Postpartum Depression Symptoms

The "baby blues" is a common feeling experienced by new mothers after the birth of their child. It is essential to speak to your health professional or doctor to discuss your feelings.

In some cases the mother of a newborn may develop something even more serious: postpartum psychosis. This can cause hallucinations and lack of sleep, along with thoughts of harming the mother or her baby. Hospitalization is frequently required.

1. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

If you feel hopeless or depressed, you must seek immediate help from an expert in mental health. It is important to inform your doctor if there is a thought about suicide or are thinking of harming yourself or your baby. These are very dangerous symptoms and should not be ignored. They could also be a sign of other severe types of postpartum depression, like postpartum psychosis.

Antidepressant medications are the most commonly used treatment for PPD. This will balance the brain's chemicals that affect mood. Your doctor will recommend the medication that is best for you based on your symptoms and if you're nursing. Talk therapy is also a standard treatment. Your doctor may recommend the use of a specific therapy method like cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy. Some support groups also help women with PPD.

Other options include rest and avoiding visitors who are not necessary. It is important to get enough rest, and sleeping when the baby is sleeping can help. Exercise can also boost your mood. It is also beneficial to find a support network physical signs of depression family and friends who will help you with housework and childcare.

It's important to remember that being depressed doesn't mean that you're a bad mother or that you don't love your baby. It's a normal occurrence that needs treatment. You can feel better after treatment and feel more energetic to take care of your child. Untreated depression may also affect the relationship between a new mom and her child, and can lead to serious health issues for both mom and baby. Women of race are more likely to suffer more from postpartum depression than white women, possibly because they're less likely to seek treatment and to be diagnosed.

2. Feelings anger or anger

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) does not include anger or rage as a sign of PPD, but these feelings are not uncommon. Anger can be caused by a variety of factors like rapid changes in hormones, sleep deprivation, and worries about becoming a new mother. If you are experiencing these emotions, it's important to talk to your doctor, who may do a depression screening during your follow-up appointment after delivery.

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 support. Ask for help with cleaning, cooking or babysitting. Take advantage of anyone who offers to look after your baby while you nap. Spend time with people who can understand your feelings like family and friends, or new mothers in a mothers' group.

You must call 911 immediately if you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. This is a sign of postpartum psychosis. It's a rare but severe medical condition that can be associated with PPD.

Encourage your family member or friend who is experiencing these feelings to seek medical attention. Suggest that they talk to their doctor or join a support group for therapists and offer to accompany them to their appointment as a therapist. You can also do other things to help, like offer to babysit or run errands, or join in on outings or playdates with the children. You can also set aside time to do things that you like, eat healthy, and get enough rest.

3. Feelings of guilt, shame or deprivation

After birth the new moms often are affected by feelings like sadness, anxiety or fatigue. They might also feel depressed or lonely. They're sometimes referred to as baby blues and can last for several days or even weeks after the birth. But if these symptoms last longer than two weeks, are becoming worse, impede your ability to take care of the baby or yourself or if you have thoughts of harming yourself or the baby, you could be experiencing postpartum depression (PPD). Your doctor will assess your health during your postpartum appointment and can refer you to someone who is trained in mental health if needed. If you are having 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 suffer from PPD, no matter the cause. Perinatal depression can be triggered by many factors that include hormonal changes, lack of rest and emotional or familial issues. You are also at increased risk if you had depression or anxiety during pregnancy or in the past and have an ancestry of depression.

Some women have more difficulty coping with postpartum depression, particularly if they are suffering from the more severe symptoms like feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness or thoughts of harming them or their baby. These are signs of mental health problems of a more serious problem known as postpartum psychosis. It could be extremely dangerous for you and the baby. It is a psychiatric emergency that must be treated in the hospital. Call 911 or go straight to the nearest emergency department. It is also crucial to have support systems in place. Find friends and family members who can help with household chores and childcare and other running errands.

4. Feelings of despair or hopelessness

If feelings of desperation or despair persist for longer than two weeks, it could indicate that something more serious is going on. Postpartum psychosis is a more serious condition that can trigger these feelings. This is a serious mental illness that can lead to hallucinations, delusions and paranoia. Women suffering from these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention, either by calling an emergency hotline, seeing their doctor, or going to the emergency room.

Women with PPD can often feel shame or guilt about the way they feel. They may also believe that their emotions are reflective of their new baby or that they are terrible mothers. They have not done anything to cause their depression. It is caused by a combination of environmental and hormonal factors that are beyond their control.

PPD can be treated and typically is cured with the proper treatment. This could involve psychotherapy or talk therapy with a psychologist, psychiatrist or mental health counselor -and sometimes medication. Certain antidepressants are safe to take during breastfeeding. Women should also strive to get as much sleep and support as they can during this time. This could include asking for help with housework, from a spouse or family member, or joining a mothers' group. They should also eat well exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and visit their doctor regularly for checkups.

5. Feelings of hopelessness or a sense of worthlessness

It is crucial that a woman who feels lost or unworthy, immediately consults with her doctor. These signs and symptoms of major depression could be a sign of postpartum clinical depression symptoms, and should be taken seriously. These feelings are more severe than the baby blues and may prevent mothers from taking care of herself or her baby. If they're not treated, the depression can get worse and become a major depressive disorder. It can also affect the bonding between the mother and child and the relationship between the family.

Postpartum depression isn't known to be caused by any specific cause however, medical or genetic factors can increase the likelihood of a new mother experiencing it. Other risk factors include stress during the pregnancy, medical problems during pregnancy and after birth, and lack of support from others. If women have an history of depression, her risk of developing depression is higher also.

Many women who suffer from postpartum depression recover by taking medication and therapy. Medicine helps to balance the brain's chemicals that affect mood. Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy, or an organization for mothers to support each other. The therapist can assist a mother-to-be understand her feelings and handle them in a healthy manner. Treatments for depression might also be suggested, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline (Zoloft(r)) and fluoxetine (Prozac(r)) and paroxetine (Paxil(r)). Brexanolone is also known as Zulresso(r) is a brand new medication that is administered intravenously over two and a half days in a hospital. It is effective immediately. It's safe to use while 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 worsen, it's time to see an expert. If the mother is experiencing thoughts of harming her child or herself, this could be a sign of a more serious type of depression, known as postpartum psychosis. It is a rare disorder.