Postpartum Depression Symptoms
The "baby blues" is a common feeling experienced by mothers who have just had the birth of their child. It is important to consult your health professional or doctor to discuss your feelings.
In some cases the mother of a newborn may develop something even more grave: postpartum psychosis. It can trigger hallucinations, a lack of sleep and thoughts of harming herself or her baby. Hospitalization is often needed.
1. Feelings
identifying early signs of depression hopelessness or a sense of worthlessness
If you are experiencing extreme feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness this is an indication that you should to visit an expert in mental health immediately. Talk to your doctor if your thoughts are of suicide or you're thinking of hurting yourself or the baby. These are dangerous symptoms that should not be ignored. They can also be a warning sign for other severe types of postpartum depression like postpartum psychosis.
Antidepressant medications are the most commonly used treatment for PPD. This will balance your brain's chemical imbalances that affect your mood. Your doctor will recommend the best medication for you based on your
depressive symptoms checklist and whether you are breastfeeding. Talk therapy is also a popular treatment. Your doctor may suggest an individual therapy model like cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy. Certain support groups assist women suffering from PPD.
Relaxation and avoiding visitors are also effective treatments. It's important to get enough rest and a good night's sleep when the baby is sleeping can be beneficial. Exercise can also boost your mood. It is also beneficial to establish a support system of family and friends that can help with household chores or childcare.
It's important to remember that feeling depressed does not mean you're a bad mother or you don't love your baby. It's not a mental illness. It is a medical condition that requires treatment. You can feel better after treatment and have more energy to take care of your child. Depression that is not treated can affect a new mother's relationship with her child and can lead to serious health issues for the mom and baby. Women of race are more likely to suffer more from postpartum depression than white women, possibly because they're less likely seek treatment and get diagnosed.
2. Feelings of 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), however, they are a common occurrence during PPD. Anger can be triggered by a variety of causes, such as rapid changes in hormones, sleep deprivation and anxieties about becoming a mother. If you are experiencing these emotions, it's important to talk to your doctor, who might conduct a depression test during your follow-up visit following delivery.
You can also seek assistance from a therapist, or a support group. It's also important to let others know how you're feeling so they can offer support. Ask for assistance with food, babysitting, cleaning and running through errands. If someone offers to take care of the baby while you nap then take them up on it. Spend time with others who can understand how you're feeling. This could include family members and friends, or other new moms in mothers' groups.
If you're thinking of harming yourself or your baby, it's an emergency and you must call 911 or your healthcare provider right immediately. This is a sign of postpartum psychiasis, which is a rare but serious medical condition that is often associated with PPD.
If you know someone in your family who is suffering from these feelings, help them to seek medical help. Invite them to their appointment to offer support. You could suggest that they speak to their healthcare professional, or join an online support group for therapists. You can also assist by offering to babysit, run errands or joining in on outings or playdates. You can also participate in activities that you enjoy and make time to take a healthy diet and get plenty of sleep.
3. Feelings of guilt or a sense of inadequacy
After childbirth the new moms often experience feelings such as anxiety, sadness or fatigue. They might be lonely or angry. These feelings are commonly referred to as the baby blues, and can last for a few weeks or days after delivery. If the symptoms persist for more than two weeks and are getting worse or if they interfere with your ability care for the baby or yourself or when you think of harming yourself or your baby, you could be suffering from postpartum depression. Your doctor will evaluate your condition at your postpartum check-up and will refer you to someone who is trained in mental health if needed. If you're having thoughts of suicide or risking harm to the baby, contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately.
Remember that PPD is not your fault, regardless of what caused it. Many factors may contribute to the development
signs of emotional distress perinatal depression, including hormonal changes, lack of sleep and emotional and family issues. You are at an increased risk if depression or anxiety occurred during pregnancy or previously or if you have a family history.
Some women are more susceptible to postpartum depression. This is especially the case if they experience more severe 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 can be risky for you and your baby. This is a psychiatric crisis that needs to be treated in a hospital. Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room. It is essential to have a system of support in place. Seek out friends and family who are willing to help with housework, childcare and running errands.
4. Feelings of hopelessness or a sense of worthlessness
If feelings of desperation or sadness persist for longer than two weeks this could be a sign that something more serious is going on. Postpartum psychosis is a more severe condition that can cause these feelings. This is an extremely serious mental illness that can cause delusions, hallucinations and paranoia. Women who experience these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately, whether by calling a hotline, visiting their doctor, or going to the emergency room.
Women suffering from PPD might be embarrassed or feel guilty about their feelings. They may feel that their feelings are reflected on their babies or that they're horrible mothers. They haven't done anything to cause their depression. It is caused by a mix of hormonal and environmental factors that are out of their control.
PPD can be treated and can disappear with the right treatment. This can include psychotherapy - or talk therapy with a psychiatrist, psychologist or mental health counselor- and sometimes medication. Some antidepressants can be taken while breastfeeding. Women should try to get as much rest and support as possible during this period. You can seek assistance with household chores, family members or a partner, or even join a mothers support group. They should also make sure to eat healthy and get plenty of sleep and exercise, and see their physician regularly for checks and any concerns they have.
5. Feelings of hopelessness or a sense of worthlessness
If a woman is having feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness it is important to speak to her doctor immediately. These are serious
signs of depression relapse that could be a sign of postpartum depression and should never be overlooked. These symptoms may be more severe than baby blues and may prevent a new mother from taking care of her child or herself. If depression is not treated, it can become more severe and even develop into major depression. It can also affect the bond between a mother and child, as well as the relationship between the family.
It's unclear what causes postpartum depression, but genetics and other medical problems can increase a new mother's chances of developing it. Other risk factors include anxiety during pregnancy, medical problems both during and after delivery, and lack support from family and friends. A woman's risk is increased when she has a history of depression.
Most women with postpartum depression get better with medicine and therapy. Medicine helps balance the chemicals in the brain that affect mood. Your doctor may suggest psychotherapy, including cognitive behavior therapy, interpersonal therapy or mothers' support groups. Therapists can assist a mother-to-be learn to understand her feelings and deal with them in a healthy manner. SSRIs such as sertraline fluoxetine (Prozac (r)), and paroxetine can be prescribed to treat depression. A newer medication, called Brexanolone (Zulresso(r)), is given by IV over two and a half days at the hospital and begins to work quickly. It's safe to take when breastfeeding.
It's normal for a mom to feel sad or depressed after the birth of her child. However, if the feelings persist or become worse, it's important to consult a doctor. If the mother is experiencing thoughts of harming herself or her child it could be an indication of a more serious type of depression known as postpartum psychsis. This is a rare condition.
