Pregnancy is the first and foremost step for women entering motherhood. She realises that she is carrying someone inside her. It becomes a joyous occasion for the parents of the unborn child. But, along with pregnancy comes various physical and mental health issues.
It is normal to be worried about your pregnancy, and how it is affecting your body. It brings out different physical and hormonal change for the person. Thus, affecting the mood of the person. Due to which the person faces various mental health issues.
Thus, below are few Mental Health Issues Related to Pregnancy:
Depression:
During pregnancy, a lot of women suffer from depression. There are certain body changes which the woman is unable to understand or process. Also, depression can happen because of the surroundings and circumstances.
Stress and Anxiety:
It is general to feel a bit stressed while you are pregnant. But, the woman starts taking extreme stress because of the unknown which induces anxiety. Sometimes, the combination of anxiety and stress lead to panic attacks.
Bi-Polar Disorder:
Very few women face bipolar illness during pregnancy but it still happens. It happens because of the hormonal changes as well as the mental change. Which then increases the range of mood swings to depressed to manic. But, it is also to note that pregnancy induces a certain level of mood swings. But, a person who is suffering from bipolar disorder will show frequent and extreme mood swings. Read More about Bi-Polar Disorder.
These problems can occur because of the reasons mentioned below:
- Past history of any mental health problem.
- Feeling that you lack support from your surroundings.
- Having an unstable relationship with your spouse or your environment.
- Currently going through abuse or any past experience of abuse.
- Addiction to any kinds of drugs, alcohol or nicotine.
When you are pregnant it is always advisable to keep a check on your mental health. There may be times where you are feeling of ups and downs. Seeking a mental health professional is not a sign of weakness.
Below are the symptoms you can look out for to know it is time to seek a mental health professional:
Feeling Sad Constantly:
As mentioned above, feelings of ups and downs will occur during pregnancy. But, if you are constantly feeling down for more than 2 weeks, it is advisable to seek counselling.
Unable to Function:
If negative thoughts and feelings are constantly plaguing your mind. Hence, you are not able to function or do your daily work.
Symptoms of Depression:
If you are showing signs and symptoms of depression like loss of interest or hopelessness. You can read more about the symptoms of depression here.
Anxious/Worried:
You are constantly feeling anxious or worried about something or the other most of the times.
Symptoms of OCD:
You are constantly plagued by negative thoughts inside your head and to stop them you are indulging in the same activity over and over again.
Accepting help from others is not a sign of weakness. Counselling can help in various other ways, which will make the experience of childbirth a smooth and happy process. Also, if you or someone you know is suffering from any of the above symptoms then please visit a mental health professional immediately.
