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 new mother may be diagnosed with something more serious called postpartum psychosis. This can cause hallucinations, a lack of sleep and thoughts of harming herself or her baby. Hospitalization is often needed.

1. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

If you feel hopeless or unworthy, you should seek immediate assistance from a mental health professional. You should also tell your doctor if you think about suicide or have thoughts of harming yourself or your child. These are extremely dangerous signs and should not be overlooked. These physical symptoms of depression can also be an indication of more severe forms of postpartum depression disorders, such as postpartum schizophrenia.

Antidepressant medication is the most common symptoms of depression treatment for PPD. This will balance the chemicals in your brain that affect mood. Your doctor will recommend the most effective medication for you based upon your symptoms and whether you are breastfeeding. Talk therapy is a different standard treatment. Your doctor may suggest an individual therapy model such as cognitive behavior therapy or interpersonal therapy. Certain support groups assist women suffering from PPD.

Rest and avoiding unwanted visitors are also effective ways to prevent. 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 assist you with household chores 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 child. It's a normal medical condition that needs treatment. And getting treatment can make you feel better and give you the strength to take care of your child. Untreated depression may also affect the relationship between a pregnant mom and her baby, and can lead to serious health issues for mom and baby. Women of color are more likely to experience more severe postpartum depression than white women, possibly because they're less likely seek treatment and get diagnosed.

2. Feelings anger or rage

Rage or anger are not listed as symptoms of postpartum depression in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), however, they are commonplace during PPD. Anger can be triggered by a variety of factors like rapid changes in hormones, sleep deprivation, and anxieties about becoming a mother. If you're experiencing these feelings you should speak with your doctor. He or she may perform a depression screen during your postpartum follow-up.

You can also seek help from a therapist, or a support group. It is important to let others know how you're feeling to allow them to provide assistance. Ask for assistance with eating, babysitting, cleaning and running through errands. Take advantage of anyone who offers to watch your baby while you nap. Spend time with people who understand your needs like family and friends, or newly mothers in a mothers group.

If you're thinking of harming yourself or the baby, that's an emergency and you should call 911 or your healthcare professional right immediately. It's a serious indication of postpartum psychosis. It's a rare but serious medical condition that is often associated with PPD.

If you have a friend or family member who is having these feelings, help them to seek medical attention. Offer to accompany them to their appointment to offer assistance. You can suggest they talk to their doctor or join an therapist support group. You can also help by offering to watch your child, running around, or participate in outings or playdates. You can also do things that you like and take time to take a healthy diet and get plenty of sleep.

3. Feelings of guilt and feeling unworthy

Many new mothers experience feelings of depression, anxiety or fatigue, loneliness, anger after having children. These are sometimes called the baby blues, and can last for a few days or weeks following delivery. If the symptoms last for more than two weeks, are becoming worse, impede your ability to care for the baby or yourself or include thoughts of hurting yourself or the baby, you could be suffering from postpartum depression (PPD). When you visit your postpartum doctor, your doctor will assess your condition and recommend you to a mental health professional should it be needed. Call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you have thoughts of taking your baby's life or committing suicide.

Remember that PPD isn't the fault of you, 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 also at increased risk if you suffered from anxiety or depression during pregnancy or in the past and have an ancestral history of depression.

Women who are pregnant may have more difficulty dealing with postpartum depression, particularly when they suffer from more severe symptoms, such as feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness or fears of harming them or their baby. These are signs of mental health problems of a more serious problem known as postpartum psychosis and could be extremely dangerous for you and the baby. This is a psychiatric crisis that requires treatment at an emergency room. Call 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency department. It is also important to have support systems in place. Find friends and family members who will help with housework and childcare and other errands.

4. Feelings of hopelessness or a sense of worthlessness

If the woman's feelings of depression, despair, sadness or despair persist for more than two weeks, it could be indicative of something more serious than the baby blues. Postpartum psychosis is a severe condition that can trigger these feelings. This is an extremely serious mental illness that can lead to delusions (thoughts or beliefs that aren't true) and hallucinations (seeing or smelling things that are not there), mania (a elevated and elated state that is out of touch with reality) and paranoia. Women who experience these symptoms should seek medical attention, whether by calling an emergency hotline, visiting their doctor, or visiting the emergency room.

People with PPD often feel guilt or shame about the way they feel. They might also feel that their feelings are reflective of their babies or that they are bad mothers. They haven't done anything to trigger their depression. It is caused by a mix of environmental and hormonal factors that are beyond their control.

PPD is treatable and usually goes away with the right treatment. This can include psychotherapy - or talk therapy with a psychologist, psychiatrist or mental health counselorand sometimes medication. Certain antidepressants can be used during breastfeeding. Women should also strive to get as much sleep and support as they can during this time. This may include soliciting help with household chores as well as a partner or family member, or joining a mothers' group. They should also ensure that they eat a healthy diet and get plenty of rest and exercise, and visit their doctor regularly for checks and any concerns they have.

5. Feelings of hopelessness or a sense of worthlessness

It's important that a woman who feels hopeless or worthless immediately consults with her doctor. These symptoms can indicate postpartum depression and should not go unnoticed. These feelings are more serious than the blues of a newborn, and could prevent a new mother taking care of her or her child. If they're left untreated, the depression can persist for a longer time and eventually 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 some medical issues can increase a new mother's chances of developing it. Other risk factors are serious stress during pregnancy, medical problems both during and after birth, and lack support from other women. If the woman has had a history of depression her risk of developing depression is higher also.

The majority of women suffering from postpartum teenage depression symptoms disorder get better with medication and therapy. Medicine helps balance the brain's chemicals that influence mood. Your doctor can suggest psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as interpersonal therapy, or a mother's support group. The therapist can assist a new mom to recognize her feelings and handle them in healthy ways. Treatments for depression might also be suggested, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline (Zoloft(r)) and the fluoxetine (Prozac(r)) and paroxetine (Paxil(r)). Brexanolone is also known as Zulresso(r) is a newer drug that is administered intravenously over two and a half days in the hospital. It begins working as soon as it is administered. It's safe to use during breastfeeding.

It's normal for a mom to feel depressed or sad after the birth of her child. If these feelings persist or worsen, it's important to consult the doctor. If the mother is having thoughts of harming herself or her child This could be a sign of a more severe form of depression known as postpartum psychsis. This is a rare disorder.