Depression is an illness that affects the way people think, act and feel. About 6% of women will experience depression at some point in their lives. This number increases to about 10% (1 in 10) for women who are pregnant.

Women are more at risk of depression while they are pregnant, and during the weeks and months after having a baby. During pregnancy, hormone changes can affect brain chemicals and cause depression and anxiety. Sometimes, pregnant women don’t realize they are depressed. They may think they have symptoms of pregnancy or the “baby blues,” which many women experience right after birth.

It’s also important to know that as many as 10% of fathers experience postpartum depression after the birth of a child.

The good news is that depression can be treated. Read the signs listed below, and talk to your doctor if you have any of them. Let your partner and family members know the signs so that they can also be aware.

If you don’t get help, depression can cause problems for you and your baby.

What are the signs of depression?

Depression can come on slowly. The symptoms are different for everyone. They can be mild, moderate or severe. Some of the more common signs are:

• changes in appetite, like eating too much or having little interest in food,
• changes in sleep, such as trouble sleeping or sleeping too much,
• lack of energy,
• feeling sad, hopeless or worthless,
• crying for no reason, and
• loss of interest or pleasure in activities you normally enjoy.

New moms with depression may have trouble caring for their baby. They might not want to spend time with their baby, which can lead to a baby who cries a lot.

How does depression affect pregnant women?

If you have depression while you’re pregnant, you may have trouble caring for yourself.

Depression during pregnancy can also lead to:

• miscarriage,
• delivering before the due date (preterm),
• giving birth to a small baby (low birth weight).

If depression during pregnancy isn’t treated, it can lead to postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a serious condition that can last for months after giving birth. It can affect your health and how well you bond with your baby.

What’s the difference between “baby blues” and postpartum depression?

The “baby blues” is a mild form of postpartum depression that many new moms experience. It usually starts 1 to 3 days after the birth and can last for 10 days to a few weeks. With “baby blues”, many women have mood swings—happy one minute and crying the next. They may feel anxious, confused, or have trouble eating or sleeping. Up to 80% of new moms have the “baby blues”. It’s common, and it will go away on its own.

About 13% of new mothers experience postpartum depression, which is more serious and lasts longer. You are at a greater risk if you have a family history of depression or have had depression before.

Some of the symptoms include:

• feeling like you can’t care for your baby,
• extreme anxiety or panic attacks,
• trouble making decisions,
• feeling very sad,
• hopelessness, and
• feeling out of control.

No one knows exactly what causes postpartum depression. If you think you have the symptoms, it’s important to get help right away. Postpartum depression needs to be treated. Talk to your doctor or call your local public health office.

If I’m depressed, will it affect my children?

Depression is treatable. But if it is not treated, it will affect your children.

Moms who are depressed may have trouble caring for their children. They may be loving one minute and withdrawn the next. They may respond to their child in a negative way or not respond at all. Your feelings and your behaviour will affect your ability to care for your children.

Depression can also affect attachment, which is important for your child’s development. Attachment is a deep emotional bond that a baby forms with the person who provides most of his care. A “secure attachment” develops quite naturally. A mother responds to her crying infant, offering whatever she feels her baby needs—feeding, a diaper change, cuddling. Secure attachment helps protect against stress and is an important part of a baby’s long-term emotional health. It makes a baby feel safe and secure, and helps him learn to trust others.

If you’re depressed, you may have trouble being loving and caring with your baby all the time. This can lead to an “insecure attachment,” which can cause problems later in childhood.

Many of us have faced job losses or financial difficulties in recent times. Worrying about money or unemployment can have a big impact on your mental health and well-being. Poor mental health can make managing your finances harder, and feeling stressed about money can make your mental health worse, so it’s important to take action.

Here are 8 things you can do to feel more in control, as well as lots of free support if you need it.

1. Create a budget

Working out a budget can be a good first step in managing money worries as it helps you to track your spending, work out what you can afford and see where to save money.

Some people find it helpful to choose a regular time each week to look at bills and other spending to stop things piling up, or only withdrawing the amount of money they intend to spend each week.

2. Get free debt and finance advice

If you are struggling with money or debt it can feel like there is no way out, but there are lots of organisations who can provide you with clear advice and help you come up with a plan to feel more in control.

It can be tempting to avoid tackling debt head on – but the sooner you face your fears and get help, the sooner you can start getting back on top of things.

