Postpartum Depression Symptoms

The "baby blues" is a common feeling experienced by new mothers after the birth of their baby. It is important to consult your health care provider or doctor to discuss these feelings.

In some cases the new mother may be diagnosed with something more serious called postpartum psychosis. This could cause hallucinations and lack of sleep, along with thoughts of harming the mother or her baby. Hospitalization is usually required.

1. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

If you feel helpless or unworthy, you should seek immediate help from an expert in mental health. You should also tell your doctor if there is a thought about suicide or think of hurting yourself or your baby. These are potentially dangerous physical signs of depression that should not be overlooked. They could also be a warning sign of other severe types of postpartum depression, such as postpartum psychosis.

Antidepressant medication is the most common treatment for PPD. This will balance your brain's chemical imbalances that influence your mood. Your doctor will recommend the best medication for you according to your symptoms and if you're breastfeeding. Talk therapy is another standard treatment. Your doctor might suggest the use of a specific therapy method such as Cognitive Symptoms Of Depression behavior therapy or interpersonal therapy. Certain support groups assist women with PPD.

Rest and avoiding unwanted visitors are also effective treatments. It's important to sleep enough and a good night's sleep when your baby is asleep can help. Exercise can boost your mood. The idea of forming a network with friends and family members to help with childcare or household chores can be extremely helpful.

It's important to keep in mind that feeling depressed doesn't mean that you are not a good mom or you are not loving your child. It's a normal occurrence that needs treatment. Treatment can help 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 issues for the baby and mom. Women of race are more likely to experience more severe postpartum depression than white women, possibly because they're less likely to seek treatment and get diagnosed.

2. Feelings anger or rage

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) does not list anger or rage as symptoms of PPD however, these feelings are not uncommon. Anger can be triggered by a variety of causes like rapid changes in hormones, sleep deprivation and anxiety about becoming a mother. If you are experiencing these emotions, it's important to talk 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 crucial to let others know how you feel so they can provide support. Request help with meals, babysitting, cleaning and running around for errands. If someone offers to take care of the baby while you nap then take them up on it. Make sure you spend time with people who understand how you're feeling, like family members or friends, or other new moms in mothers' groups.

If you're thinking of harming yourself or your baby, it's an emergency and you should contact 911 or your healthcare provider immediately. This is a sign of postpartum psychosis, a rare but severe medical condition that can occur with PPD.

Encourage the friend or family member who is experiencing these feelings to seek medical attention. Suggest that they talk to their doctor or join a support group for therapists and offer the opportunity to accompany them to their appointment as a therapist. You can also help by offering to watch your child, running the errands, or join in on outings or playdates. You can also take time to do things you enjoy, eat well and take a good amount of rest.

3. Feelings of guilt or a sense of inadequacy

Many new mothers experience feelings of depression, anxiety and fatigue, loneliness, or irritation after childbirth. These feelings are commonly referred to as the baby blues, and can last for a few weeks or days after delivery. If the symptoms last more than two weeks, are getting worse, hinder your ability to care for your baby or yourself, or if you have thoughts of harming yourself or the baby, you may be experiencing postpartum depression (PPD). Your doctor will examine your situation during your postpartum appointment and will refer you to a specialist who is trained in mental health, if required. If you're having thoughts of suicide or risking harm to the baby, contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately.

Remember that PPD isn't your fault, regardless of the reason. Many factors may contribute to the development of perinatal depression such as hormonal changes, sleep issues and family and emotional issues. You are at greater chance of developing depression or anxiety if these issues occurred during pregnancy or previously, and if there is a family history.

Women who are pregnant may have more difficulty coping with postpartum depression, particularly if they suffer from more severe symptoms, such as feelings of despair and hopelessness or thoughts of harming them or their baby. These are indicators of a more serious condition known as postpartum psychosis. It can be very harmful for both the baby and you. It is a psychiatric emergency and needs to be treated in the hospital. Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room. It is essential to have a support system in place. Find family and friends who are willing to help with household chores, childcare, and errands.

4. Feelings of despair or hopelessness

If a woman's feelings of sadness, worthlessness or hopelessness persist for longer than two weeks, it may be a sign of something more severe than the baby blues. They could also be a sign of a more serious condition known as postpartum psychosis. This is an extremely serious mental illness that can lead to delusions (thoughts or beliefs that aren't real) as well as hallucinations (seeing or smelling things that are not present) as well as an euphoria (a elevated and elated state that is out of touch with reality) and paranoia. Women who have these symptoms should seek medical help immediately, whether that be by calling a hotline or a doctor, or by visiting their doctor or visiting the emergency room.

Women suffering from PPD may feel guilt or shame over the way they feel. They might also feel that their emotions are a reflection on their new babies or that they are horrible mothers. They haven't done anything to cause their depression. It is caused by a combination hormonal and environmental factors which are beyond their control.

PPD is treatable and usually disappears with the proper treatment. This can include psychotherapy - or talk therapy with a psychologist, psychiatrist or mental health counselor- and sometimes medication. Some antidepressants are safe to take while breastfeeding. Women should also seek as much support and rest as they can during this time. You can seek help with household chores or family members or a partner, or join a mothers support group. They should also ensure to eat well and get plenty of rest and exercise, and consult their physician regularly for examinations and any other questions they have.

5. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

It's important that women who feel hopeless or worthless immediately seeks out a doctor. These are serious internal signs of depression that can indicate postpartum depression, and should not be ignored. These symptoms are more severe than the newborn blues and can keep a new mother from taking care of her infant or herself. If left untreated, the depression can last longer and even turn into a major depressive disorder symptoms disorder. It can also affect the bond between mothers and their children as well as the relationship within the family.

It's not known what causes postpartum depression, but genetics and some medical problems can increase a new mother's likelihood of developing it. Other risk factors include stress during the pregnancy, medical problems during the pregnancy and post-birth, and absence of support from family and friends. If the woman has had a history of depression her risk is greater as well.

Most women with postpartum depressive disorder symptoms disorder get better by taking medication and therapy. Medicine helps to balance the chemical levels in the brain that influence mood. Your doctor can suggest psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as interpersonal therapy or a support group for mothers. The therapist can help the new mother understand her feelings, and how to manage them. SSRIs such as sertraline, fluoxetine (Prozac (r)), and paroxetine may be prescribed to treat depression. A newer drug, brexanolone (Zulresso(r)), is administered via IV over a period of two and a half days in the hospital and begins to work quickly. It is safe to use when breastfeeding.

It's normal to experience down or sad times after a baby is born, but if these feelings don't go away or become worse and more severe, it's time to visit an expert. If the mother is experiencing thoughts of harming her child or herself it could be an indication of a more serious type of depression, known as postpartum psychosis. It is a rare disorder.