Postpartum Depression Symptoms
Many new mothers experience a brief moment of despair and sadness after the birth of their baby which is known as the "baby blues." It's important to speak to your doctor or health professional about these feelings.
In certain cases the new mother may be diagnosed with something more serious called postpartum psychosis. This can cause hallucinations, a lack of sleep and thoughts of harming herself or her baby. Sometimes, hospitalization is required.
1. Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
If you experience extreme feelings of despair or desperation this is a sign that you need to consult an expert in mental health immediately. Inform your doctor if you are having thoughts are about suicide or if you have any thoughts about harming yourself or your baby. These are extremely dangerous signs and should not be overlooked. They could also be a warning sign for other serious types of postpartum depression, such as postpartum psychosis.
Antidepressant medication is the most commonly used treatment for PPD. This helps balance the brain's chemicals that affect your mood. Your doctor will recommend the most effective medication for you based on your symptoms as well as whether you are breastfeeding. Talk therapy is another popular treatment. Your doctor may recommend the use of a specific therapy method like cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy. Support groups can also assist women suffering from PPD.
Relaxation and avoiding visitors are also effective treatments. It is essential to get enough rest and a good night's sleep when the baby is sleeping can help. Exercise can also boost your mood. Finding a network of family members and friends to assist with childcare and housework can be very helpful.
It's important to remember that being depressed doesn't mean you're a bad mother or you don't love your baby. It's not a mental disorder. It is medical issue that requires treatment. The treatment you receive can make you feel better and give you the energy to care for your child. Depression that is not treated can affect a new mother's relationship with her child and can lead to serious health problems for both the mother and baby. Women of color are more likely to have a worse experience with postpartum depression than white women, possibly because they're less likely to seek treatment and get diagnosed.
2. Feelings anger or anger
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 in PPD. Anger can be caused by a variety of causes like rapid changes in hormones, sleep deprivation and worries about becoming a new mother. If you're experiencing these emotions it is important to speak to your doctor, who might conduct a depression test during your follow-up appointment after delivery.
You can also seek assistance from a therapist or a support group. It's also important to let people know how you're feeling, so they can offer assistance. Ask for assistance with eating or babysitting, as well as cleaning and running around for errands. If someone offers to look after the baby while you nap then take them up on it. Spend time with people who can understand your feelings, such as family and friends, or newly mothers in a mothers' group.
If you're thinking of harming yourself or the baby, that's an emergency situation and you should contact 911 or your healthcare provider away. It's a serious indication of postpartum psychosis, which is a rare but serious medical condition that can occur with PPD.
If you have a friend or family member who is having these feelings, encourage them to seek medical help. Offer to accompany them to their appointment and provide support. You can suggest that they speak to their healthcare provider or join an online support group for therapists. You can also help by offering to take care of the baby, running errands or joining in on playdates or outings. You can also make time to do activities you like, eat healthy and take a good amount of rest.
3. Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
After childbirth the new moms often experience feelings such as anxiety, sadness or fatigue. They might also feel lonely or irritable. signs and symptoms of depression in females are often called the baby blues, and can last for several days or weeks after the birth. But if these symptoms last longer than two weeks, and are getting worse, hinder your ability to care for your baby or yourself, or include thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, you may be experiencing postpartum depression (PPD). During your postpartum appointment, your doctor will assess your condition and recommend you to a mental health specialist when necessary. Call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you think of taking your baby's life or committing suicide.
Remember that PPD isn't your fault, no matter the cause. Perinatal depression can be triggered by a variety of causes that include hormonal changes, lack of rest, and emotional or family issues. There is also a higher risk if you had depression or anxiety during pregnancy or in the past and have a family history of depression.
Women who are pregnant may have more difficulty coping with postpartum depression, particularly when they are suffering from the more severe symptoms, such as feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness or thoughts of hurting themselves or the baby. These are indicators of a more serious problem known as postpartum psychosis. It can be very harmful for you and the baby. This is a psychiatric crisis that needs to be treated in an emergency room. Call 911 or go straight to the nearest emergency department. It is crucial to have a system of support in place. Seek out friends and family who are willing to help with childcare, housework and other errands.
4. Feelings of despair or hopelessness
If the feelings of despair or despair persist for more than two weeks it could be a sign something more serious is happening. Postpartum psychosis is a more severe condition that can trigger these feelings. This is a serious mental illness that can trigger delusions (thoughts or beliefs that aren't true) and hallucinations (seeing, hearing or smelling things that are not there) and an euphoria (a high and elated mood that seems out of touch with reality) and paranoia. Women suffering from these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately, either 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 may believe that their emotions reflect on their children or that they're not good mothers. But there is nothing they have done or failed to do that triggers their depression. It is caused by a combination of hormones and environmental factors that are out of their control.
PPD can be treated and can disappear with the right treatment. This can include psychotherapy -- or talk therapy with a psychiatrist, psychologist or a mental health counselorand sometimes, medication. Certain antidepressants are safe for women to use while breastfeeding. Women should also get as much support and rest as they can throughout this time. You can seek assistance with household chores family members, a partner, or join a mothers' support group. It is also important to eat healthy and get plenty of rest and exercise, and see their doctor regularly for checkups and any questions they have.
5. Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
If a woman is experiencing feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, it's important to talk to her doctor immediately. These are serious signs that can indicate postpartum depression, and should not be ignored. These feelings are more severe than baby blues, and may prevent a new mother taking care of her her child. If left untreated and untreated, depression can last longer and even develop into a major depression disorder. It can also interfere with the bond between the mother and her child and the relationship between the family.
Postpartum depression isn't known to be caused by a specific factor however, medical or genetic issues may increase the chances of a new mom experiencing it. Other risk factors include anxiety during pregnancy, medical problems both during and after birth, and lack support from others. The risk for a woman increases when she has a past history of depression.
The majority of women suffering from postpartum depression recover with medicine and therapy. Medicine helps balance chemicals in the brain which influence mood. Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy such as cognitive behavior therapy and interpersonal therapy or a mother's support group. The therapist can help a new mother learn to understand her feelings and manage them in healthy ways. 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)). A newer medication, brexanolone (Zulresso(r)), is administered by IV over two and a half days at the hospital and starts working quickly. It's safe to use when breastfeeding.
It's normal for a mother to feel sad or depressed after the birth of her child. However, if these feelings persist or get worse it's crucial to speak with an expert. If the mother is having thoughts of harming herself or her child This could be an indication of a more severe form of depression known as postpartum psychsis. It is a rare disorder.