experience depression most days for durations of at least two years. The symptoms of dysthymia include ongoing changes to one’s self-esteem and concentration, changes in appetite and weight, chronically low-energy and trouble sleeping.

Depression and anxiety can often go hand-in-hand, in fact one study found that half of people with either anxiety or depression have the other condition.

Some life circumstances can result in an increased risk of anxiety. The most common risk factors include:

• Experiences of trauma
• Stress due to health challenges 
• Compounding, or long-term, life stresses, such as moving house, changes to employment or a death in the family
• A lack of social support
• Anxiety, or other mood disorders
• Age, elderly people are at a particularly high risk of depression
• Medications, such as seizure or cortisone drugs, sleeping pills and pain relievers
• A genetic predisposition to depression

Depression is the most commonly diagnosed of all mental problems. It is estimated that in any year, 4% of Australians will experience a major depressive episode, with a lifetime prevalence of 16.6%

Research shows that having social support plays a huge role in the ability to move beyond depression. We know that the length of time someone has suffered with depression is not a factor in their ability to flourish in a life after depression—so it is never too late to ask for help. 

A number of factors can make moving beyond depression more challenging, these include physical ailments, chronic pain and illness, insomnia and substance abuse. Be sure to share every aspect of your feelings and physical health with your psychologist in order to receive the most comprehensive help possible.