3. Know your rights and get support

If you are facing possible job loss, it can help to know where you stand and think about your options. The Money Advice Service COVID-19 hub is full of financial advice and support, including what you’re entitled to whether you’re employed or self-employed, and a checklist of things to do if you lose your job. Citizens Advice also has lots of information about benefits and support for wider issues you might be facing. If you are made redundant, it’s important to know your rights.

4. Talk about how you are feeling

It’s good to talk to someone you trust about your situation, whether that’s a family member, friend or someone at work. They can support you, or help come up with a plan for what to do. If you are struggling with how you are feeling, there are lots of mental health charities who can help – no matter how big or how small the problem feels.

5. Be kind to yourself

For many people, facing job loss or financial difficulties has nothing to do with their personal actions. Try to be kind, do not blame yourself and remember that this situation is not permanent. If you’re struggling with feelings of uncertainty, try to accept that you cannot control everything, and focus your time and energy on the things you can control.

6. Maintain a routine

If you are no longer working then it’s important to still keep to a routine. Having a structure to your day helps you avoid bad habits, gives you a sense of purpose and boosts your mood. This can be hard if you are feeling low – start with easier activities and, as you progress, your mood should improve. Try to wake up and go to bed at the same time each day. You might even find it helpful to write a plan for your week. Fill your day with positive activities, such as cleaning, cooking or exercise, and meaningful activities like reading or getting in touch with friends.

You could also commit to spending some of your usual working hours looking for new jobs, but make sure you switch off at the end of the day and relax.

7. Clear your mind

Make time to relax your mind. This can help with difficult emotions and worries, and improve our wellbeing. Relaxation techniques can also help deal with feelings of anxiety – try listening to our relaxation audio. Taking a moment to pause and focus on your breathing can really help you feel more calm and present. Even taking a few deep breaths in and out can help, or try our mindful breathing exercise video to guide you.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has meant big life changes for us all, including adjusting to new ways of working. While some of us have returned to our normal workplace, many are still working from home or going through a phased return. Working from home does have perks that some of us enjoy (bye-bye commute!), but for many among us, changes like these have been challenging too.

Feeling stress, lack of motivation, anxiety, and uncertainty is completely normal. Alongside this, many of us might be worried about future job prospects or the best way to juggle work with our personal and family life. These simple tips can help you feel more productive and motivated, and take care of your mental health while working from home.

1. Set and stick to a routine

Without steady schedules, the lines between work and personal time can get blurred and be stressful to get right. Follow your normal sleep and work patterns if you can, and stay consistent.

Get up at the same time, eat breakfast and get out of your pajamas. Try scheduling in your “commute time” and spend it exercising, reading or listening to music before logging in.

Most importantly, when your workday stops, stop working. Shut down, stop checking emails, and focus on your home life. And at the end of the day, try to get to bed at your usual time.

2. Make a dedicated workspace

If you can, find a quiet space away from people and distractions like the TV (or the kitchen, when you feel snacky).

Get everything you need in one place, before you start work – chargers, pens, paper and anything else – and shut the door if you can. Even in a small or shared space, try to designate an area for work.

Lastly, get comfortable. While it might be tempting to sit on the sofa, it’s much better to sit at a desk or table. Use the NHS guidelines to set up your workspace correctly, as much as you possibly can.

If you do not have office furniture like an adjustable chair, try using things like cushions to support you in your chair, or a box as a footrest.

3. Give yourself a break

Making time for breaks is important to help manage feelings of stress. Try to take lunch and regular screen breaks, and give yourself time to concentrate on something else so you feel more focused when you return. Even just 5 to 10 minutes of short breaks each hour can really help your productivity too.

If possible, spend time outdoors when you can. Regular time in green space is great for your mental health. Set a time to go for a walk, run or bike ride for some fresh air, or a coffee.

4. Stay connected

While working from home has its benefits, you may also feel more isolated. But there are lots of ways to stay in touch with those who matter – boosting their mental wellbeing as well as our own.

In and out of work, human interaction matters so schedule video calls and pick up the phone instead of emailing. If you’re struggling with working at home, speak to your colleagues or manager about your concerns.

And remember, your colleagues probably feel the same as you. Ask how they’re doing and whether there are ways you can support each other. Make time to socialise virtually – schedule in a digital coffee break or Friday online get-together.

5. Set boundaries

Setting boundaries with other members of your household is key to mental wellbeing while working at home. You can be more flexible when working from home, so enjoy it. But it can also be difficult if there are other distractions to deal with, like children at home, who may think you are on holiday and want to spend time with you.

