Postpartum Depression Symptoms
Many new mothers experience a brief period of despair and sadness after the birth of their child, called the "baby blues." It's crucial to talk to your doctor or health care professional about your feelings.
In certain cases, a new mother can develop something even more serious called postpartum psychosis. It can trigger hallucinations, lack of sleep and thoughts of harming herself or her baby. Hospitalization is frequently required.
1. Feelings of despair or hopelessness
If you feel hopeless or worthless, you should seek immediate help from a mental health professional. Inform your doctor if you are having thoughts are of suicide or you're thinking of hurting yourself or the baby. These are very dangerous symptoms and should not be ignored. They could also be a warning sign for other serious types of postpartum depression, such as postpartum psychosis.
The most common way to treat PPD is with antidepressant medication. This helps to regulate your brain's chemical imbalances that influence your mood. Your doctor will recommend the medication that is best for you based on your symptoms and if you're breastfeeding. Talk therapy is also a common treatment. Your doctor might recommend a specific model of therapy like cognitive behavior therapy or interpersonal therapy. Some support groups also help women suffering from PPD.
Other treatments include rest and avoiding visitors who are not necessary. It's important to sleep enough and a good night's sleep when the baby is sleeping can help. Exercise can also boost your mood. The idea of forming a network with family members and friends to help with childcare and housework can be very helpful.
It's important to keep in mind that feeling depressed does not necessarily mean that you're not a good mom or you don't love your child. It's a normal medical condition that requires treatment. You'll feel better after treatment and have more energy to care for your child. Untreated depression can affect the relationship between a new mother and her baby and could result in serious health issues for baby and mommy. Women of color are at an increased risk of developing postpartum depression compared with white women. This could be because they are less likely to seek help and be diagnosed.
2. Feelings of anger or rage
Rage or anger are not considered to be symptoms 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 factors, including sudden changes in hormone levels, sleep deprivation, and worries about being new mommy. If you are experiencing these feelings it is important to speak to your doctor, who may conduct a depression assessment during your follow-up appointment after the birth.
You can also seek assistance from a therapist or a support group. It's crucial to let people know how you're feeling so they can provide support. Offer help with cleaning, cooking or babysitting. Make use of anyone who will watch your baby while you nap. Spend time with other people who understand how you're feeling. This could include friends and family members or other mothers in a mothers' group.
You must immediately call 911 if you have thoughts of harming your baby or yourself. It's a serious indication of postpartum psychosis, a rare, but serious medical condition that can be associated with PPD.
Encourage a family member or friend who is experiencing these feelings to seek medical care. Suggest that they talk to their doctor or join a support group for therapists and invite them the opportunity to accompany them to their appointment as a therapist. You can also do other things to help, such as offering to babysit or run around, or join in on outings or playdates with the children. You can also set aside time to do things you like, eat healthy and rest as much as you need.
3. Feelings of guilt, shame and a sense of inadequacy
After childbirth, many new mothers are affected by feelings like sadness, anxiety or fatigue. They might be lonely or angry. They're sometimes referred to as baby blues and can last for several days or even weeks following delivery. If these symptoms persist for more than two weeks and are worsening, or if they affect your ability to take care of your baby or yourself, or if you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, then you may be suffering from postpartum depression. Your doctor will evaluate your health during your postpartum visit and can refer you to a specialist who is trained in mental health if needed. If you're having thoughts of suicide or risking harm to the baby, contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately.
It is important to remember that PPD is not the fault of you, regardless of the cause. Many factors may play a role in the development of perinatal depression, such as hormonal changes, lack of sleep as well as emotional and family issues. You are at an increased chance of developing depression or anxiety if these issues was present during pregnancy or prior to or if you have an ancestral history.
Certain women have a harder time managing postpartum depression, particularly when they suffer from more severe symptoms such as feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness or thoughts of hurting their baby or themselves. These signs are indicative of a more severe disorder known as postpartum psychosis. It can be risky for you and your baby. This is a mental health crisis that must be treated at a hospital. Contact 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. It is essential to have a support system in place. Find friends and family members who can assist with household chores and childcare and running errands.
4. Feelings of despair or hopelessness
If the woman's feelings of depression, sadness, worthlessness or hopelessness persist for longer than two weeks, they could be a sign of something more serious than the baby blues. Postpartum psychosis is a more severe condition that can cause these feelings. This is a serious mental illness which can cause delusions, hallucinations and paranoia. Women suffering from these symptoms should seek medical attention, whether by calling an emergency hotline, seeing their doctor, or by going to the emergency room.
depression and symptoms suffering from PPD may feel guilt or shame over the way they feel. They may also feel that their feelings are a reflection on their new babies or that they are terrible mothers. However, there is nothing they've done or failed to do that causes their depression. It is caused by a combination of hormonal and environmental factors that are outside of their control.
PPD is treatable and usually disappears with the proper treatment. This could involve psychotherapy or talk therapy with a psychiatrist, psychologist or a mental health counselorand sometimes medication. Certain antidepressants are safe to use while breastfeeding. Women should try to get as much rest and support as they can during this period. You can ask for help with household chores, family members or a partner, or even join a mothers support group. They should also ensure that they eat a healthy diet and get plenty of rest and exercise, and visit their doctor regularly for examinations and any other questions they have.
5. Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
It is essential that women who feel in despair or unable to feel valued immediately seeks out a doctor. These are serious signs that can indicate postpartum depression and should not be dismissed. These symptoms can be more severe than the baby blues and may prevent the new mom from taking care of her child or herself. If left untreated, depression can become severe and can even turn into a major depressive disorder. It can also affect the bond between the mother and the child and the family's bond.
Postpartum depression isn't believed to be caused by anything specific, but genetics or medical issues can increase the chance of a new mom experiencing it. Other risk factors include stress during pregnancy, medical issues during pregnancy as well as after birth and a insufficient support from other women. If women have had a history of depression her risk is higher also.
The majority of women suffering from postpartum depression disorder recover with medication and therapy. Medicine helps to balance the brain's chemicals that influence mood. Your doctor might recommend psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy, interpersonal therapy or mothers' support groups. Therapists can assist a mother-to-be learn to understand her feelings and manage them in a healthy manner. SSRIs such as sertraline fluoxetine (Prozac (r)), and paroxetine are all prescribed to treat depression. A newer medication, brexanolone (Zulresso(r)) is administered via IV over two-and-a-half days in the hospital and begins to work quickly. It is safe to use during breastfeeding.
It's normal for people to experience down or sad times after the birth of a baby however, if the feelings don't disappear or worsen and more severe, it's time to visit a doctor. If the mother is experiencing thoughts of harming her child or herself This could be a sign of a more severe form of depression, known as postpartum psychosis. It is a rare disorder.