Postpartum Depression Symptoms
The "baby blues" is a common feeling experienced by mothers who have just had the birth of their baby. It's important that you speak to your health professional or doctor to discuss your feelings.
In rare instances, a new mother may develop something more grave postpartum psychosis. It can trigger hallucinations, a lack of sleep, and fears of harming herself or the baby. Hospitalization is often needed.
1. Feelings of hopelessness or a sense of worthlessness
If you experience extreme feelings of despair or desperation this is an indication that you should to consult an expert in mental health right away. Inform your doctor if you are having thoughts are of suicide or if you have any thoughts of hurting yourself or the baby. These are serious signs that should not be overlooked. These symptoms could be a sign of more severe postpartum depression disorders, like postpartum schizophrenia.
Antidepressant medication is the most common treatment for PPD. This helps to regulate your brain's chemicals that affect your mood. Your doctor will decide on the best treatment for you based upon your symptoms and whether you are breastfeeding. Talk therapy is also a popular treatment. Your doctor might recommend specific therapy methods, such as cognitive behavior therapy or interpersonal therapy. Some support groups aid women suffering from PPD.
Other methods include sleeping and avoiding visits from unnecessary people. Sleeping when your baby is asleep can help you get enough sleep. Exercise can also improve your mood. It can also be helpful to establish a support system of family and friends who will assist you with household chores and childcare.
It is important to remember that feeling depressed does not mean you're an unloving mother or that you are not loving your baby. It's not a mental disorder. It is a medical condition that requires treatment. And getting treatment can make you feel better and give you the energy to care for your baby. Untreated depression can also impact the relationship between a mother and her baby and lead to serious health problems for both the baby and mom. symptoms of depression with anxiety of ethnicity are more likely experience more severe postpartum depression than white women, perhaps because they're less likely seek treatment and be diagnosed.
2. Feelings of anger or rage
Anger or rage are not listed as symptoms of postpartum depression in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), but they are common in PPD. Anger can be triggered by a variety of causes, such as rapid changes in hormones, sleep deprivation, and anxiety about becoming a mother. If you're experiencing these feelings it's best to talk with your physician. They may perform a depression screen during your postpartum follow-up.
You can also seek help from a therapist or a support group. It's also essential to let people know how you're feeling so they can offer support. Request assistance with cooking, cleaning, babysitting and running errands. Make use of those who offer to look after your baby while you nap. Make sure you spend time with others who understand how you're feeling, such as family members and friends, or other new moms in a mothers' group.
It is imperative to call 911 immediately if you are worried about harming yourself or your baby. That's a serious sign of postpartum psychosis. It's a rare but serious medical condition that is often associated with PPD.
If you have a friend or family member who is having these feelings, help them to seek medical assistance. Offer to accompany them to their appointment to offer assistance. You could suggest that they talk to their healthcare provider or join an online support group for therapists. You can also assist by offering to babysit, run the errands, or join in on playdates or outings. You can also participate in activities that you enjoy and eat well and get enough sleep.
3. Feelings of guilt, shame and a sense of inadequacy
Many new moms experience feelings like sadness, anxiety or fatigue, loneliness, irritability after childbirth. These feelings are often called the baby blues and may last for a few weeks or days after delivery. However, if the symptoms last for more than two weeks, are becoming worse, interfere with your ability to take care of your baby or yourself, or you are worried about hurting yourself or the baby, you may be suffering from postpartum depression (PPD). Your doctor will assess your situation during your postpartum appointment and will refer you to a doctor who is trained in mental health if you require. If you're having thoughts of suicide or are concerned about harming the baby, contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately.
It is important to remember that PPD is not your fault, regardless of the cause. Perinatal depression is caused by a variety of factors such as hormonal changes, lack of sleep, and emotional or family issues. You are at a higher chance of developing depression or anxiety if these issues occurred during pregnancy or before or if there is a family history.
Some women are more susceptible to postpartum depression. This is particularly the case if they experience more serious symptoms, such as feelings of despair and worthlessness or thoughts of harming their child or themselves. These symptoms are indicative of an even more serious condition known as postpartum psychosis. It could be harmful for both you and your baby. This is a psychiatric crisis that needs to be treated in a hospital. Contact 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency department. It is also important to have support systems in place. Look for family and friends who are willing to assist with childcare, housework and errands.
4. Feelings of despair or a sense of insanity
If the woman's feelings of depression, sadness, worthlessness or hopelessness persist for more than two weeks, they may be a sign of something more severe than the baby blues. Postpartum psychosis is a serious condition that can trigger these feelings. This is a serious mental illness that can lead to delusions (thoughts or beliefs that aren't real), hallucinations (seeing, hearing or smelling things that aren't there) as well as an euphoria (a elevated and elated state that is out of sync with reality) and paranoia. Women suffering from these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention, whether by calling an emergency hotline, visiting their doctor, or by going to the emergency room.
Women with PPD can often feel guilt or shame about how they feel. They may believe that their feelings reflect on their children or they're terrible mothers. However there is nothing they've done or failed to do that causes their depression. It is caused by a combination hormonal and environmental factors which are beyond their control.
PPD is treatable and usually is cured with the proper treatment. This may include talk therapy or psychotherapy with a therapist, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or a mental health counselor. Sometimes medication is also prescribed. Some antidepressants can be taken during breastfeeding. Women should also try to get as much sleep and support as they can during this time. You can ask for help with household chores family members, a partner, or join a mothers support group. They should also eat well exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and see their health care provider regularly for checkups.
5. Feelings of despair or hopelessness
It is essential that a woman who feels lost or unworthy, immediately consults with her doctor. These are serious symptoms that can indicate postpartum depression and should not be dismissed. These symptoms may be more severe than the newborn blues and can keep the new mom from taking care of her child or herself. If they're not treated and untreated, depression can get worse and become a major depressive disorder. It can also affect the bond between the mother and the child and also the family's relationship.
Postpartum depression is not known to be caused by anything specific however, medical or genetic issues may increase the chances of a new mom getting it. Other risk factors include anxiety during pregnancy, medical problems both during and after the birth and a lack of support from other women. The risk for a woman increases when she has a past history of depression.
The majority of women suffering from postpartum depression get better by taking medication and therapy. Medicine helps to balance the chemical levels in the brain that affect mood. Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy, as well as interpersonal therapy or mother's support groups. Therapists can assist a mother-to-be understand her feelings and handle them in a healthy manner. Treatments for depression might also be suggested, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline (Zoloft(r)), fluoxetine (Prozac(r)) and paroxetine (Paxil(r)). A newer medication, Brexanolone (Zulresso(r)), is administered via IV over two and a half days at the hospital and starts working quickly. It's safe to use while breastfeeding.
It's normal for a mother to feel sad or depressed after the birth of her child. If the feelings persist or become worse it is important to talk to the doctor. It's especially important to see an expert when a mother is thinking of harming herself or her baby or her baby, which could be a sign of depression that is more severe, referred to as postpartum psychosis, which is a rare condition.