Postpartum Depression Symptoms

The "baby blues" is a normal feeling experienced by mothers who have just had the birth of their baby. It is important to talk to your doctor or health visitor to discuss these feelings.

In some cases the mother of a newborn may experience something more grave postpartum psychosis. This can cause hallucinations, and a lack of sleep, and also thoughts of harming the baby or mother. Hospitalization is often needed.

1. Feelings of hopelessness or despair

If you experience extreme feelings of despair or desperation, it's a sign that you need to visit a mental health professional right away. Talk to your doctor if your thoughts are about suicide or if you are thinking of hurting yourself or the baby. These are extremely dangerous signs and should not be ignored. These symptoms can also be a sign of more severe forms of postpartum depression disorders, such as postpartum schizophrenia.

The most commonly used method to treat PPD is to use antidepressants. This helps to regulate the brain's chemicals that affect your mood. Your doctor will determine the most effective medication for you based upon your symptoms and if you are breastfeeding. Talk therapy is another standard treatment. Your doctor may suggest a specific model of therapy like cognitive behavior therapy or interpersonal therapy. Certain support groups assist women with PPD.

Rest and avoiding unwanted visitors are also effective treatments. The act of sleeping while your baby is asleep can help you get enough sleep. Exercise can improve your mood. It is also beneficial to build a network of family and friends who can help with household chores or childcare.

It's important to remember that being depressed doesn't mean you're a bad mother or that you don't love your baby. It's not a mental disorder. It's medical issue that requires treatment. The treatment you receive can make you feel better and give you the strength to care for your child. Untreated depression may also affect the relationship between a new mom and her child, and can lead to serious health issues for mom and baby. Women of color are more likely to suffer more from postpartum depression than white women, perhaps because they're less likely seek treatment and to be diagnosed.

2. Feelings of anger or rage

Anger or rage are not listed as a sign of postpartum depression in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), however, they are a common occurrence in PPD. Anger can be triggered by a variety of things, including rapid changes in hormone levels, sleep deprivation, and anxiety about becoming a new mom. If you're experiencing these emotions it's best to talk to your doctor. They might conduct a depression test during your postpartum follow-up.

You can also seek assistance from a therapist or a support group. It's important to let people know how you're feeling so they can offer support. Offer help with meals cleaning, babysitting, or running through errands. You can take advantage of anyone who offers to take care of your child while you sleep. Spend time with others who can understand how you're feeling, such as family members or friends or fellow new mothers in a mothers' group.

It is imperative to immediately call 911 if you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. This is a sign of postpartum psychosis, a rare, but serious medical condition that can occur with PPD.

Encourage the friend or family member who is experiencing these feelings to seek medical treatment. Invite them to their appointment to offer assistance. You could suggest that they speak to their healthcare provider, or join an online support group for therapists. You could also offer other services to help, such as offering to babysit or run for errands, or go on outings and playdates with your children. You can also engage in things that you like and make time to consume a balanced diet and get adequate sleep.

3. Feelings of guilt or worthlessness

Many new moms experience feelings such as anxiety, sadness or fatigue, loneliness, irritation after childbirth. They're sometimes referred to as baby blues and may last for several days or even weeks following delivery. If the psychological symptoms of depression persist for more than two weeks and are getting worse or if they hinder your ability care for the baby or yourself or if you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, you could be suffering from postpartum depression. Your doctor will examine your condition during your postpartum appointment and will refer you to a specialist who specializes in mental health, if required. Contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you are contemplating hurting your baby or taking the plunge.

Remember that PPD is not your fault, no matter what caused it. Many factors may play a role in the development of perinatal depression including hormonal changes, lack of sleep and family and emotional issues. You may also be at a higher risk if you suffered from depression or anxiety during pregnancy or in the past and have an ancestry of depression.

Some women are more susceptible to postpartum depression. This is particularly the case if they experience more serious symptoms, such as feelings of despair and worthlessness or thoughts of harming themselves or their baby. These signs are indicative of a more severe disorder known as postpartum psychosis. It could be harmful for both you and your baby. This is a psychiatric emergency that needs to be treated in a hospital. Call 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency department. It is important to have a support system in place. Find family and friends who are willing to assist with housework, childcare and errands.

4. Feelings of despair or a sense of insanity

If the woman's feelings of depression, sadness, worthlessness or hopelessness persist for longer than two weeks, it could be indicative of something more severe than the baby blues. They could also be a sign of a more serious illness known as postpartum psychosis. This is a very serious mental illness that can trigger delusions (thoughts or beliefs that aren't real) as well as hallucinations (seeing or smelling things that are not present) and the condition known as mania (a exuberant and elated mood that seems out of touch with reality) and paranoia. Women who experience these symptoms should seek medical assistance immediately, whether that be by calling a hotline, visiting their doctor or visiting the emergency room.

People with PPD can feel embarrassed or ashamed of their feelings. They may believe that their feelings are reflected on their children or they're terrible mothers. But there is nothing they have done or not done that causes their depression. It is caused by a combination of hormones and environmental factors that are out of their control.

PPD can be treated and typically disappears with the proper treatment. This could include psychotherapy or talk therapy with a therapist, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or mental health counselor. Sometimes, medication may be prescribed. Certain antidepressants are safe to take during breastfeeding. Women should try to get as much rest and support as they can during this time. This may include asking for help with housework as well as a partner or family member or joining a mothers' group. They should also eat well, exercise and get enough sleep, and visit their doctor regularly for checkups.

5. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

It is essential that women who feel hopeless or worthless immediately consults her doctor. These physical signs of being depressed could be a sign of postpartum depression and should not be ignored. These feelings are more severe than baby blues and may prevent the new mom from taking care of her child or herself. Untreated depression can become more serious and may even progress into a major depressive disorder. It can also affect the bond between a mother and her child as well as the relationship within the family.

It's unclear what causes postpartum depression, however, genetics and medical conditions can increase a woman's chances of developing it. Other risk factors include serious stress during the pregnancy, medical problems both during and after birth and the lack of support from others. The risk for a woman increases when she has a history with depression.

The majority of women suffering from postpartum depression disorder recover with medication and therapy. Medicine helps to balance the chemicals in the brain that affect mood. Your doctor may suggest psychotherapy, including cognitive behavior therapy and interpersonal therapy or mothers' support groups. The therapist will help the new mother to be aware of her feelings and how to handle them. Treatments for depression might also be recommended, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline (Zoloft(r)), fluoxetine (Prozac(r)) and paroxetine (Paxil(r)). A newer medication, called Brexanolone (Zulresso(r)), is administered by IV over two and a half days at the hospital and begins to work quickly. It's safe to use when breastfeeding.

It's normal to have some sad or down periods after a baby is born However, if these feelings don't go away or become worse, it's time to see a doctor. It's crucial to see an expert if the mother has thoughts of harming herself or her baby or her baby, which could be a sign of more serious depression, also known as postpartum psychosis. It's a rare condition.