Am I to Blame for My Postnatal Depression? Discover the real causes.

Am I to blame for my Postnatal Depression?

Discover the real causes.

There are a lot of misconceptions out there regarding what causes Postnatal Depression. So, today I want to set the record straight. By reading this you will not only have a full understanding of the various causes, but you will also be able to realize the complexities of Postnatal Depression and identify what caused your own Postnatal depression.

At Vida Psychology we see a lot of mums who are not only unaware of the complexities of Postnatal Depression, but also seem to have inaccurate information. We know when women experiencing Postnatal Depression are not provided with crucial and factual information they tend to blame themselves for it. This unfortunately results in not only not talking about their experiences, but also not seeking help both professionally and from their loved ones. These women end up not only feeling guilty for having Postnatal Depression, but also feel quite ashamed. Once again this prevents them from getting the right professional support and their Postnatal Depression only gets worse. We know when women experience Postnatal depression it affects not only them, but also their bonding and interactions with their baby as well as the relationship with their partners and other family members. In some instances unfortunately, couples end up separating.

At Vida Psychology we have vast experience helping women adjust to the challenges of motherhood so they can make the most of being mums. With the help of one of our Vida Psychologists you will learn the latest research on what causes Postnatal Depression and be provided with information that is specific to you and your family. This will make it possible to not only stop blaming yourself, feel guilty and or ashamed, but also take the right steps to address postnatal depression. By doing so you will not begin to enjoy motherhood and make the most of it, but also know how to ensure you re-connect with your partner.

So what are the causes of Postnatal Depression?
There is a lot of research in this area indicating there are a number of factors contributing to a woman developing Postnatal Depression. For the purpose of this blog I will break them up into 3 different categories:

1. Biological Factors: These are things such genetic predisposition to depression (this refers to not only a history of postnatal depression in your family, but also a family history of depression), sudden changes in pregnancy hormones following delivery, nutritional deficiencies, sleep deprivation, history of pre-menstrual tension.
2. Psychological Factors: This refers to difficulties with fertility and use of IVF for conception, having a difficult or traumatic birth (so things such as unexpected interventions, needing an emergency Caesarean for instance), having a traumatic or abusive childhood (particularly sexual abuse), having pregnancy difficulties, having unrealistic expectations of motherhood and of yourself, certain personality types are also prone to developing postnatal depression (for instance being a perfectionist or needing to have control), having limited social and emotional skills (e.g. lack of assertion, having problematic or unresolved relationship issues with your own mother), past unresolved issues of grief and loss such as previous miscarriage, still – birth, death of a loved one.
3. Social Factors: This refers to things such as lacking family and community support; having a difficult relationship with partner (for instance your partner being emotionally distant, working long hours or traveling often); having an intrusive or difficult family relationship (this also includes your in- laws); being socially isolated, experiencing financial hardship; lacking close friends, particularly friends with children; being of a younger or older age; loss of employment (whether it is your partner’s or your own); family and society expectations about your role as a mother.

As a result of these contributing factors, Postnatal Depression is not only complex, but it also means each woman’s experience of Postnatal depression is unique depending on the combination of these factors.

So, Postnatal depression is not something that just happens overnight, even if at times it may feel like this. It is something influenced often by things out of your control. Postnatal depression is not something you can just ignore and it will go away. We know, once again if untreated it negatively impacts not only mums, but also their babies and their loved ones.

If you can relate to this you may be experiencing PND. It is important for you to know it can be treated. Call one of our highly experienced Psychologists today on 9328 8200 or email us at appointment@vidapsychology.com.au.

By seeking our help you will learn more about what caused your postnatal depression and how you can begin to beat it. Feeling like your old self, enjoying motherhood and your relationship doesn’t have to be compromised by having a baby.

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