Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Many new mothers experience a brief moment of despair and sadness following the birth of their baby, called the "baby blues." It is important to talk to your GP or health professional about these feelings.

In rare instances, a new mom may develop something more grave, postpartum psychosis. This can cause hallucinations and lack of sleep, as well as thoughts of harming the baby or mother. Hospitalization may be required.

1. Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness

If you feel hopeless or unworthy, you should seek immediate help from a mental health professional. It is also important to tell your doctor if there is a thought about suicide or have thoughts of hurting your child or yourself. These are potentially dangerous signs of severe depression that should not be ignored. These symptoms can also be an indication of more severe postpartum depression disorders, such as postpartum schizophrenia.

The most common way to treat PPD is to use antidepressants. This will help balance the chemicals in your brain that affect your mood. Your doctor will determine the best treatment for you based upon your symptoms as well as whether you are breastfeeding. Talk therapy is also a standard treatment. Your doctor may suggest an individual therapy model such as cognitive behavior therapy or interpersonal therapy. Certain support groups assist women with PPD.

The ability to rest and avoid unwanted visitors are also effective ways to prevent. The act of sleeping while your baby is asleep will aid in getting enough sleep. Exercise can also boost your mood. The idea of forming a network with friends and family members to help with childcare or housework can be very beneficial.

It is important to remember that feeling depressed does not mean you're a bad mom or that you do not love your child. It's a normal occurrence that requires treatment. You'll feel better after treatment and have more energy to take care of your child. Untreated depression can also impact the relationship between a mother and her child and can lead to serious health problems for both the baby and mom. Women of color are at higher risks of suffering from postpartum depression than white women. This could be because they are less likely to seek treatment and be diagnosed.

2. Feelings of anger or feelings of rage

Feelings of anger or rage are not listed as symptoms of severe depressive episode of postpartum depression in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), however, they are a common occurrence during PPD. Anger can be triggered by a number of things, including rapid changes in hormone levels, sleep deprivation, and anxieties about being new mommy. If you're experiencing these emotions, it's important to talk to your doctor, who might conduct a depression test during your follow-up appointment after the birth.

You can also seek advice from a therapist, or a support group. It's crucial to let people know how you feel to ensure they are able to offer assistance. Offer assistance with cooking, cleaning, babysitting and running errands. If someone offers to take care of your baby while you rest, take them up on it. Spend time with people who can understand your feelings like family members and friends, or newly mothers in a mothers group.

You must call 911 immediately if you are worried about harming yourself or your baby. This is an indication of postpartum psychiasis, which is a rare but serious medical condition that can happen with PPD.

If you have a friend or family member who is having these feelings, help them to seek medical attention. Invite them to their appointment to provide assistance. You can suggest that they talk to their doctor or join a support group for therapists. You can also help by offering to take care of the baby, running the errands, or join in on outings or playdates. You can also do activities that you enjoy and take time to consume a balanced diet and get adequate sleep.

3. Feelings of guilt and feeling unworthy

After childbirth, many new mothers experience feelings such as sadness, anxiety or fatigue. They might be lonely or angry. They are often referred to as the baby blues, and can last for some days or weeks following delivery. However, if the symptoms of teenage depression last more than two weeks, are becoming worse, interfere with your ability to take care of the baby or yourself or you are worried about harming yourself or your baby, you may be suffering from postpartum depression (PPD). During your postpartum appointment, your doctor will evaluate your health and refer you to a mental health specialist when required. Contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you are contemplating taking your baby's life or committing suicide.

Remember that PPD is not your fault, regardless of the reason. Perinatal depression can be triggered by a variety of causes that include hormonal changes, lack of sleep and emotional or family issues. You may also be at a higher risk if you suffered from depression or anxiety during pregnancy or in the past and have a family history of depression.

Certain women are more prone to postpartum depression. This is particularly true if they have more serious early symptoms of major depression, such as feelings of despair and worthlessness or thoughts about harming their child or themselves. These are indicators of a more serious problem known as postpartum psychosis and could be extremely dangerous for both you and your baby. This is a mental health crisis that needs to be treated in an emergency room. Call 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency department. It is important to have a system of support in place. Look for family and friends who are willing to help with housework, childcare and running errands.

4. Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness

If the feelings of despair or despair persist for longer than two weeks this could be a sign that something more serious is happening. They could also be a sign of a more serious illness known as postpartum psychosis. This is an extremely serious mental illness that can lead to delusions (thoughts or beliefs that aren't true), hallucinations (seeing or smelling things that aren't there), mania (a high and elated mood that seems out of touch with reality) and paranoia. Women who have these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately, either by calling a hotline, visiting their doctor, or going to the emergency room.

People with PPD often feel guilt or shame about the way they feel. They may believe that their feelings reflect on their children or that they're not good mothers. They have not done anything to cause their depression. It is caused by a combination of hormones and environmental factors that are outside of their control.

PPD can be treated and typically is cured with the proper treatment. This could involve psychotherapy or talk therapy with a psychiatrist, psychologist or mental health counselor- and sometimes medication. Certain antidepressants are safe for women to use while breastfeeding. Women should also strive to get as much rest and support as they can during this time. You can ask for help with household chores or family members or a partner, or join a mothers' support group. It is also important to eat well, get plenty of sleep and exercise, and see their healthcare provider for regular examinations and any other questions they may have.

5. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

It is essential that women who feel lost or unworthy, immediately consults her doctor. These are serious symptoms that can indicate postpartum depression and should never be dismissed. These symptoms can be more severe than the newborn blues and could prevent mothers from taking care of her infant or herself. If depression is not treated, it can become more severe and even develop into major depression. It can also affect the bond between mothers and their children as well as the relationship within the family.

It's not certain what causes postpartum depression, but genetics and other medical issues can increase a new mother's likelihood of developing it. Other risk factors include stress during pregnancy, medical issues during pregnancy and after birth and the lack of support from others. If women have an history of depression, her risk of developing depression is higher also.

Most women with postpartum depression improve by taking medication and therapy. Medicine helps balance chemical levels in the brain that affect mood. Your doctor may suggest psychotherapy, including cognitive behavior therapy, interpersonal therapy or a mother's support group. The therapist can help a new mother recognize her feelings and deal with them in healthy ways. Medications for depression may also be recommended, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline (Zoloft(r)) and the fluoxetine (Prozac(r)) and paroxetine (Paxil(r)). A newer medication, called brexanolone (Zulresso(r)) is given by IV over a period of two and a half days in the hospital and works quickly. It is safe to use when you are breastfeeding.

It's normal for a mother to feel sad or depressed after the birth of her child. However, if these feelings persist or get worse it's crucial to speak with the doctor. If the mother is experiencing thoughts of harming herself or her child This could be a sign of a more serious type of depression called postpartum psychsis. This is a rare condition.