Postpartum Depression Symptoms
The "baby blues" is a common feeling that new mothers experience following the birth of their child. It's important that you speak to your health professional or doctor to discuss these feelings.
In certain cases the mother of a newborn may be diagnosed with something more grave called postpartum psychosis. This can lead to hallucinations, and a lack of sleep, and also thoughts of harming the mother or her baby. Hospitalization is frequently required.
1. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
If you are experiencing extreme feelings of despair or desperation, it's a sign that you need to consult a mental health professional right away. Tell your doctor if your thoughts are of suicide or if you have any thoughts about harming yourself or your baby. These are dangerous symptoms that should not be ignored. They could also be a sign of other serious forms of postpartum depression, such as postpartum psychosis.
The most common way to treat PPD is antidepressant medicine. This will balance the chemicals in your brain that affect your mood. Your doctor will decide on the best medication for you based on your symptoms and if you are breastfeeding. Talk therapy is also a standard treatment. Your doctor may suggest the use of a specific therapy method like cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy. Support groups can also assist women with PPD.
Other methods include rest and avoiding unnecessary visitors. Sleeping when your baby is asleep will aid in getting enough sleep. Exercise can also improve your mood. The idea of forming a network with friends and family members to help with childcare and housework can be very beneficial.
It's important to remember that feeling depressed doesn't mean that you're a bad mother or you don't love your baby. It's a normal medical issue that needs treatment. Treatment can help you feel better and give you the energy to care for your baby. Untreated depression can affect the relationship between a new mom and her baby and could result in serious health issues for baby and mommy. Women of color are at 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 help and get diagnosed.
2. Feelings of anger or anger
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) does not include anger or rage as symptoms of PPD, but these feelings are not uncommon. Anger can be triggered by a number of things, including rapid changes in hormone levels, sleep deprivation, and worries about being the new mom. If you are experiencing these feelings, it's important to talk with your doctor, who may conduct a depression assessment during your follow-up appointment after the birth.
You can also seek help from a therapist or a support group. It's also important to let others know how you're feeling so they can offer support. Request help with meals or babysitting, as well as cleaning and running around for errands. If someone offers to take care of the baby while you sleep then take them up on it. Spend time with people who understand your needs like family and friends, or even new mothers in a mothers group.
You should immediately call 911 if you think of harming yourself or your baby. This is an indication of postpartum psychiasis which is a rare but serious medical condition that is often associated with PPD.
If you have a friend or family member who is experiencing these thoughts, encourage them to seek medical help. Invite them to their appointment and provide assistance. Iampsychiatry could suggest that they talk to their healthcare provider or join an therapist support group. You could also offer other services to help, like offer to babysit or run errands, or join in on outings or playdates with your children. You can also set aside time to do activities you like, eat healthy, and get enough rest.
3. Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
Many new moms experience feelings like anxiety, sadness or fatigue, loneliness, anger after having children. These feelings are often referred to as the baby blues. They can last for a few days or weeks following the birth. If the symptoms last more than two weeks, are becoming worse, hinder your ability to take care of the baby or yourself or you are worried about hurting yourself or the baby, you may be experiencing postpartum depression (PPD). When you visit your postpartum doctor, your doctor will examine your health and refer you to a mental health specialist should it be needed. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or risking harm to the baby, contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately.
It is important to remember that it is not your fault that you have PPD, no matter the cause. Numerous factors can be involved in the development of perinatal depression including hormone changes, sleep issues as well as emotional and family issues. You may also be at a higher risk if you had anxiety or depression during pregnancy or in the past and have an ancestry of depression.
Certain women are more prone to postpartum depression. This is particularly true if they have more serious symptoms, such as feelings of despair and worthlessness or thoughts about harming themselves or their baby. These are signs of a more serious problem known as postpartum psychosis. It can be very dangerous for both the baby and you. It is a psychiatric crisis and needs to be treated in the hospital. Call 911 or go straight to the nearest emergency department. It is important to have a support system in place. Find friends and family members who will help with housework and childcare, as well as the occasional errands.
4. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
If the feelings of despair or sadness persist for longer 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 that can lead to hallucinations, delusions and paranoia. Women who have these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately, whether that be by calling a hotline, or visiting their doctor, or going to the emergency room.
People with PPD can feel embarrassed or ashamed of their feelings. They might also feel that their emotions are a reflection on their newborn babies or that they are bad mothers. They have not 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 typically goes away with the right treatment. This can include psychotherapy -- or talk therapy with a psychologist, psychiatrist or mental health counselor- and sometimes medication. Certain antidepressants are safe for women to use while breastfeeding. Women should also strive to get as much rest and support as possible during this time. You can seek help with household chores, family members or your partner, or join a mothers' support group. They should also eat healthy, exercise and get enough sleep, and also visit their healthcare provider regularly for checkups.
5. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
It is essential that women who feel lost or unworthy, immediately consults her doctor. These signs could be a sign of postpartum depression, and should not go unnoticed. These symptoms can be more severe than baby blues and could prevent mothers from taking care of her infant or herself. If they're left untreated the depression may last longer and even become a major depressive disorder. It could also hinder the bonding between the mother and the child, as well as the relationship between the family.
Postpartum depression is not known to be caused by a specific factor, but genetics or medical issues can increase the likelihood of a new mom being affected. Other risk factors include stress during pregnancy, medical problems both during and after birth and the lack of support from others. A woman's risk is increased when she has a past history of depression.
The majority of women suffering from postpartum depression recover with medicine and therapy. Medicine helps balance chemical levels in the brain that affect mood. Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as interpersonal therapy, or an organization for mothers to support each other. The therapist will assist the new mother be aware of her feelings and how to deal with them. SSRIs such as sertraline, fluoxetine (Prozac (r)), and paroxetine may be prescribed for depression. Brexanolone, also referred to as Zulresso(r), is a newer drug that is administered via IV over a period of two-and-a half days in a hospital. It is effective immediately. It is safe to use during breastfeeding.
It's normal to experience sadness or depression following the birth of a child however, if the feelings don't disappear or get worse and more severe, it's time to visit an expert. If the mother is having thoughts of harming her child or herself it could be an indication of a more serious type of depression, known as postpartum psychosis. It is a rare disorder.