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 health care provider or doctor to discuss these feelings.
In some cases the mother of a newborn may experience something more grave, postpartum psychosis. It can trigger hallucinations, lack of sleep and thoughts of harming herself or her baby. Hospitalization is sometimes required.
1. Feelings of hopelessness or a sense of worthlessness
If you feel depressed or worthless, you should seek immediate help from a mental health professional. You should also tell your doctor if there is a thought about suicide or have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. These are dangerous symptoms that should not be ignored. They can also be a warning sign of other serious forms of postpartum depression, like postpartum depression symptoms psychosis.
The most popular method to treat PPD is to use antidepressants. This will help balance the brain's chemicals that affect mood. Your doctor will decide on the best medication for you based upon your symptoms and whether you are breastfeeding. Talk therapy is another standard treatment. Your doctor may suggest the use of a specific therapy method such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy. Some support groups aid women with PPD.
Other methods include rest and avoiding unnecessary visitors. It's important to sleep enough, and sleeping while the baby sleeps can be beneficial. Exercise can improve your mood. The idea of forming a network with family members and friends to help with childcare or housework can be very helpful.
It's important to keep in mind that feeling depressed does not necessarily mean that you're an unloving mother or that you do not love your child. It's a normal medical condition that needs treatment. The treatment you receive can make you feel better and give you the energy to take care of your baby. Untreated depression can also affect the relationship between a mother and her baby and lead to serious health problems for both the mother and baby. Women of color have a higher risk of postpartum depression compared with white women. This could be because 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 mention anger or rage as symptoms of PPD however, these emotions are not uncommon. Anger can be triggered by many things, such as rapid changes in hormones, sleep loss and anxieties about becoming a mother. If you're experiencing these emotions it's best to talk with your physician. The doctor may perform a depression screen during your postpartum follow-up.
You can also get help from a therapist, or a support group. It is important to let other people know how you feel to allow them to provide support. Offer help with cleaning, cooking, babysitting and running errands. Take advantage of anyone who will look after your child while you sleep. Spend time with people who understand your feelings like family members and friends, or newly mothers in a mothers' group.
If you're thinking of harming yourself or the baby, it's an emergency situation and you should contact 911 or your healthcare professional right immediately. That's a serious sign of postpartum psychosis, which is a rare but severe medical condition that can occur with PPD.
Encourage a family member or friend who is experiencing these feelings to seek medical care. It is suggested that they speak to their healthcare provider or join a therapist support group and offer to go with them to their appointment as a support person. You can also assist by offering to babysit, run the errands, or join in on outings or playdates. You can also engage in things that you like and take time to eat well and get enough sleep.
3. Feelings of guilt, shame and a sense of inadequacy
Many new moms experience feelings like sadness, anxiety and 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. If these symptoms persist for more than two weeks and have been getting worse, or if they hinder your ability to take care of the baby or yourself, or if you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, then you could be suffering from postpartum depression. In your postpartum appointment your doctor will evaluate your condition and refer you to a mental health professional if necessary. Call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you have thoughts of hurting your baby or taking the plunge.
It is important to keep in mind that it is not your fault if you suffer from PPD, no matter what caused it. Many factors could be involved in the development of perinatal depression, such as hormonal changes, sleep issues as well as emotional and family issues. You are also at increased risk if you had anxiety or depression during pregnancy or in the past and have an ancestry recognizing signs of depression depression.
Women who are pregnant may have more difficulty dealing with postpartum depression, especially if they suffer from more severe symptoms like feelings of despair and hopelessness or thoughts of harming them or their baby. These are signs of anxiety and depression of a more serious condition known as postpartum psychosis and could be extremely dangerous for both you and your baby. This is a psychiatric crisis that needs to be treated in a hospital. Contact 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency department. It is important to have a support system in place. Seek out friends and family who are willing to assist with housework, childcare and running errands.
(Image: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/top-doctors-logo.png)4. Feelings of hopelessness or a sense of worthlessness
If the feelings of despair, sadness or hopelessness persist for more than two weeks, it could indicate that something more serious is happening. Postpartum psychosis is a more severe condition that can trigger these feelings. This is a serious mental illness which can cause delusions, hallucinations and paranoia. Women who experience these symptoms should seek medical attention, either by calling an emergency hotline, visiting their doctor, or visiting the emergency room.
Women with PPD may be embarrassed or feel guilty about their feelings. They may also feel that their feelings are somehow reflective of their babies or that they are terrible mothers. They haven't done anything to trigger their depression. It is caused by a combination of hormones and environmental factors that are out of their control.
PPD is treatable and usually disappears with the proper treatment. This could include talk therapy or psychotherapy with a therapist, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or a mental health counselor. Sometimes medication is also prescribed. Certain antidepressants can be used during breastfeeding. Women should also get as much support and rest as possible during this period. You can ask for help with household chores family members, a partner, or even join a mothers support group. It is also important that they eat a healthy diet and get plenty of rest and exercise, and consult their physician regularly for examinations and any other questions they may have.
5. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
If a woman is having feelings of despair or feeling worthless it is important to speak to her doctor immediately. These physical signs of depression could be a sign of postpartum depression, and should be taken seriously. These symptoms can be more severe than baby blues and may prevent mothers from taking care of herself or her baby. If left untreated, depression can become serious and may even progress into major depressive disorder. It can also affect the bond between the mother and her child and also the family's bond.
It's unclear what causes postpartum depression but genetics and other medical issues can increase a woman's chances of getting it. Other risk factors are serious stress during pregnancy, medical issues both during and after the birth, and lack support from family and friends. If the woman has an history of depression, her risk is greater also.
The majority of women suffering from postpartum depression get better through therapy and medication. Medicine can help balance the chemicals in the brain that influence mood. Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy, or a mother's support group. The therapist can assist a mother-to-be understand her feelings and handle these feelings in a healthy way. SSRIs such as sertraline, fluoxetine (Prozac ®), and paroxetine are all prescribed for depression. A newer medication, brexanolone (Zulresso®) is administered via IV over two and a half days at the hospital and works quickly. It is safe to take during breastfeeding.
It's normal to experience sadness or depression after the birth of a baby, but if these feelings do not go away or worsen and more severe, it's time to visit a doctor. If the mother is having thoughts of harming her child or herself, this could be an indication of a more severe form of depression, known as postpartum psychosis. It is a rare disorder.