Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Many new mothers experience a brief feeling of despair and sadness after the birth of their baby, called the "baby blues." It's important to talk to your GP or health visitor about your feelings.

In certain cases, a new mom may develop something more serious, postpartum psychosis. This can cause hallucinations, a lack of sleep, and fears of harming herself or the baby. Hospitalization is usually required.

1. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

If you feel depressed or worthless, you should seek immediate help from a mental health professional. Tell your doctor if your thoughts are of suicide, or you're thinking of hurting yourself or the baby. These are serious signs of depression returning that should not be ignored. They can also be a sign of other serious types of postpartum depression like postpartum psychosis.

The most common way to treat PPD is antidepressant medicine. This will balance the chemicals in your brain that affect mood. Your doctor will recommend the best treatment for you based upon your symptoms of major depression and if you are breastfeeding. Talk therapy is also a common treatment. Your doctor might suggest the use of a specific therapy method such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy. Some support groups aid women suffering from PPD.

The ability to rest and avoid unwanted visitors are also effective ways to prevent. If your baby is asleep, sleeping when they are asleep will ensure that you are getting enough sleep. Exercise can improve your mood. Making a network of family members and friends to assist with childcare and household chores can be extremely helpful.

It's important to remember that being depressed doesn't mean you're a bad mother or you don't love your baby. It's a normal medical condition that requires treatment. It is possible to feel better after treatment and feel more energetic to care for your child. Untreated depression may also affect the relationship between a pregnant mom and her child, and can lead to serious health issues for baby and mommy. 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 be diagnosed.

2. Feelings of anger or anger

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) does not list anger or rage as symptoms of PPD, but these feelings are quite common. Anger can be triggered by a number of things, including rapid changes in hormone levels, sleep deprivation and anxieties about being new mommy. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms it's best to talk with your physician. He or she may conduct a depression screening during your postpartum follow-up.

You can also seek help from a therapist, or a support group. It's important to let people know what you're feeling so they can provide assistance. Offer help with meals or babysitting, as well as cleaning and running around for errands. If someone offers to look after your baby while you rest then take them up on it. Spend time with people who can understand your feelings like family and friends, or newly mothers in a mothers' group.

You should immediately call 911 if you think of harming your baby or yourself. That's a serious sign of postpartum psychosis. It's a rare but severe medical condition that can be associated with PPD.

Encourage a family member or friend who is suffering from these feelings to seek medical care. Encourage them to talk to their healthcare provider or join a support group for therapists, and offer the opportunity to accompany them to the appointment as a support worker. You can also do other things to help, like offer to babysit or run around, or join in on outings or playdates with your children. You can also set aside time to do things that you enjoy, eat well and rest as much as you need.

3. Feelings of guilt and worthlessness

After the birth Many new mothers feel depression, anxiety, or even fatigue. They may also feel lonely or irritable. They're sometimes referred to as baby blues and can last for several days or even weeks after delivery. If the symptoms persist for longer than two weeks and are worsening or if they hinder your ability care for the baby or yourself or if you are worried about harming yourself or your baby, then you may be suffering from postpartum depression. Your doctor will examine your condition during your postpartum visit and may refer you to a specialist who specializes in mental health if you require. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or risking harm to the baby, call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately.

It is important to remember that PPD is not your fault, no matter the reason. Perinatal depression can be caused by a variety of factors that include hormonal changes, lack of rest, and emotional or family issues. You are at a higher chance of developing depression or anxiety if these issues occurred during pregnancy or previously, and if there is an ancestry history of depression in your family.

Some women are more susceptible to postpartum depression. This is especially the case if they experience more serious symptoms, such as feelings of despair and worthlessness or thoughts of harming themselves or their baby. These are signs of sadness of a more serious problem known as postpartum psychosis. It can be very dangerous for both you and your baby. It is a psychiatric emergency that must be treated in the hospital. Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room. It is important to have a system of support in place. Find family and friends who can help with household chores and childcare, as well as running errands.

4. Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness

If the feelings of despair or despair persist for more than two weeks, it could be a sign that something more serious is happening. They could also indicate a more serious illness known as postpartum psychosis. This is a serious mental illness which can cause delusions, hallucinations and paranoia. Women suffering from these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention, whether by calling an emergency hotline, going to their doctor, or by going to the emergency room.

Women suffering from PPD might be embarrassed or feel guilty about their feelings. They might feel that their feelings reflect on their babies or that they're horrible mothers. However, there is nothing they have done or not done to cause their depression. It is caused by a combination hormonal and environmental factors which are beyond 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 signs and symptoms health counselor -- and sometimes medication. Certain antidepressants are safe for women to use while breastfeeding. Women should also get as much rest and support as they can during this time. You can seek help with household chores or family members or a partner, or join a mothers' support group. They should also eat well exercise, get enough sleep, and see their health care provider regularly to check-ups.

5. Feelings of despair or a sense of inadequacy

It's important that a woman who feels lost or unworthy, immediately consults her doctor. These symptoms could indicate postpartum depression, and should not be ignored. These feelings are more severe than baby blues, and can make it difficult for a new mother to take care of her her child. If left untreated, depression can become severe and can even turn into major depressive disorder. It could also hinder the bond between the mother and the child and also the family's relationship.

It's not certain what causes postpartum depression, but genetics and other medical issues can increase a woman's chances of developing it. Other risk factors include serious stress during pregnancy, medical issues both during as well as after birth and a insufficient support from other women. If the woman has an history of depression, her risk is greater also.

The majority of women with postpartum depressive disorder improve by taking medication and therapy. Medicine helps balance chemicals in the brain which affect mood. Your doctor may suggest psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy and interpersonal therapy or mothers' support groups. The therapist can help the new mother to understand her feelings, and how to deal with them. SSRIs like sertraline, fluoxetine (Prozac (r)), and paroxetine may be prescribed for depression. A newer medication, Brexanolone (Zulresso(r)), is administered via IV over two-and-a-half days in the hospital and works quickly. It is safe to take when breastfeeding.

It's normal to experience sad or down periods after a baby is born however, if the feelings don't disappear or worsen then it's time to consult an expert. It's especially important to see an obstetrician in the event that a mother is contemplating of hurting herself or her baby and is a sign of depression that is more severe, referred to as postpartum psychosis, a very rare condition.