Postpartum Depression Symptoms

The "baby blues" is a common feeling experienced by new mothers after the birth of their child. It's important that you talk to your health care provider or doctor to discuss these feelings.

In some instances the new mother may develop something even more grave: postpartum psychosis. This could cause hallucinations, and a lack of sleep, and also thoughts of harming the baby or mother. Sometimes, hospitalization is required.

1. Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness

If you feel depressed or depressed, you must seek immediate assistance from a mental health professional. It is important to inform your doctor if you think about suicide or have thoughts of hurting your child or yourself. These are potentially dangerous signs of depression in elderly parents that should not be overlooked. These symptoms can also be a sign of more severe forms of postpartum depression disorders, such as postpartum schizophrenia.

The most commonly used method to treat PPD is with antidepressant medication. This helps balance the brain's chemical imbalances that influence your mood. Your doctor will suggest the medication that is best for you based on your symptoms of major depressive disorder and if you're breastfeeding. Talk therapy is another standard treatment. Your doctor may suggest a specific therapy model such as cognitive behavior therapy or interpersonal therapy. Certain support groups assist women suffering from PPD.

Other treatments include sleeping and avoiding visits from unnecessary people. If your baby is asleep, sleeping when they are asleep can aid in getting enough sleep. Exercise can also boost your mood. It can also be beneficial to establish a support system 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 you're an unloving mother or that you are not loving your child. It's a normal medical condition that requires treatment. You'll feel better after treatment and be more energized to care for your baby. Untreated depression may also affect the relationship between a new mom and her child and could lead to serious health issues for both baby and mommy. Women of color are more likely to have a worse experience with postpartum depression than white women, perhaps due to the fact that they are less likely to seek treatment and be diagnosed.

2. Feelings anger or rage

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) does not include anger or rage as symptoms of PPD, but these feelings are not uncommon. Anger can be triggered by a variety of causes including rapid changes in hormones, sleep deprivation and worries about becoming a new mother. If you are experiencing these feelings it's crucial to speak with your doctor. He might conduct a depression test during your follow-up appointment after the birth.

You can also seek advice from a therapist or support group. It's also important to let people know how you're feeling so they can offer support. Request assistance with cooking, cleaning, babysitting and running errands. Take advantage of anyone who will watch your child while you sleep. Spend time with others who can understand how you're feeling, such as family members and friends, or other new mothers in the mothers' group.

If you're having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, that's an emergency and you should call 911 or your healthcare professional right now. This is a sign of postpartum psychosis, which is a rare but serious medical condition that can be associated with PPD.

Encourage a friend or family member who is suffering from these feelings to seek medical care. It is suggested that they speak to their doctor or join a support group for therapists and offer to go with them to their appointment as a therapist. You could also offer other services to help, like offer to take care of the baby or run for errands, or go on outings and playdates with the children. You can also set aside time to do activities you like, eat a healthy diet and take a good amount of rest.

3. Feelings of guilt and worthlessness

Many new mothers experience feelings of depression, anxiety or fatigue, loneliness, irritation after childbirth. These feelings are often referred to as the baby blues, and may last for a few days or weeks following the birth. If the symptoms persist for more than two weeks and have been getting worse, or if they interfere with your ability care for the baby or yourself or when you think of harming yourself or your baby, you could be suffering from postpartum depression. Your doctor will evaluate your condition at your postpartum check-up and may refer you to someone who is specialized in mental health symptoms health, if required. Contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you are contemplating taking your baby's life or committing suicide.

It is important to remember that PPD is not your fault, no matter the cause. Many factors could contribute to the development of perinatal depression including hormone changes, lack of sleep and family and emotional issues. You are at a higher risk of developing depression or anxiety if it was present during pregnancy or prior to or if you have a family history.

Women who are pregnant may have more difficulty managing postpartum depression, particularly if they suffer from more severe symptoms such as feelings of despair and desperation or thoughts of hurting them or their baby. These symptoms are indicative of an even more serious condition known as postpartum psychosis. This condition could be harmful for both you and your baby. It is a psychiatric crisis and must be treated in an emergency room. Call 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency department. It is also crucial to have support systems in place. Find family and friends who can assist with household chores and childcare and other the occasional errands.

4. Feelings of hopelessness or a sense of worthlessness

If a woman's feelings of sadness, worthlessness or hopelessness continue to persist for more than two weeks, it may be a sign of something more severe than the baby blues. They could also be a sign of an even more serious condition known as postpartum psychosis. This is a serious mental illness that can trigger delusions (thoughts or beliefs that aren't true) as well as hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't present) and an euphoria (a high and elated mood that seems out of touch with reality) and paranoia. Women who have these symptoms should seek medical assistance immediately, whether that be by calling a hotline, or visiting their doctor or going to the emergency room.

Women suffering from PPD may feel shame or guilt about the way they feel. They might feel that their feelings are reflected on their children or they're horrible mothers. However, there is nothing they've done or failed to do that causes their depression. It is caused by a combination of environmental and hormonal factors that are beyond their control.

PPD is treatable and typically goes away with the right treatment. This may include psychotherapy or talk therapy with a therapist such as psychologist, psychiatrist, or a mental health counselor. Sometimes, medication may be prescribed. Some antidepressants can be taken while breastfeeding. Women should also 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' support group. They should also make sure to eat healthy, get plenty of sleep and exercise, and see their doctor regularly for checkups and any questions they may have.

5. Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness

If a woman is having feelings of despair or feeling worthless, it's important to talk to her doctor immediately. These are serious symptoms that could be a sign of postpartum depression and should not be overlooked. These symptoms are more severe than baby blues and can make it difficult for a new mother to take care of her or her child. If they're not treated, 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 and the relationship within the family.

It's not known what causes postpartum depression, but genetics and some medical conditions can increase a mother's chances of developing it. Other risk factors include anxiety during pregnancy, medical issues both during and after the birth and a lack of support from family and friends. If a woman has an history of depression, her risk is higher also.

The majority of women with postpartum depressive disorder get better by taking medication and therapy. Medicine can help balance the brain's chemicals that influence mood. Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral signs of depression therapy or interpersonal therapy, or an organization for mothers to support each other. The therapist can help a new mother understand her feelings and manage them in healthy ways. Treatments for depression might also be recommended, such as 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 by IV over two and a half days in a hospital. It is effective immediately. It's safe to use during breastfeeding.

It's normal to experience sad or down periods after a baby is born However, if these feelings don't go away or become worse, it's time to see a doctor. If the mother is having thoughts of harming herself or her child it could be a sign of a more serious form of depression, known as postpartum psychosis. This is a rare disorder.