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How does depression affect your day-to-day life?

Nov 3, 2021Updated on Apr 9, 2025
Preglife

ByPreglife

Vi har valt att samarbeta med experter som har en omfattande erfarenhet för att du ska få så relevant och faktabaserad information som möjligt under din graviditet, efter födseln och de första 2 åren med ditt barn.

Living with depression is not an easy task. It is challenging, exhausting, and even frustrating at times. But you are not alone. What you are feeling right now has nothing to do with you as a parent, and it does not mean you love your baby any less. It means you need help, and there are so many tools and treatments available to help you.

If you have been diagnosed with clinical depression or if you are suspicious you may be suffering from a mental illness, or even if you have been so overwhelmed with other aspects of your life you have not even thought about it, take a second to reflect on what is going on with you. How have you been feeling both mentally and physically? Are you taking care of yourself? If not, is there anything keeping you from doing so? Have you been feeling down lately? If so, are those feelings persistent? Are you enjoying doing activities as much as used to?

Common indicators

Depressive disorders can express themselves in many different forms and intensities. However, they are defined essentially as mood disorders characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, disconnection, and hopelessness. They can even cause digestive problems, chronic pain, and other physical issues.

If you have experienced at least five of the symptoms listed below in the last two weeks you are likely suffering from clinical depression:

  • Fatigue or lack of energy
  • Appetite disturbance
  • Feeling depressed
  • Feeling worthless
  • Trouble concentrating and/or being indecisive
  • Trouble sleeping (insomnia) or sleeping too much (hypersomnia)
  • Feeling too agitated or too slow
  • Lack of pleasure or decreased interest in most activities
  • Suicidal thoughts

If you are an expecting mother, depression may also reveal itself through:

  • Insufficient weight gain
  • Exaggerated anxiety about your baby
  • Persistently doubting yourself as a parent
  • Not responding well to reassurance

How depression affects your life as parents-to-be

Having a baby on the way can make a myriad of feelings arise quickly. It is normal to feel anxious and overwhelmed at times. Nonetheless, always pay close attention to what you are feeling, and how persistent those feelings are. Depression can interfere with your ability and willingness to take proper care of yourself. It is important to keep in mind that every good that is done to you, as well as every act of negligence, will reach your baby.

If you are an expecting mother, it is important to treat the condition not only to improve your overall mood, but because it will allow you to take better care of yourself, and it can also reduce the risk for postpartum depression. If you are the partner, seeking help would be beneficial for you and your family. Getting the professional assistance you need will give you the conditions to better support those around you.

How depression affects your life as new parents

First of all, congratulations on your new baby! Even though you may be exhausted and a little sleep-deprived right now, there is so much to enjoy and discover with your baby. There is something special in every phase. Soon you will see their first smile, watch as they take their first steps, and hear their first words. Unfortunately, depression can keep you from enjoying those milestones as the beautiful moments that they are. It can prevent you from being there for your child as much as they need you to be.

As new parents, getting help represents more than just a step towards feeling the best you can. You are now a role model to your child, let them know how important it is to ask for help when you need it. Show them by example that they should be kind to themselves, and that they should never invalidate their feelings.

Let your support system know what you are going through

Depression is a serious but highly treatable condition that affects over 280 million people around the world. It cannot be ignored, otherwise, it can have a negative impact on your baby’s health, on your family, and on your daily life. However, there are so many treatments available, from psychotherapy to medication, it is just a matter of finding the right one for you. Let your support system know what you are going through, so they can figure out the best way to assist you. For that to happen, you will have to be open about what you are feeling, and remember to only take medications prescribed by health care providers who are aware of your condition.

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