Mental Health – Signs and Symptoms
We must remember that men as well as women suffer from anxiety and depression and it is important for everyone to go to their doctors to seek help if things don’t improve for several days.
For some people it is hard to admit that they have depression, and even harder to ask for help. However, it is important to seek help as soon as you start to recognise that you have depression – the quicker you get help the sooner you will get better and start to enjoy parenting … Don’t suffer in silence!
The Signs and Symptoms
It’s important to note that whilst you may go through some of these symptoms from time to time and it may not necessarily mean you are depressed. Equally, not every person who is experiencing depression will have all of these symptoms.
- Look at the checklist below and if you are suffering from two or more of the symptoms then you should assess yourself using one of our online Screening and Assessment-Tools.
Behaviour
- not going out anymore
- not getting things done at work/school
- withdrawing from close family and friends
- relying on alcohol and sedatives
- not doing usual enjoyable activities
- unable to concentrate
Thoughts
- ‘I’m a failure.’
- ‘It’s my fault.’
- ‘Nothing good ever happens to me.’
- ‘I’m worthless.’
- ‘Life’s not worth living.’
- ‘People would be better off without me.’
Physical
- tired all the time
- sick and run down
- headaches and muscle pains
- churning gut
- sleep problems
- loss or change of appetite
- significant weight loss or gain
- No interest in sex
- Poor concentration
Feelings
- overwhelmed or unable to cope
- guilty
- irritable or frustrated
- lacking in confidence
- unhappy
- indecisive or unable to make decisions
- disappointed
- miserable or sad
- Unable to bond with the baby
If you or your partner are experiencing some of these symptoms regularly and for more than two weeks it could be that you have Postnatal Depression (PND). Levels of this can be mild, moderate or severe.
For more details read our leaflet Why am I not happy?.
If you think that you, or someone you know, may have depression use the Screening and Assessment-Tools. The assessment will not provide a diagnosis but it will help you decide if you need to see a health professional.
You may want to share the Checklist or the Assessment with someone close to you or you could take this list to share with your GP, Midwife or Health Visitor…….. Just remember if you need it then SEEK HELP NOW!
