Postpartum Depression Symptoms
Many new mothers experience a brief moment of despair and sadness after the birth of their baby which is known as the “baby blues.” It’s crucial to speak to your doctor or health visitor about your feelings.
In some cases the new mother may develop something even more serious: postpartum psychosis. This can lead to hallucinations and a lack in 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 hopelessness or worthlessness, it’s a sign that you need to visit a mental health professional immediately. It is also important to tell your doctor if you are thinking about suicide or have thoughts of hurting yourself or your child. These are potentially dangerous Signs Of Depression In Teens that should not be overlooked. They can also be a warning sign of other serious forms of postpartum depression symptoms in children, like postpartum psychosis.
The most commonly used method to treat PPD is antidepressant medicine. This helps to regulate the chemicals in your brain that affect your mood. Your doctor will determine the best medication for you based upon your symptoms and if you are breastfeeding. Talk therapy is also a common treatment. Your doctor may suggest the use of a specific therapy method such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy. Some support groups also aid women with PPD.
Relaxation and avoiding visitors are also effective treatments. If your baby is asleep, sleeping when they are asleep can help you get enough sleep. Exercise can also boost your mood. The idea of forming a network with family members and friends to help with childcare or housework can be very beneficial.
It’s important to keep in mind that feeling depressed doesn’t mean you’re a bad mom or that you do not love your baby. It’s a normal occurrence that needs treatment. You’ll feel better after treatment and be more energized to take care of your child. Untreated depression can also affect the relationship between a new mother and her baby, and can lead to serious health issues for both the mother and baby. Women of race are more likely to suffer more from postpartum depression than white women, possibly because they’re less likely seek treatment and to be diagnosed.
2. Feelings anger or anger
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 a common occurrence during PPD. Anger can be triggered by a variety of things, such as rapid changes in hormone levels, sleep deprivation and anxieties about being a new mom. If you are experiencing these emotions it’s crucial to speak with your doctor. He may do a depression screening during your follow-up appointment after the birth.
You can also seek help from a therapist, or a support group. It’s crucial to let people know what you’re feeling to ensure they are able to offer assistance. Request assistance with eating cleaning, babysitting, or running errands. You can take advantage of those who offer to watch your child while you sleep. Spend time with people who understand your needs, such as family and friends, or even new mothers in a mothers group.
If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or the baby, that’s an emergency and you should call 911 or your healthcare professional right immediately. This is a sign of postpartum psychosis, a rare, but serious medical condition that can be associated with PPD.
If you know someone in your family who is suffering from these thoughts, encourage them to seek medical attention. Encourage them to talk to their healthcare provider or join a support group for therapists and invite them the opportunity to accompany them to the appointment as a support worker. You can also assist by offering to take care of the baby, running the errands, or join in on playdates or outings. You can also make time to do things that you enjoy, eat well and rest as much as you need.
3. Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
After childbirth, many new mothers are affected by feelings like depression, anxiety, or even fatigue. They might be lonely or angry. These feelings are commonly referred to as the baby blues. They can last for several weeks or days after delivery. But if these symptoms last longer than two weeks, are becoming worse, impede your ability to take care of your baby or yourself, or you are worried about hurting yourself or the baby, you may be experiencing postpartum depression (PPD). When you visit your postpartum doctor, your doctor will evaluate your condition and refer you to a mental health professional when necessary. If you’re having thoughts of suicide or harming the baby, call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately.
Remember that PPD is not your fault, no matter what caused it. Many factors may play a role in the development of perinatal depression, including hormone changes, sleep deprivation as well as emotional and family issues. You are at an increased chance of developing depression or anxiety if these issues was present during pregnancy or prior to or if there is a family history.
Some women are more susceptible to postpartum depression. This is especially the case if they experience more severe symptoms of teenage depression, such as feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness or thoughts of harming their child or themselves. These recognizing signs of depression are indicative of an even more serious condition known as postpartum psychosis, which could be harmful for both you and your baby. This is a mental health crisis that requires treatment at an emergency room. Contact 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. It is also important to have support systems in place. Find friends and family members who can assist with household chores and childcare, as well as running errands.
4. Feelings of hopelessness or despair
If women’s feelings of sadness, worthlessness or hopelessness persist for longer than two weeks, they may be a sign of something more serious than the baby blues. Postpartum psychosis is a severe condition that can cause these feelings. This is a serious mental illness that can lead to delusions (thoughts or beliefs that aren’t true), hallucinations (seeing or smelling things that are not there) as well as mania (a high and elated mood that seems out of touch with reality) and paranoia. Women suffering from these symptoms should seek medical help immediately, whether by calling a hotline, or visiting their doctor, or going to the emergency room.
Women suffering from PPD might feel embarrassed or ashamed of their feelings. They may believe that their feelings reflect on their children or that they’re terrible mothers. But there is nothing they’ve done or failed to do that triggers their depression. It is caused by a combination of environmental and hormonal factors that are beyond their control.
PPD can be treated and usually disappear if the treatment is done. This could include psychotherapy or talk therapy with a psychologist, psychiatrist or mental health counselor -and sometimes, medication. Certain antidepressants are safe for women to use while breastfeeding. Women should also get as much support and rest as they can throughout this time. You can seek assistance with household chores or family members or your partner, or join a mothers’ support group. They should also ensure to eat well, get plenty of sleep and exercise, and visit their physician regularly for checkups and any questions they have.
5. Feelings of despair or a sense of inadequacy
It’s important that a woman who feels hopeless or worthless immediately consults with her doctor. These are serious signs of depression in young adults that could indicate postpartum depression, and should not be overlooked. These early symptoms of depression may be more severe than the newborn blues and could prevent the new mom from taking care of herself or her baby. If depression is not treated, it can become more severe and even develop into major depressive disorder. It could also hinder the bond between the mother and her child, as well as the family’s bond.
Postpartum depression isn’t believed to be caused by a specific factor however, medical or genetic factors can increase the chance of a new mother being affected. Other risk factors include stress during pregnancy, medical problems both during and after birth and a lack of support from family and friends. If the woman has an history of depression, her risk is higher as well.
The majority of women suffering from postpartum depression disorder recover by taking medication and therapy. Medicine can help balance the chemicals in the brain that influence mood. Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy, or a mother’s support group. The therapist will help the new mother to understand her feelings, and how to handle them. The use of medications for depression could be recommended, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline (Zoloft(r)), fluoxetine (Prozac(r)) and paroxetine (Paxil(r)). A newer medication, called brexanolone (Zulresso(r)), is given by IV over two-and-a-half days in the hospital and starts working quickly. It’s safe to take while breastfeeding.
It’s normal to experience sad or down periods following the birth of a child, but if these feelings don’t go away or become worse, it’s time to see a doctor. It’s crucial to see a doctor when a mother is thinking of hurting her child or herself and is a sign of depression that is more severe, referred to as postpartum psychosis, a very rare condition.