Postpartum Depression Symptoms
Many new mothers experience a brief moment of sadness and hopelessness after the birth of their baby, called the “baby blues.” It's crucial to speak to your doctor or health visitor about your feelings.
In some cases, a new mother can 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. Sometimes, hospitalization is required.
1. Feelings of despair or hopelessness
If you experience extreme feelings of despair or a sense of worthlessness this is an indication that you should to consult a mental health professional right away. Tell your doctor if your thoughts are about suicide or you're thinking of hurting yourself or the baby. These are extremely dangerous signs and should not be ignored. They can also be a warning sign for other serious types of postpartum depression like postpartum psychosis.
Antidepressant medication is the most common treatment for PPD. This helps to regulate the brain's chemicals that affect your mood. Your doctor will decide on the best medication for you based on your symptoms and whether you are breastfeeding. Talk therapy is also a popular treatment. Your doctor might suggest a specific therapy model such as cognitive behavior therapy or interpersonal therapy. Some support groups also help women suffering from PPD.
Relaxation and avoiding visitors are also effective methods of preventing. If your baby is asleep, sleeping when they are asleep can ensure that you are getting enough sleep. Exercise can also boost your mood. Making a network of family members and friends to help with childcare and housework can be very helpful.
It's important to keep in mind that feeling depressed does not mean that you are a bad mom or that you don't love your child. It's not a mental illness. It is medical issue that requires treatment. It is possible to feel better after treatment and be more energized to care for your child. Untreated depression can also impact a new mother's relationship with her child and can lead to serious health problems for both the mom and baby. Women of ethnicity are more likely suffer more from postpartum depression than white women, perhaps due to the fact that they are less likely to seek treatment and get diagnosed.
2. Feelings of anger or rage
Rage or anger are not considered to be symptoms of postpartum depression in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), however, they are commonplace in PPD. Anger can be triggered by a variety of things, such as rapid changes in hormone levels, sleep deprivation and worries about being new mommy. If you are experiencing these feelings, it's important to talk with your doctor. He might conduct a depression test during your follow-up visit following delivery.
You can also seek advice from a therapist or support group. It's important to let people know how you're feeling to allow them to provide support. Offer assistance with cooking, cleaning, babysitting and running errands. Take advantage of anyone who offers to watch your baby while you nap. Make sure you spend time with others who understand how you're feeling. This could include friends and family members or fellow new mothers in a mothers' group.
If you're thinking of harming yourself or the baby, it's an emergency situation and you should call 911 or your healthcare professional right away. This is an indication of postpartum psychosis which is a rare, but serious medical condition that is often associated with PPD.
If you know someone in your family who is suffering from these feelings, help them to seek medical assistance. Invite them to their appointment and provide assistance. You can suggest that they speak to their healthcare provider or join a support group for therapists. You could also help by offering to babysit, run errands or joining in on outings or playdates. You can also take time to do things that you like, eat healthy and rest as much as you need.
3. Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
Many new moms experience feelings such as sadness, anxiety, fatigue, loneliness or irritation after childbirth. These feelings are commonly referred to as the baby blues. They can last for a few weeks or days after delivery. If the symptoms persist for longer than two weeks and are getting worse or if they interfere with your ability care for your baby or yourself, or if you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, then you may be suffering from postpartum depression. During your postpartum appointment, your doctor will assess your condition and recommend you to a mental health professional should it be needed. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or risking harm to the baby, call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately.
It is important to keep in mind that it is not your fault that you have PPD, no matter what caused it. Perinatal depression can be triggered by many factors such as hormonal changes, lack of rest, and emotional or family issues. There is also a higher risk if you had anxiety or depression during pregnancy or in the past and have an ancestry of depression.
Women who are pregnant may have more difficulty dealing with postpartum depression, particularly if they suffer from more severe symptoms like feelings of despair and hopelessness or thoughts of hurting their baby or themselves. These early signs of mental health issues are indicative of a more severe disorder known as postpartum psychosis. This condition can be dangerous for both you and your baby. It is a psychiatric emergency that requires treatment in the hospital. Call 911 or go straight to the nearest emergency department. It is crucial to have a system of support in place. Find family members and friends who will help with housework and childcare and running errands.
4. Feelings of hopelessness or a sense of worthlessness
If the feelings of worthlessness, sadness or hopelessness persist for more than two weeks this could be a sign that something more serious is occurring. They could also indicate an even more serious condition known as postpartum psychosis. This is a serious mental illness which can cause delusions, hallucinations and paranoia. Women who have these symptoms of clinical depression should seek medical attention immediately, whether that be by calling a hotline or a doctor, or by visiting their doctor or going to the emergency room.
Women suffering from PPD may feel guilt or shame about the way they feel. They may also believe that their feelings are reflective of their newborn babies or that they are horrible mothers. They have not done anything to cause their depression. It is caused by a combination of hormones and environmental factors that are outside of their control.
PPD can be treated and will usually disappear if the treatment is done. This may include psychotherapy or talk therapy with a therapist, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or a mental health counselor. Sometimes, medication is prescribed. Certain antidepressants can be used during breastfeeding. Women should also seek as much support and rest as they can throughout this time. You can ask for help with household chores, family members or a partner, or even join a mothers support group. It is also important to eat healthy, get plenty of sleep and exercise, and visit their healthcare provider for regular checkups and any questions they have.
5. Feelings of despair or a sense of inadequacy
It is crucial that women who feel in despair or unable to feel valued immediately consults her doctor. These are serious symptoms that can indicate postpartum depression and should not be overlooked. These symptoms can be more severe than the newborn blues and can keep the new mom from taking care of herself or her baby. If they're left untreated and untreated, depression warning signs can last longer and even develop into a major depression disorder. It can also affect the bond between the mother and her child and the relationship within the family.
Postpartum depression isn't known to be caused by any specific cause however, medical or genetic issues may increase the chance of a new mom being affected. Other risk factors include stress during pregnancy, medical problems both during and after birth, and insufficient support from other women. The risk for a woman increases when she has a history with depression.
Most women with postpartum depressive disorder recover through therapy and medication. Medicine helps to balance the chemicals in the brain that influence mood. Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy or an organization for mothers to support each other. The therapist will assist the mother-to-be to be aware of her feelings and how to deal with them. The use of medications for depression could be recommended, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline (Zoloft®), fluoxetine (Prozac®) and paroxetine (Paxil®). Brexanolone is also known as Zulresso®, is a newer medication that is administered intravenously over a period of two and a half days in hospital. It is effective immediately. It's safe to use during breastfeeding.
(Image: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/coe-2023.png)It's normal for people to experience down or sad times after the birth of a baby however, if the feelings don't disappear or get worse and more severe, it's time to visit a doctor. It's crucial to see an obstetrician when a mother is thinking of harming her child or herself or her baby, which could be a sign of more serious depression, also known as postpartum psychosis, which is a rare condition.
