Demetra Ericson

Postpartum Depression Symptoms

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

In some cases the mother of a newborn may develop something even more serious called postpartum psychosis. It can trigger hallucinations, lack of sleep, and fears of harming herself or her baby. Hospitalization is frequently required.

1. Feelings of hopelessness or despair

If you feel a sense of despair or a sense of worthlessness, it's an indication that you should to see an expert in mental health right away. You should also tell your doctor if you are thinking about suicide or have thoughts of hurting yourself or your child. These are very dangerous symptoms and should not be overlooked. They can also be a warning sign for other serious types recognizing early signs of depression postpartum early depression symptoms, like postpartum psychosis.

Antidepressant medication is the most commonly used treatment for PPD. This helps to regulate your brain's chemical imbalances that affect your mood. Your doctor will recommend the medication that's best for you depending on your symptoms and whether or not you're nursing. Talk therapy is a different standard treatment. Your doctor may recommend a specific therapy model such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy. Certain support groups assist women suffering from PPD.

The ability to rest and avoid unwanted visitors are also effective methods of preventing. It's important to get enough rest and a good night's sleep while the baby sleeps can help. Exercise can also boost your mood. Finding a network of friends and family members to assist with childcare and household chores can be extremely helpful.

It is important to keep in mind that feeling depressed does not mean you're an unloving mother or that you are not loving your child. It's a normal medical issue that requires treatment. It is possible to feel better after treatment and be more energized to care for your baby. Untreated depression can also affect the relationship between a new mom and her child and can lead to serious health problems for both the baby and mom. Women of color have higher risks of suffering from postpartum depression compared to white women. This could be due to the fact that they are less likely to seek treatment and receive a diagnosis.

2. Feelings of anger or anger

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) does not include anger or rage as signs of depression in young adults of PPD however, these feelings are not uncommon. Anger can be caused by many things, such as rapid changes in hormones, sleep loss and worries about becoming a new mother. If you're experiencing these emotions it's best to talk with your physician. The doctor may perform a depression screen during your postpartum follow-up.

You can also seek assistance from a therapist, or a support group. It's also important to let people know how you're feeling, so they can offer assistance. Request assistance with food or babysitting, as well as cleaning and running errands. Take advantage of anyone who offers to watch your child while you sleep. Spend time with other people who understand what you're feeling. This could include friends and family members or fellow new moms in a mothers' group.

You must contact the emergency services immediately if think of harming your baby or yourself. This is an indication of postpartum psychosis which is a rare but serious medical condition that can be associated with PPD.

Encourage a family member or friend who is suffering from these feelings to seek medical care. You can accompany them to their appointment to provide support. You can suggest they talk to their healthcare provider, or join a support group for therapists. You can also assist by offering to babysit, run around, or participate in playdates or outings. You can also make time to do activities you enjoy, eat well and rest as much as you need.

3. Feelings of guilt and worthlessness

After childbirth the new moms often experience feelings such as sadness, anxiety or fatigue. They may be lonely or angry. These feelings are often called the baby blues. They can last for a few days or weeks after the birth. If the symptoms persist for more than two weeks and have been getting worse, 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 could be suffering from postpartum depression. In your postpartum appointment your doctor will examine your condition and recommend you to a mental health professional if required. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or risking harm to the baby, contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately.

Remember that PPD isn't the fault of you, regardless of what caused it. Many factors could be involved in the development of perinatal depression including hormonal changes, sleep issues and emotional and family issues. You are also at increased risk if you suffered from depression or anxiety during pregnancy or in the past and have an ancestral history of depression.

Women who are pregnant may have more difficulty coping with postpartum depression, especially if they suffer from more severe symptoms like feelings of despair and hopelessness or thoughts of harming their baby or themselves. These are signs of depression in elderly parents of a more serious illness known as postpartum psychosis and can be very harmful for you and the baby. It is a psychiatric emergency that needs to be treated in an emergency room. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. It is also important to have support systems in place. Find family and friends who are willing to help with household chores, childcare, and running errands.

4. Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness

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 indicate an even more serious condition known as postpartum psychosis. This is a serious mental illness which can cause delusions, hallucinations and paranoia. Women with these symptoms should seek medical attention, either by calling an emergency hotline, going to their doctor, or going to the emergency room.

People with PPD often feel shame or guilt about the way they feel. They might also feel that their feelings are somehow a reflection on their new babies or that they are horrible mothers. They have not done anything to trigger their depression. It is caused by a combination of hormonal and environmental factors that are out of their control.

PPD can be treated and will usually disappear if the treatment is done. This can include psychotherapy or talk therapy with a therapist, such as psychologist, psychiatrist, or a mental health counselor. Sometimes medication is also prescribed. Certain antidepressants can be used during breastfeeding. Women should try to get as much rest and support as they can during this period. This might include asking for help with housework, from a spouse or family members or joining a mothers' support group. They should also eat healthy, exercise and get enough sleep, and see their doctor regularly to check-ups.

5. Feelings of hopelessness or a sense of worthlessness

It's important that women who feel lost or unworthy, immediately seeks out a doctor. These are serious symptoms that could be a sign of postpartum depression and should not be dismissed. These symptoms of major depressive disorder can be more severe than the newborn blues and may prevent mothers from taking care of herself or her baby. If left untreated, depression can become severe and can even turn into a major depression. It can also affect the bond between a mother and her child and the relationship within the family.

It's unclear what causes postpartum depression but genetics and some medical conditions can increase a new mother's chances of developing it. Other risk factors include serious stress during pregnancy, medical issues during the pregnancy and after birth and a insufficient support from other women. If a woman has an 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 which affect mood. Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy, including cognitive behavior therapy, interpersonal therapy or mothers' support groups. The therapist can assist a new mom to recognize her feelings and deal with them in a healthy manner. Medications for depression may also be recommended, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as 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 in the hospital and begins to work quickly. It's safe to take during breastfeeding.

It's normal for a mother to feel depressed or sad after the birth of her baby. If these feelings persist or worsen it is important to talk to the doctor. It's particularly important to consult an expert if the mother has thoughts of hurting her child or herself or her baby, which could be a sign of depression that is more severe, referred to as postpartum psychosis, which is a rare condition.