Postpartum Depression Symptoms
The "baby blues" is a normal feeling experienced by mothers who have just had the birth of their baby. It's important that you speak to your health care provider or doctor to discuss these feelings.
In some instances the mother of a newborn may develop something much more grave: postpartum psychosis. This can lead to hallucinations and a lack in sleep, as well as thoughts of harming the baby or mother. Sometimes, hospitalization is required.
1. Feelings of despair or a sense of insanity
If you feel a sense of despair or desperation It's a sign that you need to consult an expert in mental health right away. Inform your doctor if you are having thoughts are of suicide or if you are thinking about hurting yourself or the baby. These are potentially dangerous signs that should not be ignored. They could also be a warning sign for other severe types of postpartum depression, such as postpartum psychosis.
Antidepressant medications are the most commonly used treatment for PPD. This helps balance the brain's chemical imbalances that affect your mood. Your doctor will recommend the best medication for you according to your symptoms and if you're breastfeeding. Talk therapy is also a popular treatment. Your doctor may suggest a specific model of therapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy or interpersonal therapy. Certain support groups assist women with PPD.
Rest and avoiding unwanted visitors are also effective ways to prevent. It is important to get enough rest, and sleeping when the baby is sleeping can be beneficial. Exercise can also improve your mood. It can also be helpful to find a support network of family and friends who will assist you with household chores and childcare.
It is important to keep in mind that feeling depressed doesn't mean you're an unloving mother or that you don't love your baby. It's not a mental illness. It's an illness that requires treatment. It is possible to feel better after treatment and feel more energetic to take care of your child. Untreated depression can also affect the relationship between a new mom and her baby and cause serious health problems for both the mother and baby. Women of color have an increased risk of developing postpartum depression compared to white women. This could be because they are less likely to seek treatment 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 a sign of PPD however, these emotions are common. Anger can be triggered by a number of things, such as rapid changes in hormone levels, sleep deprivation and anxieties about being new mommy. If you are experiencing these feelings it's crucial to speak with your doctor, who may conduct a depression assessment during your follow-up appointment after delivery.
You can also seek help from a therapist or support group. It's also essential to let others know how you're feeling so they can offer assistance. Ask for help with meals or babysitting, as well as cleaning and running around for errands. If someone offers to look after the baby while you sleep you can take advantage of it. Try to spend time with people who understand what you're feeling. This could include family members or friends or other mothers in a mothers' group.
If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, it's an emergency and you must call 911 or your healthcare professional right away. It's a serious indication of postpartum psychosis, a rare but serious medical condition that can occur with PPD.
If you know someone in your family who is suffering from these feelings, encourage them to seek medical help. Encourage them to talk to their doctor or join a therapist support group and invite them the opportunity to accompany them to the appointment as a support person. You could also offer other services to assist, such as offering babysitting or running around, or join in on outings and playdates with your children. You can also engage in activities that you enjoy and make time to take a healthy diet and get plenty of sleep.
3. Feelings of guilt, shame or deprivation
After the birth Many new mothers experience feelings such as depression, anxiety, or even fatigue. They might also feel lonely or irritable. They're sometimes referred to as baby blues and can last for several days or even weeks following delivery. However, if the symptoms last more than two weeks, and are getting worse, impede your ability to care for the baby or yourself or if you have thoughts of harming yourself or the baby, you could be experiencing postpartum depression (PPD). In your postpartum appointment your doctor will assess your health and refer you to a mental health professional when necessary. Call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you are contemplating harming your baby or suicide.
Remember that PPD isn't your fault, regardless of the cause. Perinatal depression can be triggered by many factors such as hormonal changes, lack of sleep and emotional or family issues. You are at a higher risk of developing depression or anxiety if it was present during pregnancy or prior to, and if there is a family history.
Women who are pregnant may have more difficulty managing postpartum depression, particularly if they are suffering from the more severe symptoms, such as feelings of despair and desperation or thoughts of hurting their baby or themselves. These symptoms are indicative of an even more serious condition known as postpartum psychosis. This condition can be risky for you and your baby. It is a psychiatric crisis and needs to be treated in a hospital. Call 911 or go straight to the nearest emergency department. It is crucial to have a system of support in place. Look for family and friends who are willing to help with childcare, housework and other errands.
4. Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
If the feelings of worthlessness or sadness persist for longer than two weeks, it could be a sign something more serious is happening. They could also indicate an even more serious condition known as postpartum psychosis. This is a serious mental illness that can cause delusions (thoughts or beliefs that aren't true), hallucinations (seeing, hearing or smelling things that are not there), an euphoria (a high and elated mood that seems out of touch with reality) and paranoia. www.iampsychiatry.com with these symptoms should seek medical attention, whether by calling an emergency hotline, visiting their doctor, or going to the emergency room.
Women with PPD may feel ashamed or guilty about their feelings. They may also feel that their emotions are an expression of their new babies or that they are horrible mothers. They haven't done anything to trigger 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 could include psychotherapy or talk therapy with a therapist, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or a mental health counselor. Sometimes medication is also prescribed. Some antidepressants are safe to use while breastfeeding. Women should also seek as much support and rest as they can during this time. This could include seeking help with chores, a partner or family member, or joining a mothers' support group. They should also make sure to eat healthy and get plenty of sleep and exercise, and visit their healthcare provider for regular checkups and any questions they may have.
5. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
If a woman is experiencing feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness it is important to speak to her doctor right away. These signs could be a sign of postpartum depression and should not be ignored. These symptoms can be more severe than the newborn blues and can keep a new mother from taking care of her infant or herself. If left untreated and untreated, depression can get worse and turn into a major depressive disorder. It can also affect the bond between mothers and their children as well as the bond within the family.
It's not known what causes postpartum depression but genetics and other medical problems can increase a mother's chances of getting it. Other risk factors include serious stress during the pregnancy, medical issues during pregnancy as well as after birth, and insufficient support from other women. A woman's risk increases when she has a history of depression.
Most women with postpartum depressive disorder improve by taking medication and therapy. Medicine can help balance the chemicals in the brain that influence mood. Your doctor can suggest psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy, or a mother's support group. The therapist can help the new mother to be aware of her feelings and how to manage them. SSRIs such as sertraline fluoxetine (Prozac (r)), and paroxetine can be prescribed to treat depression. Brexanolone, also known as Zulresso(r) is a brand new medication that is administered intravenously over two and a half days in the hospital. It starts working immediately. It is safe to take while breastfeeding.
It's normal for a mother to feel depressed or sad after the birth of her child. However, if these feelings persist or get worse it's crucial to speak with the doctor. If the mother is having thoughts of harming herself or her child it could be a sign of a more severe form of depression called postpartum psychsis. This is a rare disorder.