Have a discussion about your needs, especially with family. Remind them that you still have work to do and need quiet time to do it, and share your schedule.

Similarly, set boundaries with work. It’s easier to stay logged on when your home is your office, but try to switch off when the work day is over, and enjoy time with family at home.

6. Think longer term

You may be continuing to work from home for a while, so think about ways you could improve how you work while at home. If you have a room that’s warmer or has a window that lets in a lot of light, could you work there instead?

Try to explore how you work with others. Are there different ways to talk online or new software you could use?

7. Be kind to yourself

Remember, this is an unusual situation and things will not feel normal.

Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that you might not be as productive as you usually would be. Be realistic about what you can achieve given the circumstances, and relax when your work is done.

• This is a time-tested approach to teaching and many experts around the world recommend it.
• Research shows that many kids tend to remember something when they feel and touch objects. The same applies when you use your hands to do activities. Playing and manual work may be required, depending on the age of the mentees.
• The development of muscle or physical memory occurs this way. But students must move and interact with tangible objects in order to do this. Drawing is a prime example, since it involves holding a pen and drawing hands and fingers.

How Do Students Benefit With Metacognitive Strategies?

• Educators have designed metacognitive strategies to guide children to understand how they comprehend the lessons. This method also assists teachers in developing their own study routine.
• Mentors ask the students to think aloud and create a checklist. These activities enable students to realize the value of actions and select the most appropriate solutions.
• This strategy involves setting an example but it isn’t for learners only to emulate but to let young ones have the readiness to handle various situations.

 Is It Worth It to Try Active Learning Styles?

• For this method, student participation is essential. Participation is needed because mentors take responsibility for students’ understanding.
• The class must play this approach. Some examples include class reporting, peer reviews and collaborative resolution of problems.
• A lot of people claim this is more effective than passive instruction. It allows students to take initiative, boredom and increase confidence.

Effective Learning Strategies for Different Levels

Mental growth typically comes with age. Now this means kids require more instructions than adults most of the time. In addition, when students are already experts, it is inappropriate to instruct them. In teaching, students and professionals should use correct learning strategies.

What Are The Right Means for Strategic Learning for Middle School Students?

• Children in primary school have a lot to study before the next phase. Students aged from 5 to 13 years are industries versus inferiority, this is according to Erickson’s theory. This means that basic education online or offline is essential.
• Experienced instructors recommend that visual and auditory aids and mnemonics be used. Passive study materials are also useful. Note that young people are not as well equipped as adults.
• However, education authorities encourage mentors to use all of the above styles. This is because young learners must also face the challenges of growing and becoming more intelligent. But no child must be overwhelmed by the methods. For this reason, it is important to try each other and not together. It is important.

Identifying the Most Effective Learning Methods for High School Students

• Pupils are more educated at the age of 13 years and above. This is the time where they discover their identity versus confusion. Here, young people want to be more independent and get a better understanding of themselves. They can also cheat and use a quick-trial writing service to complete their tasks, because they believe that education is not needed and that time. They’d rather spend the time playing and partying. Well, this is important when it comes to time management, but it has a negative impact on their progress. A teacher should therefore use the most effective methods of learning to motivate this generation.
• The group may be more mature but it’s still vital to guide. Students themselves can learn by being on the move.
• Mnemonics are still widely used to remember lessons. However, instructors generally use strategies of metacognitive, generative, structural and active learning. Teens must take initiative, take responsibility and develop the ability to think critically. That is why they are so heavily burdened by the education system.

Best Teaching Approaches for College Students

• Mnemonics may be helpful because the bulk of the school work. These can be shortcuts that can help you in the University because it makes life easier. The metacognitive and active styles may be appropriate to prepare for professional activities.
• Yet, in tertiary academies, blended learning strategies are usually applied. Professors prepare students to face real-life situations through subjects via research.

Are These Teaching Methods Fitting for Graduates and Ph.D. degree holders?

• If certified people or professionals require further education, it is obligatory to teach them. But these people are already considered experts by graduate school teachers.
• Ideas and schemes should combine in Merlin Wittrock’s Generative Learning Theory. That’s why there can be education. To do so, lecturers can request researchers to solve problems with their knowledge. However, the problems should be realistic. In addition, it should be the goal to reach remedies.

This article discusses six study strategies that can be implemented by instructors. The styles are for different levels of school and can also be helpful to disabled people. But educators should consider using student-based strategies. Professors should notice their students’ age while teaching. For each age group, there are various learning strategies. The pupils will not fail in learning with the right approaches.

