Postpartum Depression Symptoms

The "baby blues" is a common feeling that new mothers experience following the birth of their child. It's important that you consult your doctor or health visitor to discuss these feelings.

In some instances the mother of a newborn may be diagnosed with something more grave called postpartum psychosis. This may cause hallucinations, lack of sleep, and fears of harming herself or her baby. Hospitalization is sometimes required.

1. Feelings of despair or hopelessness

If you are experiencing extreme feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness It's an indication that you should to see a mental health professional right away. Tell your doctor if your thoughts are about suicide or if you have any thoughts about hurting yourself or the baby. These are extremely dangerous mild signs of depression and should not be ignored. These symptoms could be a sign of more severe forms of postpartum depression disorders, like postpartum schizophrenia.

Antidepressant medication is the most common treatment for PPD. This will help balance the brain's chemicals that affect your mood. Your doctor will suggest the medication that is best for you according to your early symptoms of depression and whether or not you're breastfeeding. Talk therapy is also a common treatment. Your doctor may suggest the use of a specific therapy method like cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy. Support groups can also assist women suffering from PPD.

Other treatments include rest and avoiding visitors who are not necessary. It's important to get enough sleep and sleeping while the baby sleeps can be beneficial. Exercise can also improve your mood. It is also beneficial to establish a support system of family and friends that can help with household chores or childcare.

It's important to keep in mind that feeling depressed (read this blog post from Opensourcebridge) does not necessarily mean that you're a bad mom or that you are not loving your child. It's not a mental illness. It is an illness that requires treatment. And getting treatment can make you feel better and give you the energy to take care of your child. Untreated depression can affect the relationship between a pregnant mom and her baby and could lead to serious health issues for mom and baby. Women of color have a higher risk of postpartum depression compared with white women. This could be due to the fact that they are less likely to seek help and be diagnosed.

2. Feelings of anger or rage

Feelings of anger or rage are not listed as symptoms 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 triggered by a variety of factors, such as rapid changes in hormones, sleep deprivation and anxieties about becoming a mother. If you are experiencing these emotions it's crucial to speak with your doctor, who may do a depression screening at your follow-up appointment following the birth.

You can also get help from a therapist or a support group. It's important to let others know what you're feeling to ensure they are able to offer support. Request assistance with food, babysitting, cleaning and running around for errands. You can take advantage of anyone who offers to look after your baby while you nap. Spend time with people who understand your feelings, such as family and friends, or newly mothers in a mothers' group.

You must call 911 immediately if you think of harming yourself or your baby. This is a sign of postpartum psychiasis, which is a rare, but serious medical condition that is often associated with PPD.

Encourage your family member or friend who is experiencing these feelings to seek medical treatment. Suggest that they talk to their doctor or join a support group for therapists, and offer the opportunity to accompany them to the appointment as a support person. You can also do other things to help, such as offering babysitting or running around, or join in on playdates and outings with your children. You can also engage in things that you like and make time to consume a balanced diet and get adequate sleep.

3. Feelings of guilt, shame and a sense of inadequacy

After childbirth Many new mothers feel sadness, anxiety or fatigue. They might also feel depressed or lonely. These are sometimes called the baby blues and may last for some days or weeks after delivery. If the symptoms last more than two weeks, are becoming worse, impede your ability to take care of the baby or yourself, or if you have thoughts of harming yourself or the baby, you could be experiencing postpartum depression (PPD). During your postpartum appointment, your doctor will examine your health and refer you to a mental health professional should it be required. 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 what caused it. Many factors could be involved in the development of perinatal depression including hormonal changes, sleep deprivation and family and emotional issues. You are also at increased risk if you had anxiety or depression during pregnancy or in the past and have an ancestral history of depression.

Certain women are more prone to postpartum depression. This is especially when they exhibit more severe symptoms, like feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness or thoughts of harming their child or themselves. These are signs of a more serious problem known as postpartum psychosis. It can be very harmful for both the baby and you. It is a psychiatric emergency that requires treatment in an emergency room. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. It is also important to have support systems in place. Find family and friends who can assist with household chores and childcare and the occasional errands.

4. Feelings of despair or a sense of insanity

If the feelings of worthlessness or sadness persist for longer than two weeks, it could be a sign something more serious is happening. They could also be a sign of a more serious illness known as postpartum psychosis. This is a serious mental illness that can cause delusions, hallucinations and paranoia. Women who have these symptoms should seek medical assistance immediately, whether by calling a hotline or a doctor, or by visiting their doctor or visiting the emergency room.

Women suffering from PPD may feel shame or guilt about how they feel. They might feel that their feelings are reflected on their children or they're terrible mothers. They have not done anything to cause their depression. It is caused by a combination of hormones and environmental factors that are outside of their control.

PPD can be treated and usually disappear if the treatment is done. This could involve psychotherapy- or talk therapy with a psychologist, psychiatrist or mental health counselor- and sometimes medication. Certain antidepressants are safe for women to take during breastfeeding. Women should also receive as much support and rest as possible during this period. This may include soliciting help with household chores as well as a partner or family members or joining a mothers' support group. They should also eat well exercise, get enough sleep, and visit their doctor regularly to check-ups.

5. Feelings of despair or a sense of inadequacy

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 indicate postpartum depression, and should not be ignored. These symptoms are more severe than baby blues and may make it difficult for a new mother to take care of her her child. Untreated depression can become more severe and can even turn into a major depression. It could also hinder the bonding between a mother and 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 likelihood of a new mom experiencing it. Other risk factors include stress during the pregnancy, medical problems during the pregnancy as well as after birth and the absence of support from family and friends. The risk for a woman increases when she has a past history with depression warning signs.

Most women with postpartum depressive disorder recover through therapy and medication. Medicine helps to balance the chemical levels in the brain that influence mood. Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy, or a mother's support group. Therapists can assist a new mom to recognize her feelings and manage them in a healthy manner. The use of medications for depression could be recommended, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline (Zoloft(r)) and the fluoxetine (Prozac(r)) and paroxetine (Paxil(r)). Brexanolone is also known as Zulresso(r), is a newer medication that is administered via IV over two and a half days in the hospital. It begins working as soon as it is administered. It's safe to use during breastfeeding.

It's normal for people to experience down or sad times following the birth of a child, but if these feelings do not go away or become worse, it's time to see a doctor. It's particularly important to consult a doctor if the mother has thoughts of harming herself or her baby, which are signs and symptoms of major depression of more serious depression, also known as postpartum psychosis. It's a rare condition.