Postpartum Depression SymptomsMany new mothers experience a brief feeling of despair and sadness following the birth of their baby which is known as the "baby blues." It's important to talk to your GP or health visitor about these feelings.
In some cases a new mom may develop something more serious, postpartum psychosis. This may cause hallucinations, a lack of sleep and thoughts of harming herself or her baby. Hospitalization may be required.
1. Feelings of hopelessness or despair
If you feel a sense of hopelessness or worthlessness this is a sign that you need to visit an expert in mental health immediately. It is important to inform your doctor if there is a thought about suicide or think of harming your child or yourself. These are dangerous symptoms that should not be overlooked. They could also be a warning sign of other serious types of postpartum depression, such as postpartum psychosis.
The most commonly used method to treat PPD is with antidepressant medication. This will help balance the brain's chemicals that affect your mood. Your doctor will suggest the best medication for you according to your symptoms and if you're breastfeeding. Talk therapy is another popular treatment. Your doctor may recommend the use of a specific therapy method such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy. Some support groups help women with PPD.
The ability to rest and avoid unwanted visitors are also effective ways to prevent. The act of sleeping while your baby is asleep will ensure that you are getting enough sleep. Exercise can also boost your mood. It can also be helpful to find a support network of family and friends who will assist you with household chores and childcare.
It's important to remember that feeling depressed doesn't mean that you're a bad mother or you don't love your baby. It's a normal medical condition that needs treatment. You'll feel better after treatment and feel more energetic to care for your child. Depression that is not treated can affect the relationship between a mother and her baby and cause serious health problems for both the mother and baby. Women of color have a higher risk of postpartum depression than white women. This could be because they are less likely to seek help and receive a diagnosis.
2. Feelings of anger or anger
Feelings of anger or rage are not considered to be symptoms of severe depression of postpartum depression in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), but they are common in PPD. Anger can be triggered by a variety of factors, including sudden changes in hormone levels, sleep deprivation, and anxiety about becoming new mommy. If you're experiencing these emotions it's best to talk to your doctor. They may conduct a depression screening during your postpartum follow-up.
You can also seek help from a therapist or a support group. It's also essential to let others know how you're feeling to allow them to offer help. Request assistance with food or babysitting, as well as cleaning and running errands. You can take advantage of anyone who offers to watch your baby while you nap. Try to spend time with others who can understand how you're feeling, such as friends and family members or other moms in a mothers' group.
You must contact the emergency services immediately if have thoughts of harming your baby or yourself. That's a serious sign of postpartum psychosis. It's a rare but serious medical condition that is often associated with PPD.
Encourage a family member or friend who is suffering from these feelings to seek medical attention. Offer to accompany them to their appointment to offer support. You could suggest that they talk to their healthcare provider or join an therapist support group. You could also help by offering to watch your child, running around, or participate in outings or playdates. You can also participate in things that you like and take a healthy diet and get plenty of sleep.
3. Feelings of guilt, shame and a sense of inadequacy
Many new mothers experience feelings of depression, anxiety and fatigue, loneliness, or irritability after childbirth. These feelings are commonly referred to as the baby blues. They can last for a few days or weeks after the birth. If the symptoms persist for more than two weeks and have been getting worse, or if they hinder your ability to take care of your baby or yourself, or if you are worried about harming yourself or your baby, then you could be suffering from postpartum depression. Your doctor will examine your health at your postpartum check-up and can refer you to a specialist who is trained in mental health if needed. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or harming the baby, contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately.
It is important to remember that it is not your fault if you suffer from PPD, no matter what caused it. Perinatal depression can be caused by a variety of causes that include hormonal changes, lack of sleep, and emotional or family issues. You are at an increased chance of developing depression or anxiety if these issues was present during pregnancy or prior to or if you have an ancestral history.
Some women are more susceptible to postpartum depression. This is particularly when they exhibit more serious symptoms, such as feelings of hopelessness and desperation or thoughts of harming their child or themselves. These symptoms are indicative of a more severe disorder known as postpartum psychosis. This condition could be harmful for both you and your baby. This is a mental health crisis that needs to be treated in an emergency room. Call 911 or go straight to the nearest emergency department. It is important to have a support system in place. Find friends and family members who can help with household chores and childcare and the occasional errands.
4. Feelings of despair or a sense of insanity
If women's feelings signs of mental health problems despair, sadness, or worthlessness continue to persist for more than two weeks, they could be a sign of something more severe than the baby blues. Postpartum psychosis is a severe condition that can cause these feelings. This is a serious mental illness that can trigger hallucinations, delusions and paranoia. Women who experience these symptoms should seek medical help immediately, either by calling a hotline, or visiting their doctor or visiting the emergency room.
Women with PPD can often feel shame or guilt about how they feel. They might also feel that their emotions are an expression of their new baby or that they are horrible mothers. But there is nothing they've done or failed to do to cause their depression. It is caused by a combination of hormones and environmental factors that are outside of their control.
PPD is treatable and typically goes away with the right treatment. This could include psychotherapy- or talk therapy with a psychiatrist, psychologist or a mental health counselorand sometimes, medication. Some antidepressants are safe to take while breastfeeding. Women should try to get as much rest and support as possible during this time. You can ask for help with household chores family members, a partner, or even join a mothers' support group. They should also eat well exercise, get enough sleep, and also visit their health care provider regularly to check-ups.
5. Feelings of despair or hopelessness
It's important that women who feel lost or unworthy, immediately consults with her doctor. These physical signs of being depressed could be a sign of postpartum depressive disorder and should be taken seriously. These symptoms are more severe than the newborn blues and can keep a new mother from taking care of her child or herself. If they're left untreated and untreated, depression can last longer and even turn into a major depressive disorder. It can also affect the bond between a mother and her child as well as the bond 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 issues both during as well as after birth, and insufficient support from other women. If the woman has had a history of depression her risk is higher also.
Most women with postpartum depressive disorder improve through therapy and medication. Medicine helps to balance the chemicals in the brain that affect mood. Your doctor can recommend psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy, or an organization for mothers to support each other. Therapists can assist a mother-to-be understand her feelings and handle these feelings in a healthy way. The use of medications for depression could be suggested, including 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 brand new medication that is administered intravenously over a period of two-and-a half days in the hospital. It starts working immediately. It is safe to take when breastfeeding.
It's normal to experience sadness or depression after the birth of a baby However, if these feelings don't disappear or worsen then it's time to consult a doctor. It's especially important to see an expert if the mother has thoughts of hurting her child or herself or her baby, which could be a sign of more serious depression called postpartum psychosis. It's a rare condition.