Postpartum Depression Symptoms

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

In some instances the new mother may develop something much more grave known as postpartum psychosis. This could cause hallucinations and a lack in sleep, and also thoughts of harming the baby or mother. Hospitalization is frequently required.

1. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

If you feel hopeless or unworthy, you should seek immediate assistance from a mental health professional. You should also tell your doctor if you are thinking about suicide or have thoughts of hurting your child or yourself. These are potentially dangerous signs of anxiety and depression that should not be ignored. They could also be a warning sign for other serious forms of postpartum depression like postpartum psychosis.

Antidepressant medication is the most popular treatment for PPD. This will balance your brain's chemical imbalances that influence your mood. Your doctor will decide on the best medication for you based on your symptoms of depression in youth as well as whether you are breastfeeding. Talk therapy is also a popular treatment. Your doctor may recommend an individual therapy method, such as cognitive behavior therapy or interpersonal therapy. Some support groups help women suffering from PPD.

The ability to rest and avoid unwanted visitors are also effective treatments. Sleeping when your baby is asleep will aid in getting enough sleep. Exercise can also improve your mood. The idea of forming a network with family members and friends to assist with childcare and housework can be very helpful.

It's important to remember that feeling depressed doesn't necessarily mean that you're a bad mom or that you are not loving your baby. It's a normal medical condition that requires treatment. And getting treatment can make you feel better and help you feel more motivated to care for your baby. Untreated depression can also affect the relationship between a pregnant mom and her child and could result in serious health issues for baby and mommy. Women 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 anger

Feelings of anger or rage are not listed as physical symptoms of being depressed of postpartum depression in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), but they are common during PPD. Anger can be triggered by a number of things, including rapid changes in hormone levels, sleep deprivation, and anxieties about being the new mom. If you're experiencing these feelings it is important to speak with your doctor. He might conduct a depression test during your follow-up visit following the birth.

You can also get help from a therapist or a support group. It's also essential to let others know how you're feeling, so they can offer assistance. Request assistance with cooking, cleaning or babysitting. You can take advantage of anyone who will take care of your child while you sleep. Make sure you spend time with people who can understand how you're feeling, such as family members and friends or other mothers in mothers' groups.

It is imperative to call 911 immediately if you think of harming your baby or yourself. That's a serious sign of postpartum psychosis. It's a rare, but serious medical condition that can be associated with PPD.

If you have someone in your family who is experiencing these feelings, help them to seek medical assistance. Encourage them to talk to their healthcare provider or join a support group for therapists and offer to accompany them to their appointment as a therapist. You can also help by offering to take care of the baby, running errands or joining in on playdates or outings. 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, shame or deprivation

After the birth the new moms often are affected by feelings like depression, anxiety, or even fatigue. They may also feel depressed or lonely. These are sometimes called the baby blues and can last for a few days or weeks after delivery. If the symptoms persist for longer than two weeks and have been getting worse or if they affect your ability to care for the baby or yourself, or when you think of harming yourself or your baby, then you may be suffering from postpartum depression. When you visit your postpartum doctor, your doctor will assess your condition and refer you to a mental health specialist should it be needed. If you're having thoughts of suicide or risking harm to the baby, contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately.

It is important to keep in mind that it is not your fault that you suffer from PPD, irrespective of the cause. Many factors may play a role in the development of perinatal depression, including hormone changes, lack of sleep and emotional and family issues. There is also a higher risk if you had depression or anxiety during pregnancy or in the past and have an ancestry of depression.

Some women have more difficulty managing postpartum depression, especially if they experience the more severe symptoms, such as feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness or thoughts of harming their baby or themselves. These are indicators of a more serious condition known as postpartum psychosis and can be very harmful for you and the baby. This is a psychiatric crisis that must be treated at a hospital. Call 911 or go straight to the nearest emergency department. It is also crucial to have support systems in place. Find family and friends who are willing to help with housework, childcare and running errands.

4. Feelings of hopelessness or despair

If women's feelings signs of mild depression despair, sadness or despair continue to persist for more than two weeks, it may be a sign of something more serious than the baby blues. Postpartum psychosis is a more serious condition that can trigger these feelings. This is an extremely serious mental illness that can lead to delusions (thoughts or beliefs that aren't true), hallucinations (seeing or smelling things that are not present) and the condition known as mania (a elevated and elated state that seems out of touch with reality) and paranoia. Women suffering from 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.

People with PPD often feel guilt or shame over how they feel. They might also feel that their emotions are reflective of their new baby or that they are horrible mothers. They haven't done anything to trigger their depression. It is caused by a combination of environmental and hormonal factors that are beyond their control.

PPD is treatable and usually goes away with the right treatment. This can include psychotherapy -- or talk therapy with a psychiatrist, psychologist or a mental health counselor- and sometimes medication. Certain antidepressants are able to be taken during breastfeeding. Women should also receive as much rest and support as they can during this time. This may include soliciting help with household chores, from a spouse or family members, or joining a mothers' support group. They should also eat healthy 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 is crucial to talk with her doctor right away. These are serious symptoms that could be a sign of postpartum depression, and should not be dismissed. These symptoms can be more severe than the newborn blues and may prevent mothers from taking care of herself or her baby. Untreated depression can become more serious and may even progress into major depressive disorder. It can also affect the bond between a mother and her child as well as the relationship within the family.

It's not certain what causes postpartum depression however, genetics and medical problems can increase a woman's chances of getting it. Other risk factors are serious anxiety during pregnancy, medical problems both during and after delivery and the lack of support from other women. A woman's risk increases when she has a history with depression.

The majority of women suffering from postpartum depression get better through therapy and medication. Medicine helps to balance the chemical levels in the brain that affect mood. Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy, or an organization for mothers to support each other. The therapist can assist a mother-to-be recognize her feelings and deal with them in healthy ways. SSRIs such as sertraline fluoxetine (Prozac (r)), and paroxetine may be prescribed for depression. A newer drug, brexanolone (Zulresso(r)) is given by IV over two-and-a-half days in the hospital and begins to work quickly. It is safe to take when you are breastfeeding.

It's normal to experience down or sad times after the birth of a baby However, if these feelings do not go away or get worse, it's time to see a doctor. It's especially important to see an obstetrician in the event that a mother is contemplating of harming her child or herself and is a sign of depression that is more severe, referred to as postpartum psychosis, a very rare condition.