Postpartum Depression Symptoms

The "baby blues" is a common occurrence experienced by mothers who have just had the birth of their baby. It is essential to consult your doctor or health visitor to discuss your feelings.

In certain cases the mother of a newborn may develop something even more serious: postpartum psychosis. This can cause hallucinations, lack of sleep, and fears of harming herself or the baby. Hospitalization is often needed.

1. Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness

If you are experiencing extreme feelings of despair or a sense of worthlessness It's an indication that you need to see an expert in mental health immediately. Talk to your doctor if your thoughts are of suicide, or if you have any thoughts about harming yourself or your baby. These are very dangerous symptoms and should not be overlooked. They could also be a warning sign of other severe types of postpartum depression warning signs, like postpartum psychosis.

Antidepressant medications are the most commonly used treatment for PPD. This will help balance the brain's chemicals that affect your mood. Your doctor will recommend the medication that's best for you according to your symptoms and if you're nursing. Talk therapy is another standard treatment. Your doctor might suggest a specific therapy model like cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy. Some support groups help women suffering from PPD.

Other options include rest and avoiding visitors who are not necessary. It is important to sleep enough, and sleeping while the baby sleeps can help. Exercise can improve your mood. Finding a network of friends and family members to help with childcare or housework can be very beneficial.

It's important to remember that feeling depressed doesn't mean that you are an unloving mother or that you are not loving your baby. It's a normal medical condition that requires treatment. Treatment can help you feel better and give you the energy to take care of your child. Untreated depression may also affect the relationship between a new mother and her child and could result in serious health issues for both mom and baby. Women of color are at higher risks of suffering from postpartum depression compared with white women. This could be because they are less likely to seek help and receive a diagnosis.

2. Feelings anger or anger

Rage or anger are not listed as symptoms internal signs of depression postpartum depression in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), but they are common symptoms of depression in PPD. Anger can be triggered by a variety of causes, such as rapid changes in hormones, sleep deprivation and anxieties about becoming a mother. If you're experiencing these emotions you should speak with your doctor. He or she may perform a depression screen during your postpartum follow-up.

You can also seek advice from a therapist or support group. It's also important to let others know how you're feeling so they can offer assistance. Request assistance with eating or babysitting, as well as cleaning and running through errands. If someone offers to look after the baby while you nap, take them up on it. Spend time with other people who can understand how you're feeling, like friends and family members, or other new mothers in the mothers' group.

If you're thinking of harming yourself or the baby, that's an emergency and you should contact 911 or your healthcare provider now. This is an indication of postpartum psychiasis which is a rare, but serious medical condition that is often associated with PPD.

Encourage a family member or friend who is experiencing these feelings to seek medical attention. Invite them to their appointment and provide assistance. You can suggest they speak to their healthcare provider, or join an therapist support group. You could also help by offering to watch your child, running the errands, or join in on playdates or outings. You can also set aside time to do activities you like, eat a healthy diet, and get enough rest.

3. Feelings of guilt or a sense of inadequacy

Many new mothers experience feelings of sadness, anxiety or fatigue, loneliness, anger after having children. They are often referred to as the baby blues and can last for a few days or weeks after the birth. If the symptoms last more than two weeks, are becoming worse, hinder your ability to care for the baby or yourself or if you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, you may be suffering from postpartum depression (PPD). During your postpartum appointment, your doctor will assess your condition and refer you to a mental health professional if necessary. Contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you think of harming your baby or suicide.

It is crucial to remember that it is not your fault if you suffer from PPD, regardless of the cause. Perinatal depression can be caused by a variety of factors such as hormonal changes, lack of sleep, and emotional or family issues. You are also at increased risk if you suffered from anxiety or depression during pregnancy or in the past and have an ancestry of depression.

Some women have more difficulty managing postpartum depression, particularly if they experience the more severe symptoms such as feelings of despair and desperation or thoughts of hurting themselves or the baby. These recognizing early signs of depression are indicative of a more severe disorder known as postpartum psychosis. It can be risky for you and your baby. It is a psychiatric emergency that requires treatment in the hospital. Contact 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency department. It is also crucial to have support systems in place. Find family and friends who are willing to assist with household chores, childcare, and other errands.

4. Feelings of hopelessness or despair

If feelings of desperation, sadness or hopelessness persist for longer than two weeks it could be a sign that something more serious is happening. They could also indicate a more serious illness known as postpartum psychosis. This is a very serious mental illness that can lead to delusions (thoughts or beliefs that aren't true), hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there), the condition known as mania (a exuberant and elated mood that is out of sync with reality) and paranoia. Women suffering from these symptoms should seek medical help immediately, whether by calling a hotline, or visiting their doctor or going to the emergency room.

Women suffering from PPD may feel guilt or shame about how they feel. They may also believe that their emotions are reflective of their newborn babies or that they are terrible mothers. But there is nothing they have done or failed to do that causes their depression. It is caused by a mix of environmental and hormonal factors that are out 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 able to be taken during breastfeeding. Women should also try to get as much rest and support as they can during this period. This could include soliciting help with household chores as well as a partner or family member or joining a mothers' group. They should also eat a balanced diet exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and also visit their doctor regularly to check-ups.

5. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

If a woman is having feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness it is important to speak to her doctor right away. These symptoms can indicate postpartum depression, and should not be ignored. These feelings are more severe than baby blues and could make it difficult for a new mother to take care of her her child. If left untreated, depression can become severe and even develop into a major depressive symptoms depressive disorder. It can also affect the bond between the mother and her child and the relationship within the family.

It's not certain what causes postpartum depression, but genetics and other medical problems can increase a mother's chances of getting it. Other risk factors include severe stress during pregnancy, medical problems both during as well as after birth and a insufficient support from other women. If the woman has had a history of depression her risk is higher also.

The majority of women suffering from postpartum depression improve with medicine and therapy. Medicine can help balance the chemicals in the brain that affect mood. Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy, including cognitive behavior therapy, interpersonal therapy or a mother's support group. Therapists can help a new mother understand her feelings and handle these feelings in a healthy way. Medications for depression may also be recommended, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline (Zoloft(r)) or fluoxetine (Prozac(r)) and paroxetine (Paxil(r)). Brexanolone is also known as Zulresso(r) is a newer medication that is administered via IV over a period of two and a half days in a hospital. It starts working immediately. It's safe to use when breastfeeding.

It's normal for a mother to feel depressed or sad after the birth of her baby. However, if the feelings persist or become worse, it's important to consult the doctor. It's especially important to see an obstetrician if the mother has thoughts of hurting her child or herself and is a sign of more serious depression, also known as postpartum psychosis, which is a rare condition.