Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Many new mothers experience a brief feeling of sadness and hopelessness after the birth of their child, called the "baby blues." It is important to speak to your doctor or health care professional about these feelings.

In some cases a new mom may develop something more grave such as postpartum psychosis. This can lead to hallucinations, and a lack of sleep, as well as thoughts of harming the mother or her baby. Hospitalization is frequently required.

1. Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness

If you feel a sense of despair or a sense of worthlessness this is an indication that you should to visit an expert in mental health immediately. Inform your doctor if you are having thoughts are of suicide, or if you are thinking about harming yourself or your baby. These are extremely dangerous signs and should not be ignored. These symptoms may also be an indication of more severe forms of postpartum depressive disorders, including postpartum schizophrenia.

The most common way to treat PPD is to use antidepressants. This helps to regulate your brain's chemical imbalances that influence your mood. Your doctor will recommend the best medication for you based on your symptoms of moderate depression and whether or not you're breastfeeding. Talk therapy is also a popular treatment. Your doctor may suggest specific therapy methods like cognitive behavior therapy or interpersonal therapy. Support groups can also assist women suffering from PPD.

Other treatments include sleeping and avoiding visits from unnecessary people. The act of sleeping while your baby is asleep will ensure that you are getting enough sleep. Exercise can boost your mood. It can also be helpful to establish a support system of family and friends who can assist you with household chores and childcare.

It's important to remember that feeling depressed does not mean you're an unloving mother or that you don't love your baby. It's a normal medical issue that needs treatment. And getting treatment can make you feel better and help you feel more motivated to care for your baby. Untreated depression can affect the relationship between a pregnant mom and her baby and could lead to serious health issues for the mother and baby. Women of color are at an increased risk of developing postpartum depression than white women. This could be because they are less likely to seek help and be diagnosed.

2. Feelings of anger or rage

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) does not mention anger or rage as signs of PPD, but these feelings are quite common. Anger can be triggered by a variety of things, such as rapid changes in hormone levels, sleep deprivation, and worries about being the new mom. If you're experiencing these emotions, it's best to speak to your doctor. They may conduct a depression screening during your postpartum follow-up.

You can also seek assistance from a therapist or a support group. It is important to let other people know how you're feeling to allow them to provide support. Offer assistance with cooking, cleaning, babysitting and running errands. If someone is willing to care for 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 and friends, or other new mothers in a mothers' group.

If you're thinking of harming yourself or the baby, that's an emergency and you should contact 911 or your healthcare provider right away. This is an indication of postpartum psychosis, which is a rare but serious medical condition that can happen with PPD.

Encourage your family member or friend who is suffering from these feelings to seek medical treatment. Suggest that they talk to their healthcare professional or join a support group for therapists and invite them to accompany them to their appointment as a support worker. You could also help by offering to take care of the baby, running the errands, or join in on playdates or outings. You can also engage in things you enjoy and take time to eat well and get enough sleep.

3. Feelings of guilt or a sense of inadequacy

After birth, many new mothers experience feelings such as sadness, anxiety or fatigue. They might be lonely or angry. They are often referred to as the baby blues and may last for some days or weeks after delivery. However, if the symptoms last more than two weeks, are getting worse, interfere with your ability to care for your baby or yourself, or include thoughts of hurting yourself or the baby, you may be suffering from postpartum depression symptoms in children (more info) (PPD). Your doctor will assess your condition during your postpartum appointment and may refer you to a doctor who specializes in mental health if needed. Call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you are contemplating taking your baby's life or committing suicide.

It is important to remember that it is not your fault if you have PPD, regardless of the cause. Perinatal depression can be caused by a variety types of depression causes, including hormonal changes, lack of rest and emotional or familial issues. You are at greater chance of developing depression or anxiety if these issues occurred during pregnancy or previously, and if there is an ancestral history.

Certain women are more prone to postpartum depression. This is especially when they exhibit more serious symptoms, such as feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness or thoughts about harming themselves or their baby. These are psychological signs of depression of a more serious illness known as postpartum psychosis. It can be very dangerous for both you and your baby. It is a psychiatric emergency and requires treatment in the hospital. Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room. 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 woman's feelings of depression, despair, sadness, or worthlessness persist for longer than two weeks, it could be indicative of something more serious than the baby blues. Postpartum psychosis is a severe condition that can cause these feelings. This is a serious mental illness that can lead to hallucinations, delusions and paranoia. Women with these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention, whether by calling an emergency hotline, going to their doctor, or by going to the emergency room.

People with PPD often feel shame or guilt about the way they are feeling. They might also feel that their feelings are a reflection on their newborn babies or that they are horrible mothers. However there is nothing they've done or failed to do that causes their depression. It is caused by a mix of hormonal and environmental factors that are outside of their control.

PPD is treatable and typically goes away with the right treatment. This can include psychotherapy - or talk therapy with a psychiatrist, psychologist or mental health counselor -and sometimes, medication. Certain antidepressants are safe for women to use while breastfeeding. Women should try to get as much rest and support as possible during this period. You can seek help with household chores, family members or a partner, or even join a mothers support group. They should also make sure to eat well and get plenty of sleep and exercise, and see their physician regularly for examinations and any other questions they have.

5. Feelings of despair or hopelessness

It is essential that women who feel lost or unworthy, immediately consults her doctor. These are serious signs of depression in young adults that can indicate postpartum depression and should not be dismissed. These feelings are more severe than baby blues, and may hinder a new mom from taking care of her or her child. If they're not treated and untreated, depression can last longer and even develop into a major depression disorder. It could also hinder the bonding between a mother and her child and the family's bond.

It's unclear what causes postpartum depression, but genetics and some medical issues can increase a mother's chances of developing it. Other risk factors include stress during pregnancy, medical problems both during and after birth and the absence of support from family and friends. If the woman has had a history of depression her risk is higher also.

Most women with postpartum depression improve through therapy and medication. Medicine can help balance the chemicals in the brain that influence mood. Your doctor might recommend psychotherapy such as cognitive behavior therapy, interpersonal therapy or a mother's support group. The therapist can assist a new mom to learn to understand her feelings and manage them in healthy ways. SSRIs such as sertraline fluoxetine (Prozac (r)), and paroxetine can be prescribed to treat depression. A newer medication, Brexanolone (Zulresso(r)) is administered via IV over two-and-a-half days in the hospital and starts working quickly. It's safe to use when breastfeeding.

It's normal for a mom to feel sad or depressed after the birth of her baby. However, if the feelings persist or become worse it is important to talk to an expert. It's crucial to see a doctor if the mother has thoughts of harming her child or herself, which are signs of more serious depression called postpartum psychosis, which is a rare condition.