Every patient should know the role that’s being played by their providers when they are seeking health care services. So this will help patients achieve their desired health results. When it comes to the mental health, there’s no difference. Temporary patients are involved in seeking treatment of a mental health condition with two main types of providers – psychiatrists and psychologists.

People who choose a career in the helping professions have a strong underlying motivation to help others solve their problems and assist them in overcoming difficulties related to everyday life. Clinical psychologists and psychiatrists both work in the field of mental health, helping people with everyday problems and treating people with serious mental disorders, but they accomplish these goals in somewhat different ways. Knowing the similarities and differences between the two can help you choose the right career for you.

The two providers may seem interchangeable but they are actually quite different. Yes, two—but ultimately their differences are a complete treatment approach. Psychiatrists and psychologists need to understand not only the unique roles, but also how both professions work together to achieve success and provide a comprehensive treatment approach.

Many people get psychiatrists and psychologists confused with each other.

Both psychiatrists and psychologists understand how the brain works, our emotions, feelings and thoughts. Both can treat mental illness with psychological treatments (talking therapies).

However, psychiatrists attend medical school and become medical doctors before doing specialist training in mental health. Because they are doctors, psychiatrists understand the links between mental and physical problems. They can also prescribe medications.

Training

Psychiatrists are medical doctors with at least 11 years of training – usually more.

They first do a medical degree at university. Next they spend at least 1 or 2 years training as a general doctor.

They then complete at least 5 years training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness.

Psychologists have at least 6 years of university training and supervised experience.

They may also hold a Masters or Doctorate level qualification in psychology. If they have a Doctorate (PhD) a psychologist can call themselves ‘Dr’, but they are not medical doctors.

Clinical psychologists have special training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness.

Treatments provided

Psychiatrists can provide a wide range of treatments, according to the particular problem and what will work best. These include:

Psychologists focus on providing psychological treatments.

Conditions treated 

Psychiatrists tend to treat people who need their medical, psychological and social needs considered.

These are usually people with complex conditions, for example:

Someone who has attempted suicide or has suicidal thoughts will usually be seen by a psychiatrist.

Psychologists are more likely to see people with conditions that can be helped effectively with psychological treatments. This might include behavioural problems, learning difficulties, depression and anxiety.

Working together

Psychiatrists and psychologists often work together. A psychiatrist might make an initial assessment and diagnosis, then refer you to a psychologist for ongoing psychological treatment (talking therapy).

Psychiatrists and psychologists also work together in hospitals as part of mental health teams.

Who should I see?

If you are unsure whether you should see a psychiatrist or a psychologist, talk to your GP. They can give you advice about whether a psychiatrist or a psychologist is right for you.

It will depend on your unique situation and the type of treatment you need. Some people might see both.

The Role of the Psychologist

Psychologists study a graduate-school program, receive a Ph.D., PsyD or EdD and are specialized in connections between brain conduct and behavior as well as ways to explore these relationships and to address the interaction behavioral problems.

During their study they can also identify conditions of mental health rather than medicine. Most psychologists, however, are focused on the patient’s thoughts and emotional state, rather than primarily upon chemical imbalances. They also evaluate the mental health of the patient in general. You can test patients for mental disorders and treat them. They can also offer advice or psychotherapy. However, they (in most states) cannot prescribe medication, or do medical treatments. Often, psychologists are working intimately with a psychiatrist who manages the mental illness treatment of a patient, while the psychologist is treating it.

The Role of the Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists study medicine, earn MD and specialize in the physical brain in order to create the patient’s person. Psychiatrists are also trained in a number of disciplines including neurology, forensic psychologies and chemical dependence and complete a clinic or hospital residence. The majority of psychiatric residency programs are for four years, the last year focusing on the resident’s specialty.

They take their license to practice after residing at the State Medical Board. Psychiatrists will determine whether the disease is caused by mental or other physical illnesses and will often seek to exclude a different cause of the symptoms before a diagnosis. For instance, a psychiatrist can test whether the patient’s negative feelings are due rather than an anxiety disorder because of a thyroid problem.

They also examine whether a chemical imbalance causes the problem and whether the body reacts to the symptoms physically. Psychiatrists also examine the effects of medicines on the body. After diagnosis, they can prescribe medicines to treat the condition. Depression and anxiety are two examples of mental health conditions that are well controlled for their symptoms with medication. Sometimes, however, medication is not enough to administer the psychologist, so psychotherapy or counseling is vital.