The 10 Scariest Things About Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Many new mothers experience a brief moment of despair and sadness following the birth of their child which is known as the "baby blues." It is important to talk to your doctor or health care professional about these feelings.

In some instances the mother of a newborn may be diagnosed with something more serious known as postpartum psychosis. This can cause hallucinations and a lack in sleep, along with thoughts of harming the mother or her baby. Hospitalization may be required.

1. Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness

If you feel helpless or worthless, you should seek immediate help from a mental health professional. It is important to inform your doctor if there is a thought about suicide or are thinking of hurting yourself or your child. These are extremely dangerous signs and should not be overlooked. These symptoms can also be a sign of more severe postpartum depression disorders, like postpartum schizophrenia.

Antidepressant medication is the most popular treatment for PPD. This will help balance the chemicals in your brain that affect mood. Your doctor will suggest the medication that is best for you according to your symptoms and whether or not you're breastfeeding. Talk therapy is also a standard treatment. Your doctor may suggest an individual therapy model like cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy. Some support groups aid women suffering from PPD.

Rest and avoiding unwanted visitors are also effective methods of preventing. It's important to get enough sleep, and sleeping when the baby is sleeping can help. Exercise can also boost your mood. Making a network of friends and family members to help with childcare and housework can be very helpful.

It is important to keep in mind that feeling depressed doesn't necessarily mean that you're a bad mom or that you are not loving your baby. It's a normal medical issue that requires treatment. The treatment you receive can make you feel better and help you feel more motivated to take care of your baby. Untreated depression can also affect the relationship between a mother and her baby and lead to serious health issues for the mom and baby. Women of color are more likely to have a worse experience with postpartum depression than white women, possibly because they're less likely to seek treatment and be diagnosed.

2. Feelings of anger or anger

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental health symptoms of depression Disorders (5th edition) does not include anger or rage as signs of PPD however, these feelings are common. Anger can be triggered by a variety of causes, 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 to your doctor. He or she may perform a depression screen during your postpartum follow-up.

You can also get help from a therapist or a support group. It's also essential to let people know how you're feeling, so they can offer assistance. Request assistance with cooking, cleaning babysitting, running errands and so on. If someone offers to take care of your baby while you rest, take them up on it. Try to spend time with others who understand how you're feeling. This could include family members and friends, or other new moms in mothers' groups.

You should contact the emergency services immediately if have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. This is an indication of postpartum psychiasis which is a rare but serious medical condition that is often associated with PPD.

If you know a friend or family member who is experiencing these feelings, encourage them to seek medical assistance. Offer to accompany them to their appointment to provide support. You can suggest that they speak to their healthcare provider, or join a support group for therapists. You can also do other things to help, like offer to babysit or run around, or join in on outings and playdates with your children. You can also engage in activities that you enjoy and make time to eat well and get enough sleep.

3. Feelings of guilt, shame and a sense of inadequacy

After birth, many new mothers feel anxiety, sadness or fatigue. They might be lonely or angry. These feelings are often 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 worsening or if they hinder your ability to care for the baby or yourself or when you think of harming yourself or your baby, then you may be suffering from postpartum depression. In your postpartum appointment your doctor will examine your condition and refer you to a mental health specialist if needed. Contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you think of hurting your baby or taking the plunge.

It is important to remember that it is not your fault that you have PPD, no matter the cause. Numerous factors can play a role in the development of perinatal depression including hormonal changes, sleep issues as well as emotional and family issues. You may also be at a higher risk if you experienced depression or anxiety during pregnancy or in the past and have an ancestral history of depression.

Women who are pregnant may have more difficulty coping with postpartum depression, particularly if they are suffering from the more severe symptoms, such as feelings of despair and hopelessness or thoughts of hurting them or their baby. These are signs of a more serious illness known as postpartum psychosis and could be extremely dangerous for both the baby and you. It is a psychiatric emergency and requires treatment 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 will help with housework and childcare and other the occasional errands.

4. Feelings of hopelessness or despair

If feelings of desperation, sadness or hopelessness persist for more than two weeks this could indicate that something more serious is going on. Postpartum psychosis can be a more serious condition that can trigger these feelings. This is a serious mental illness that can trigger delusions (thoughts or beliefs that are not true) as well as hallucinations (seeing or smelling things that are not present), the condition known as mania (a elevated and elated state that seems out of touch with reality) and paranoia. Women suffering from these symptoms should seek medical attention, whether by calling an emergency hotline, going to their doctor, or going to the emergency room.

Women with PPD may be embarrassed or feel guilty about their feelings. They might feel that their emotions reflect on their children or they're terrible mothers. They have not done anything to cause their depression. It is caused by a mix of hormonal and environmental factors that are out of their control.

PPD can be treated and usually disappear if you take the proper treatment. This could include talk therapy or psychotherapy with a therapist like psychologist, psychiatrist, or a mental health counselor. Sometimes, medication may be prescribed. Certain antidepressants can be used while breastfeeding. Women should also seek as much rest and support as they can throughout this time. This may include seeking help with chores, from a spouse or family member, or joining a mothers' group. They should also eat healthy exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and visit their doctor regularly for checkups.

5. Feelings of hopelessness or despair

If a woman is experiencing feelings of despair or a sense of worthlessness it is important to speak to her doctor immediately. These are serious symptoms that can indicate postpartum depression and should never be ignored. These feelings are more severe than the blues of a newborn, and can prevent a new mother taking care of her her child. If left untreated the depression may get worse and develop into a major depression disorder. It can also affect the bond between a mother and her child and the relationship within the family.

It's not certain what causes postpartum depression, but genetics and some medical issues can increase a mother's chances of developing it. Other risk factors include serious stress during pregnancy, medical issues both during and after birth and the absence of support from family and friends. A woman's risk is increased if she has a history with depression.

Most women with postpartum recognizing depressive symptoms disorder get better with medication and therapy. Medicine can help balance the chemicals in the brain that influence mood. Your doctor might recommend psychotherapy such as cognitive behavior therapy, interpersonal therapy or mothers' support groups. The therapist can assist a mother-to-be recognize her feelings and deal with these feelings in a healthy way. Treatments for depression might also be recommended, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline (Zoloft(r)), fluoxetine (Prozac(r)) and paroxetine (Paxil(r)). A newer medication, called Brexanolone (Zulresso(r)) is administered via IV over two and a half days at the hospital and starts working quickly. It's safe to take during breastfeeding.

It's normal for people to experience sad or down periods after a baby is born However, if these feelings don't go away or become worse then it's time to consult a doctor. If the mother is having thoughts of harming her child or herself This could be a sign of a more serious form of depression known as postpartum psychsis. It is a rare condition.