Postpartum Depression Symptoms
Many new mothers experience a brief feeling of despair and sadness after the birth of their child which is known as the "baby blues." It's crucial to speak to your doctor or health care professional about your feelings.
In certain cases, a new mother can be diagnosed with something more serious: postpartum psychosis. This may cause hallucinations, lack of sleep and thoughts of harming herself or her baby. Sometimes, hospitalization is required.
1. Feelings of hopelessness or despair
If you are experiencing extreme feelings of despair or desperation It's an indication that you should to consult a mental health professional immediately. It is important to inform your doctor if you think about suicide or are thinking of harming yourself or your child. These are very dangerous symptoms and should not be ignored. They could also be a warning sign of other severe types of postpartum depression, like postpartum psychosis.
The most commonly used method to treat PPD is to use antidepressants. This will help balance the brain's chemicals that affect your mood. Your doctor will recommend the best medication for you based upon your symptoms and whether you are breastfeeding. Talk symptoms of depression or anxiety is also a standard treatment. Your doctor may suggest a specific therapy model like cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy. Some support groups help women suffering from PPD.
Rest and avoiding unwanted visitors are also effective methods of preventing. If your baby is asleep, sleeping when they are asleep will ensure that you are getting enough sleep. Exercise can boost your mood. It can also be beneficial to build a network of family and friends that can help with household chores or childcare.
It is important to keep in mind that feeling depressed does not mean that you are an unloving mother or that you are not loving your baby. It's a normal medical condition that needs treatment. Treatment can help you feel better and give you the energy to care for your child. Untreated depression can also impact the relationship between a new mom and her baby and lead to serious health issues for the baby and mom. Women of race are more likely to suffer more from postpartum depression than white women, possibly due to the fact that they are less likely to seek treatment and to be diagnosed.
2. Feelings of anger or feelings of rage
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) does not include anger or rage as a sign of PPD however, these emotions are quite common. Anger can be triggered by a variety of things, such as rapid changes in hormone levels, sleep deprivation, and anxiety about becoming a new mom. If you're experiencing these feelings, it's best to speak with your doctor. They may conduct a depression screening during your postpartum follow-up.
You can also get help from a therapist, or a support group. It's important to let others know what you're feeling so they can provide support. Offer help with cleaning, cooking babysitting, running errands and so on. If someone offers to take care of the baby while you nap, take them up on it. Spend time with people who can understand your feelings like family and friends, or newly mothers in a mothers group.
If you're having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, that's an emergency situation and you should call 911 or your healthcare provider immediately. It's a serious indication of postpartum psychosis, which is a rare but severe medical condition that is often associated with PPD.
Encourage a family member or friend who is experiencing these feelings to seek medical attention. Suggest that they talk to their doctor or join a support group for therapists and invite them to go with them to the appointment as a support worker. You can also help by offering to take care of the baby, running around, or participate in playdates or outings. You can also engage in things that you like and make time to eat well and get enough sleep.
3. Feelings of guilt and feeling unworthy
After the birth Many new mothers are affected by feelings like anxiety, sadness or fatigue. They may also feel depressed or lonely. These feelings are often referred to as the baby blues, and can last for a few days or weeks after the birth. However, if the symptoms last more than two weeks, and are getting worse, hinder your ability to take care of your baby or yourself, or include thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, you could be experiencing postpartum depression (PPD). Your doctor will assess your situation during your postpartum appointment and may refer you to someone who is trained in mental health if you require. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or harming the baby, contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately.
Remember that PPD isn't your fault, no matter the reason. Perinatal depression is caused by a variety of causes, including hormonal changes, lack of sleep, and emotional or family issues. You may also be at a higher risk if you experienced depression or anxiety during pregnancy or in the past and have an ancestral history of depression.
Certain women are more vulnerable to postpartum depression. This is especially true if they have more severe symptoms, such as feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness or thoughts about harming their child or themselves. These symptoms are indicative of an even more serious condition known as postpartum psychosis. This condition can be dangerous for both you and your baby. This is a mental health crisis that must be treated at a hospital. Call 911 or go straight to the nearest emergency department. It is essential to have a system of support in place. Look for family and friends who are willing to assist with housework, childcare and running errands.
4. Feelings of hopelessness or despair
If the feelings of worthlessness or sadness persist for more than two weeks, it could indicate that something more serious is happening. They could also be a sign of an even more serious condition known as postpartum psychosis. This is an extremely serious mental illness that can trigger delusions (thoughts or beliefs that are not true) and hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not present), mania (a high and elated mood that is out of sync with reality) and paranoia. Women who have these symptoms should seek medical assistance immediately, whether by calling a hotline, visiting their doctor, or going to the emergency room.
Women with PPD may feel embarrassed or ashamed of their feelings. They may also believe that their emotions are reflective of their newborn babies or that they are terrible mothers. But there is nothing they've done or failed to do to cause their depression. It is caused by a combination environmental and hormonal factors that are beyond their control.
PPD can be treated and usually disappear if the treatment is done. This could involve psychotherapy or talk therapy with a psychologist, psychiatrist or a mental health counselorand sometimes, medication. Certain antidepressants are safe to take while breastfeeding. Women should try to get as much rest and support as possible during this period. This may include seeking help with chores, from a spouse or family members, or joining a mothers' group. It is also important to eat well, get plenty of sleep and exercise, and visit their healthcare provider for regular checks and any concerns they have.
5. Feelings of hopelessness or despair
If a woman is experiencing feelings of despair or feeling worthless It is crucial to talk to her doctor right away. These are serious signs that could indicate postpartum depression, and should not be overlooked. These symptoms are more severe than baby blues, and could make it difficult for a new mother to take care of her or her child. Untreated depression can become more serious and may even progress into major depressive disorder. It can also affect the bond between mothers and their children and the relationship within the family.
It's not known what causes postpartum depression, however, genetics and medical issues can increase a woman's chances of developing it. Other risk factors include stress during pregnancy, medical issues during pregnancy and after birth, and lack of support from others. If the woman has a history of depression, her risk is higher also.
Most women with postpartum depression improve with medicine and therapy. Medicine can help balance the brain's chemicals that affect mood. Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy such as cognitive behavior therapy and interpersonal therapy or mothers' support groups. Therapists can help a new mother learn to understand her feelings and deal with them in a healthy manner. The use of medications for depression could be suggested, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline (Zoloft(r)) or fluoxetine (Prozac(r)) and paroxetine (Paxil(r)). Brexanolone, also known as Zulresso(r), is a newer drug that is administered via IV over a period of two and a half days in hospital. It starts working immediately. It is safe to take during breastfeeding.
It's normal for a mom to feel sad or depressed after the birth of her baby. If the feelings persist or become worse, it's important to consult the doctor. If the mother is experiencing thoughts of harming herself or her child it could be a sign of a more severe form of depression called postpartum psychsis. This is a rare disorder.