postpartum depression symptoms (Menwiki blog post)

The "baby blues" is a normal feeling experienced by mothers who have just had the birth of their child. It's important that you speak to your health professional or doctor to discuss these feelings.

In certain cases, a new mother may develop something more serious postpartum psychosis. This can cause hallucinations, lack of sleep and thoughts of harming herself or her baby. Hospitalization is often needed.

1. Feelings of despair or a sense of insanity

If you feel a sense of hopelessness or worthlessness this is a sign that you need to see a mental health professional immediately. Talk to your doctor if your thoughts are of suicide or you're thinking about harming yourself or your baby. These are extremely dangerous physical signs of depression and should not be overlooked. They could also be a sign of other severe types of postpartum depression like postpartum psychosis.

The most popular method to treat PPD is to use antidepressants. This will help balance the brain's chemicals that affect your mood. Your doctor will decide on the best treatment for you based on your symptoms as well as whether you are breastfeeding. Talk therapy is another popular treatment. Your doctor may recommend a specific model of therapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy or interpersonal therapy. Some support groups help women suffering from PPD.

Other methods include sleeping and avoiding visits from unnecessary people. The act of sleeping while your baby is asleep can help you get enough sleep. Exercise can improve your mood. It can also be helpful to find a support network of family and friends who will help you with housework and childcare.

It's important to remember that feeling depressed does not mean that you are not a good mom or you are not loving your baby. It's a normal occurrence that requires treatment. It is possible to feel better after treatment and be more energized to care for your child. Untreated depression can also affect the relationship between a mother and her baby and lead to serious health issues for the mother and baby. Women of race 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 of anger or rage

Feelings of anger or rage are not considered to be symptoms 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 variety of things, including rapid changes in hormone levels, sleep deprivation, and worries about being new mommy. If you are experiencing these emotions it is important to speak with your doctor, who may conduct a depression assessment during your follow-up visit following the birth.

You can also get help from a therapist or a support group. It's important to let others know how you're feeling to allow them to provide assistance. Offer assistance with eating, babysitting, cleaning and running errands. If someone offers to look after the baby while you sleep then take them up on it. Try to spend time with people who understand how you're feeling, like family members and friends or fellow new mothers in the mothers' group.

If you're thinking of harming yourself or the baby, that's an emergency and you should call 911 or your healthcare provider right now. This is a sign of postpartum psychiasis which is a rare, but serious medical condition that can be associated with PPD.

Encourage your friend or family member who is experiencing these feelings to seek medical treatment. Suggest that they talk to their healthcare professional or join a therapist support group and offer to go with them to the appointment as a therapist. You can also help by offering to take care of the baby, running the errands, or join in on outings or playdates. You can also participate in activities that you enjoy and make time to consume a balanced diet and get adequate sleep.

3. Feelings of guilt or a sense of inadequacy

Many new mothers experience feelings of anxiety, sadness or fatigue, loneliness, anger after having children. They're sometimes referred to as baby blues and may last for several days or even weeks after the birth. If the symptoms last longer than two weeks, are getting worse, hinder your ability to care for the baby or yourself, or include thoughts of hurting yourself or the baby, you may be suffering from postpartum depression (PPD). During your postpartum appointment, your doctor will assess your condition and refer you to a mental health specialist if needed. Contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you have thoughts of taking your baby's life or committing suicide.

It is important to remember that PPD is not your fault, no matter the cause. Numerous factors can contribute to the development of perinatal depression including hormone changes, lack of sleep and family and emotional issues. You are at greater chance of developing depression or anxiety if these issues occurred during pregnancy or before, and if there is an ancestry history of depression in your family.

Certain women are more prone to postpartum depression. This is particularly true if they have more severe symptoms, such as feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness or thoughts of harming their child or themselves. These symptoms are indicative of a more severe condition called postpartum psychosis, which can be risky for you and your baby. This is a psychiatric crisis that must be treated at an emergency room. Call 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency department. It is also important to have support systems in place. Seek out friends and family who are willing to assist with housework, childcare and running errands.

4. Feelings of despair or hopelessness

If the feelings of worthlessness or despair persist for more than two weeks, it could be a sign something more serious is occurring. Postpartum psychosis is a serious condition that can trigger these feelings. This is a serious mental illness that can trigger delusions (thoughts or beliefs that are not true) as well as hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there), mania (a high and elated mood that seems out of touch with reality) and paranoia. Women suffering from these symptoms should seek medical attention, either by calling an emergency hotline, going to their doctor, or by going to the emergency room.

Women suffering from PPD may feel guilt or shame about how they feel. They may also believe that their feelings are somehow a reflection on their newborn babies or that they are bad mothers. They haven't done anything to cause their depression. It is caused by a mix of hormonal and environmental factors that are outside of their control.

PPD can be treated and can 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 can be used during breastfeeding. Women should also strive to get as much rest and support as they can during this time. This may include soliciting help with household chores, from a spouse or family member, or joining a mothers' support group. They should also make sure to eat well, get plenty of sleep and exercise, and see their physician regularly for checks and any concerns they have.

5. Feelings of hopelessness or despair

It is crucial that a woman who feels lost or unworthy, immediately consults with her doctor. These are serious internal signs of depression that can indicate postpartum depression and should not be dismissed. These symptoms may be more severe than the newborn blues and can keep mothers from taking care of herself or her baby. Untreated depression can become more severe and even develop into a major depressive disorder. It can also affect the bonding between the mother and her child, as well as the family's bond.

It's unclear what causes postpartum depression but genetics and some medical issues can increase a new mother's likelihood of developing it. Other risk factors include anxiety during pregnancy, medical problems both during and after the birth and the lack of support from others. If women have a history of depression symptoms checklist, her risk is higher also.

Many women who suffer from postpartum depression get better through therapy and medication. Medicine helps balance chemical levels in the brain that affect mood. Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as interpersonal therapy or a mother's support group. The therapist will assist the new mother comprehend her feelings, and how to handle them. SSRIs like sertraline, fluoxetine (Prozac (r)), and paroxetine can be prescribed to treat depression. A newer medication, brexanolone (Zulresso(r)) is administered via IV over a period of two and a half days in the hospital and works quickly. It is safe to use during breastfeeding.

It's normal to experience sad or down periods after a baby is born however, if the feelings do not go away or become worse and more severe, it's time to visit an expert. It's especially important to see an obstetrician if the mother has thoughts of harming her child or herself, which are signs of more serious depression, also known as postpartum psychosis, which is a rare condition.