Postpartum Depression Symptoms
The "baby blues" is a common feeling experienced by new mothers after the birth of their child. It is important to speak to your doctor or health visitor to discuss your feelings.
In certain cases, the mother of a newborn may experience something more serious postpartum psychosis. It can trigger hallucinations, a lack of sleep and thoughts of harming herself or the baby. Hospitalization is often needed.
1. Feelings of despair or hopelessness
If you feel helpless or depressed, you must seek immediate help from a mental health professional. It is important to inform your doctor if there is a thought about suicide or have thoughts of hurting your child or yourself. These are serious signs that should not be ignored. They can also be a warning sign for other severe types of postpartum depression, like postpartum psychosis.
The most commonly used method to treat PPD is antidepressant medicine. This helps to regulate your brain's chemical imbalances that influence your mood. Your doctor will decide on the best medication for you based on your symptoms and if you are breastfeeding. Talk therapy is also a standard treatment. Your doctor may recommend an individual therapy method, such as cognitive behavior therapy or interpersonal therapy. Some support groups help women with PPD.
Other options include sleeping and avoiding visits from unnecessary people. It is important to get enough rest, and sleeping while the baby sleeps can help. Exercise can also improve your mood. The idea of forming a network with friends and family members to help with childcare and household chores can be extremely helpful.
It is important to keep in mind that feeling depressed does not necessarily mean that you're an unloving mother or that you don't love your baby. It's not a mental illness. It's medical issue that requires treatment. The treatment you receive can make you feel better and give you the energy to take care of your baby. Untreated depression may also affect the relationship between a pregnant mom and her baby and could result in serious health issues for both the mother and baby. Women of color have a higher risk of 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
Rage or anger are not listed as a sign of postpartum depression in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), however, they are a common occurrence in PPD. Anger can be caused by a variety of causes, such as rapid changes in hormones, sleep loss and anxiety about becoming a mother. If severe depression physical symptoms are experiencing these emotions it is important to speak to your doctor, who might conduct a depression test during your follow-up visit following delivery.
You can also seek assistance from a therapist or support group. It's also important to let others know how you're feeling, so they can offer support. Ask for help with meals cleaning, babysitting, or running errands. Take advantage of those who offer to look after your child while you sleep. Spend time with others who understand what you're feeling, like family members and friends or fellow new moms in a mothers' group.
You should contact the emergency services immediately if have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. This is an indication of postpartum psychiasis, which is a rare but serious medical condition that is often associated with PPD.
Encourage the family member or friend who is experiencing these feelings to seek medical care. Suggest that they talk to their doctor or join a therapist support group and invite them to accompany them to the appointment as a therapist. You could also offer other services to help, such as offering to take care of the baby or run errands, or join in on outings and playdates with your children. You can also take time to do activities you enjoy, eat well, and get enough rest.
3. Feelings of guilt and feeling unworthy
After childbirth 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 following the birth. However, if the symptoms last more than two weeks, are becoming worse, interfere with your ability to care for the baby or yourself, or you are worried about harming yourself or your baby, you may be experiencing postpartum depression (PPD). In your postpartum appointment your doctor will examine your condition and refer you to a mental health professional should it be required. Call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you have thoughts of hurting your baby or taking the plunge.
Remember that PPD isn't your fault, regardless of the reason. Numerous factors can contribute to the development of perinatal depression, such as hormonal changes, lack of sleep and emotional and family issues. There is also a higher risk if you had depression or anxiety during pregnancy or in the past and have an ancestry of depression.
Some women have more difficulty managing postpartum depression, especially if they suffer from more severe symptoms, such as feelings of despair and hopelessness or thoughts of hurting them or their baby. These symptoms can indicate a more severe condition called postpartum psychosis, which can be risky for you and your baby. It is a psychiatric crisis and needs to be treated in an emergency room. Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room. It is also important to have support systems in place. Find family and friends who are willing to assist with household chores, childcare, and errands.
4. Feelings of despair or a sense of insanity
If the feelings of despair, sadness or hopelessness persist for longer 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 a very serious mental illness that can lead to delusions (thoughts or beliefs that aren't true) as well as hallucinations (seeing, hearing or smelling things that are not there) and mania (a exuberant and elated mood that is out of sync with reality) and paranoia. Women who experience these symptoms should seek medical attention, whether by calling an emergency hotline, going to their doctor, or by going to the emergency room.
Women suffering from PPD might feel embarrassed or ashamed of their feelings. They may believe that their feelings are reflected on their children or they're not good mothers. But, there is nothing they've done or not done that causes their depression. It is caused by a combination of environmental and hormonal factors that are beyond their control.
PPD is treatable and usually is cured with the proper treatment. This can include psychotherapy - or talk therapy with a psychologist, psychiatrist or a mental health counselorand sometimes medication. Some antidepressants are safe to take during breastfeeding. Women should also get as much rest and support as they can throughout this time. This could include soliciting help with household chores, from a spouse or family member, or joining a mothers' group. They should also eat healthy exercise, get enough sleep, and also visit their healthcare provider regularly to check-ups.
5. Feelings of despair or a sense of inadequacy
If a woman is having feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness it is important to speak to her doctor immediately. These are serious symptoms that can indicate postpartum depression and should not be ignored. These feelings are more severe than the newborn blues and may prevent a new mother from taking care of her infant or herself. If they're left untreated, the depression can persist for a longer time and eventually develop into a major depression disorder. It can also affect the bond between mothers and their children as well as the bond within the family.
It's not known what causes postpartum depression but genetics and other medical conditions can increase a woman's likelihood of developing it. Other risk factors include severe stress during the pregnancy, medical issues during the pregnancy as well as after birth and a absence of support from family and friends. A woman's risk increases when she has a past history with depression.
Most women with postpartum depressive disorder recover with medication and therapy. Medicine can help balance the chemicals in the brain that affect mood. Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy or an organization for mothers to support each other. The therapist can help the new mother be aware of her feelings and how to manage them. SSRIs like sertraline, fluoxetine (Prozac (r)), and paroxetine can be prescribed to treat depression. Brexanolone is also known as Zulresso(r), is a newer drug that is administered via IV over a period of two and a half days in the hospital. It starts working immediately. It is safe to take during breastfeeding.
It's normal to experience down or sad times after a baby is born However, if these feelings don't disappear or worsen then it's time to consult an expert. If the mother is experiencing thoughts of harming herself or her child it could be a sign of a more serious form of depression, known as postpartum psychosis. It is a rare condition.