Postpartum Depression Symptoms

The "baby blues" is a common feeling experienced by mothers who have just had the birth of their baby. It's important that you talk to your health care provider or doctor to discuss your feelings.

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

1. Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness

If you feel hopeless or worthless, you should seek immediate assistance from a mental health professional. Tell your doctor if your thoughts are about suicide or you're thinking about harming yourself or your baby. These are serious warning signs of depression that should not be overlooked. These symptoms may also be a sign of more severe postpartum depression disorders, such as postpartum schizophrenia.

Antidepressant medication is the most common treatment for PPD. This helps to regulate the brain's chemicals that affect mood. Your doctor will determine the most effective medication for you based on your symptoms as well as whether you are breastfeeding. Talk therapy is another standard treatment. Your doctor may recommend an individual therapy model like cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy. Certain support groups assist women with PPD.

Other treatments include sleeping and avoiding visits from unnecessary people. It's important to get enough rest and a good night's sleep when your baby is asleep can be beneficial. Exercise can boost your mood. Finding a network of family members and friends to assist with childcare and housework can be very helpful.

It's important to remember that feeling depressed does not mean you're a bad mother or that you don't love your child. It's a normal medical condition that needs treatment. You can feel better after treatment and feel more energetic to care for your baby. Untreated depression can also impact a new mother's relationship with her baby and lead to serious health issues for the baby and mom. Women of color are more likely to suffer more from postpartum depression than white women, perhaps because they're less likely seek treatment and be diagnosed.

2. Feelings anger or rage

Rage or anger are not listed as 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 factors including rapid changes in hormones, sleep deprivation and anxieties about becoming a mother. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms you should speak to your doctor. The doctor might conduct a depression test during your postpartum follow-up.

You can also get help from a therapist or a support group. It's also important to let others know how you're feeling, to allow them to offer help. Offer help with cleaning, cooking babysitting, running errands and so on. Take advantage of anyone who will look after your child while you sleep. Make sure you spend time with others who understand what you're feeling, such as friends and family members or fellow new moms in mothers' groups.

If you're thinking psychological indicators of depression harming yourself or your baby, it's an emergency and you must call 911 or your healthcare provider right away. This is a sign of postpartum psychosis, which is a rare, but serious medical condition that can occur with PPD.

If you have someone in your family who is having these feelings, help them to seek medical assistance. Encourage them to talk to their healthcare professional or join a therapist support group, and offer to accompany them to the appointment as a therapist. You can also assist by offering to watch your child, running errands or joining in on playdates or outings. You can also take time to do things you like, eat a healthy diet and rest as much as you need.

3. Feelings of guilt and worthlessness

Many new moms experience feelings like anxiety, sadness, fatigue, loneliness or irritation after childbirth. These feelings are commonly referred to as the baby blues and may last for a few weeks or days after delivery. But if these symptoms last more than two weeks, are getting worse, interfere with your ability to care for your baby or yourself, or you are worried about hurting yourself or the baby, you may be suffering from postpartum depression (PPD). Your doctor will assess your health during your postpartum appointment and can refer you to someone who is specialized in mental health if you require. Contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you think of hurting your baby or taking the plunge.

It is crucial to remember that it is not your fault if you have PPD, no matter what caused it. Perinatal depression can be caused by a variety of causes such as hormonal changes, lack of sleep, and emotional or family issues. You are at a higher risk of developing depression or anxiety if it occurred during pregnancy or before, and if there is a family history.

Certain women are more prone to postpartum depression. This is particularly true if they have more severe symptoms, like feelings of hopelessness and desperation or thoughts about harming themselves or their baby. These signs are indicative of an even more serious condition known as postpartum psychosis. It could be harmful for both you and your baby. It is a psychiatric emergency that needs to be treated in a hospital. Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room. It is also crucial to have support systems in place. Look for family and friends who are willing to assist with housework, childcare and running errands.

4. Feelings of hopelessness or a sense of worthlessness

If the feelings of despair or despair persist for longer than two weeks it could be a sign that something more serious is going on. Postpartum psychosis is a severe condition that can cause these feelings. This is a very serious mental illness that can trigger delusions (thoughts or beliefs that aren't real) as well as hallucinations (seeing, hearing or smelling things that are not there) and an euphoria (a high and elated mood that is out of touch with reality) and paranoia. Women who experience 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 guilt or shame over the way they feel. They may feel that their feelings reflect on their babies or that they're horrible mothers. However there is nothing they have done or failed to do that causes their depression. It is caused by a combination of hormones and environmental factors that are out of their control.

PPD is treatable and typically is cured with the proper treatment. This may include psychotherapy or talk therapy with a therapist such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or mental health counselor. Sometimes medication is also prescribed. Certain antidepressants are safe to use while breastfeeding. Women should also get as much support and rest as possible during this period. You can seek assistance with household chores family members, a partner, or join a mothers support group. They should also eat a balanced diet exercise, get enough sleep, and see their health care provider regularly to check-ups.

5. Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness

It is essential that a woman who feels lost or unworthy, immediately consults her doctor. These are serious symptoms that could indicate postpartum depression and should never be ignored. These symptoms are more severe than baby blues and can hinder a new mom from taking care of her her child. If they're not treated, the depression can last longer and even become a major depressive disorder. It can also affect the bond between mothers and their children and the relationship within the family.

Postpartum depression isn't known to be caused by a specific factor, but medical or genetic issues may increase the likelihood of a mother-to-be getting it. Other risk factors are serious stress during pregnancy, medical problems both during and after delivery, and lack support from family and friends. A woman's risk increases when she has a history with depression.

The majority of women with postpartum depressive disorder recover by taking medication and therapy. Medicine helps to balance the brain's chemicals that affect mood. Your doctor can suggest psychotherapy, such as cognitive symptoms of depression behavioral therapy, as well as interpersonal therapy or a support group for mothers. Therapists can assist a mother-to-be learn to understand her feelings and manage these feelings in a healthy way. The use of medications for depression could be recommended, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline (Zoloft(r)) and the fluoxetine (Prozac(r)) and paroxetine (Paxil(r)). A newer drug, Brexanolone (Zulresso(r)), is administered via IV over two and a half days at the hospital and begins to work quickly. It's safe to use while breastfeeding.

It's normal for a mother to feel sad or depressed after the birth of her baby. If these feelings persist or get worse it is important to talk to a doctor. If the mother is having thoughts of harming herself or her child This could be an indication of a more serious form of depression known as postpartum psychsis. This is a rare condition.