Postpartum Depression Symptoms
(Image: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/general-medical-council-logo.png)The “baby blues” is a common symptoms of depression feeling experienced by new mothers after the birth of their child. It is important to talk to your doctor or health visitor to discuss your feelings.
In certain cases the new mother may be diagnosed with something more grave known as postpartum psychosis. This could cause hallucinations, and a lack of sleep, as well as thoughts of harming the baby or mother. Hospitalization is sometimes required.
1. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
If you are experiencing extreme feelings of despair or a sense of worthlessness this is a sign that you need to visit a mental health professional right away. It is important to inform your doctor if there is a thought about suicide or have thoughts of harming your child or yourself. These are serious signs of emotional distress that should not be ignored. They could also be a sign of other severe types of postpartum depression like postpartum psychosis.
The most commonly used method to treat PPD is to use antidepressants. This helps to regulate the chemicals in your brain that affect mood. Your doctor will suggest the medication that is best for you based on your symptoms and if you're nursing. Talk therapy is a different standard treatment. Your doctor may suggest an individual therapy method like cognitive behavior therapy or interpersonal therapy. Some support groups also aid women with PPD.
The ability to rest and avoid unwanted visitors are also effective methods of preventing. The act of sleeping while your baby is asleep can ensure that you are getting enough sleep. Exercise can improve your mood. The idea of forming a network with friends and family members to help with childcare and household chores can be extremely helpful.
It is important to keep in mind that feeling depressed doesn't necessarily mean that you're not a good mom or you are not loving your child. It's a normal medical condition that needs treatment. It is possible to feel better after treatment and be more energized to take care of your child. Untreated depression can also affect the relationship between a mother and her baby and lead to serious health issues for the mother and baby. Women of color have a higher risk of postpartum depression than 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
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 things, including rapid changes in hormone levels, sleep deprivation and anxiety about becoming a new mom. If you're experiencing these emotions it's crucial to speak to your doctor, who might conduct a depression test during your follow-up appointment after delivery.
You can also seek assistance from a therapist or a support group. It's important to let people know how you're feeling, so they can offer assistance. Offer help with meals or babysitting, as well as cleaning and running errands. Make use of anyone who offers to take care of your baby while you nap. Spend time with others who can understand how you're feeling. This could include family members and friends or other mothers in a mothers' group.
If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, that's an emergency and you should contact 911 or your healthcare provider now. That's a serious sign of postpartum psychosis, a rare but severe medical condition that can be associated with PPD.
If you know a friend or family member who is experiencing these feelings, encourage them to seek medical help. Offer to accompany them to their appointment to offer assistance. You can suggest that they talk to their healthcare professional or join an online support group for therapists. You can also do other things to help, like offer babysitting or running for errands, or go on outings or playdates with your children. You can also engage in activities that you enjoy and take time to consume a balanced diet and get adequate sleep.
3. Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
Many new moms experience feelings like anxiety, sadness, fatigue, loneliness or anger after having children. They are often referred to as the baby blues, and can last for some days or weeks following delivery. However, if the symptoms last for more than two weeks, are becoming worse, hinder your ability to take care of your baby or yourself, or include thoughts of harming yourself or the baby, you may be experiencing postpartum depression (PPD). During your postpartum appointment, your doctor will assess your health and refer you to a mental health professional if needed. If you're having thoughts of suicide or harming the baby, contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately.
Remember that PPD is not the fault of you, regardless of what caused it. Many factors may contribute to the development of perinatal depression such as hormonal changes, sleep deprivation and emotional and family issues. You are also at increased risk if you experienced anxiety or depression during pregnancy or in the past and have an ancestral history of depression.
Certain women are more prone to postpartum depression. This is especially the case if they experience more severe symptoms, like feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness or thoughts of harming themselves or their baby. These symptoms can indicate a more severe condition called postpartum psychosis, which could be harmful for both you and your baby. It is a psychiatric emergency and needs to be treated in the hospital. 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 childcare, housework and errands.
4. Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
If feelings of desperation, sadness or hopelessness persist for longer than two weeks this could indicate that something more serious is going on. Postpartum psychosis is a serious condition that can trigger these feelings. This is a serious mental health indicators of depression illness that can lead to delusions (thoughts or beliefs that aren't real), hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there), an euphoria (a elevated and elated state that seems out of touch with reality) and paranoia. Women suffering from these symptoms should seek medical help immediately, whether that be by calling a hotline, or visiting their doctor or going to the emergency room.
Women with PPD may be embarrassed or feel guilty about their feelings. They may feel that their feelings are reflected on their children or they're horrible mothers. They have not done anything to cause their depression. It is caused by a combination of hormonal and environmental factors which are beyond their control.
PPD is treatable and typically is cured with the proper treatment. This can include psychotherapy - or talk therapy with a psychiatrist, psychologist or mental health counselorand sometimes medication. Some antidepressants are safe to take during breastfeeding. Women should also seek as much support and rest as they can throughout this time. This may include seeking help with chores, a partner or family member or joining a mothers' group. They should also make sure to eat well and get plenty of sleep and exercise, and visit their healthcare provider for regular checks and any concerns they may have.
5. Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
It is crucial that a woman who feels in despair or unable to feel valued immediately consults with her doctor. These symptoms could indicate postpartum depression, and should not be ignored. These feelings may be more severe than baby blues and could prevent mothers from taking care of her child or herself. If they're not treated and untreated, depression can get worse and become a major depressive disorder. It can also interfere with the bonding between the mother and her child, as well as the relationship between the family.
Postpartum depression isn't believed to be caused by anything specific however, genetics or medical issues can increase the chances of a new mother getting it. Other risk factors are serious anxiety during pregnancy, medical problems both during and after birth and a lack of support from family and friends. The risk for a woman increases when she has a history with depression symptoms in Seniors.
Most women with postpartum depression improve with medicine and therapy. Medicine helps to balance the chemicals in the brain which affect mood. Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy, interpersonal therapy or mothers' support groups. The therapist will assist the new mother comprehend her feelings, and how to deal with them. The use early signs of depression medications for depression could be recommended, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline (Zoloft®), the fluoxetine (Prozac®) and paroxetine (Paxil®). Brexanolone, also known as Zulresso® is a newer medication that is administered via IV over a period of two and a half days in the hospital. It starts working immediately. It's safe to use when breastfeeding.
It's normal for people to experience sadness or depression following the birth of a child However, if these feelings do not go away or worsen, it's time to see a doctor. If the mother is experiencing thoughts of harming her child or herself, this could be an indication of a more serious type of depression called postpartum psychsis. This is a rare disorder.