20 Things You Must Be Educated About Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Postpartum Depression Symptoms Many new mothers experience a brief feeling of despair and sadness following the birth of their child which is known as the “baby blues.” It's crucial to talk to your GP or health visitor about these feelings. In rare instances, the mother of a newborn may experience something more serious such as postpartum psychosis. This could cause hallucinations and a lack in sleep, as well as thoughts of harming the baby or mother. Hospitalization may be required. 1. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness If you are experiencing extreme feelings of despair or a sense of worthlessness this is an indication that you need to consult a mental health professional immediately. It is important to inform your doctor if there is a thought about suicide or have thoughts of hurting yourself or your child. These are very dangerous symptoms and should not be overlooked. They can also be a sign of other severe types of postpartum depression, like postpartum psychosis. Antidepressant medication is the most common treatment for PPD. This will balance the chemicals in your brain that affect mood. Your doctor will decide on the most effective medication for you based upon your symptoms and if you are breastfeeding. Talk therapy is also a standard treatment. Your doctor may recommend the use of a specific therapy method such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy. Certain support groups assist women suffering from PPD. Other options include rest and avoiding unnecessary visitors. The act of sleeping while your baby is asleep will 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 and housework can be very helpful. It's important to remember that being depressed does not mean you're a bad mother or that you don't love your child. It's a normal medical condition that needs treatment. You'll feel better after treatment and have more energy to take care of your child. Untreated depression can also affect the relationship between a new mom and her child and can lead to serious health issues for the mother and baby. Women of color are more likely to experience more severe postpartum depression than white women, possibly because they're less likely seek treatment and get diagnosed. 2. Feelings of anger or rage Anger or rage are not considered to be symptoms of postpartum depression in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), but they are common in PPD. Anger can be caused by a variety of factors like rapid changes in hormones, sleep deprivation, and worries about becoming a new mother. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms you should speak to your doctor. They might conduct a depression test during your postpartum follow-up. You can also seek help from a therapist or a support group. It's crucial to let others know what you're feeling so they can provide support. Ask for assistance with eating or babysitting, as well as cleaning and running through errands. Make use of anyone who offers to look after your baby while you nap. Spend time with people who understand your needs like family and friends, or newly mothers in a mothers group. You should call 911 immediately if you are worried about harming your baby or yourself. This is a sign of postpartum psychiasis which is a rare, but serious medical condition that can be associated with PPD. Encourage your friend or family member who is suffering from these symptoms to seek medical care. Offer to accompany them to their appointment to provide support. You can suggest that they speak to their doctor, or join an online support group for therapists. You can also assist by offering to babysit, run errands or joining in on outings or playdates. You can also set aside time to do things that you enjoy, eat well and take a good amount of rest. 3. Feelings of guilt, shame or deprivation Many new mothers experience feelings of anxiety, sadness, fatigue, loneliness or irritability after childbirth. They're sometimes referred to as baby blues and may last for several days or even weeks following delivery. If the symptoms persist for more than two weeks and are getting worse or if they hinder your ability to care for the baby or yourself, or when you think of harming yourself or your baby, you may be suffering from postpartum depression. Your doctor will evaluate your health during your postpartum visit and may refer you to someone who is trained in mental health if needed. If you're having thoughts of suicide or harming the baby, call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately. It is crucial to remember that it is not your fault that you have PPD, no matter what caused it. Many factors could play a role in the development of perinatal depression, including hormone changes, sleep issues and emotional and family issues. You are at greater risk if depression or anxiety was present during pregnancy or prior to or if there is an ancestry history of depression in your family. Some women are more susceptible to postpartum depression. This is particularly the case if they experience more severe symptoms, like feelings of despair and worthlessness or thoughts of harming their child or themselves. These are signs of a more serious illness known as postpartum psychosis. It can be very harmful for both the baby and you. It is a psychiatric emergency and must be treated in a hospital. Contact 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. It is also essential to have support systems in place. Look for family and friends who are willing to assist with childcare, housework and running errands. 4. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness If the woman's feelings of depression, despair, sadness, or worthlessness persist for more than two weeks, they could be a sign of something more severe than the baby blues. Postpartum psychosis is a serious condition that can trigger these feelings. This is an extremely serious mental illness that can lead to delusions (thoughts or beliefs that aren't real), hallucinations (seeing or smelling things that are not there) as well as mania (a exuberant and elated mood that is out of sync with reality) and paranoia. Women suffering from these symptoms should seek medical attention, either by calling an emergency hotline, visiting their doctor, or by going to the emergency room. Women suffering from PPD might be embarrassed or feel guilty about their feelings. They may also believe that their feelings are somehow an expression of their babies or that they are horrible mothers. However, there is nothing they have done or not done 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 typically is cured with the proper treatment. This can include talk therapy or psychotherapy with a therapist such as psychologist, psychiatrist, or a mental health counselor. Sometimes medication is also prescribed. Certain antidepressants are able to be taken during breastfeeding. Women should also seek as much support and rest as they can during this time. You can seek help with household chores, family members or a partner, or join a mothers support group. They should also ensure to eat well, get plenty of sleep and exercise, and consult their healthcare provider for regular checkups and any questions they have. 5. Feelings of hopelessness or despair If a woman is having feelings of despair or a sense of worthlessness it is important to speak with her doctor right away. These are serious symptoms that could be a sign of postpartum depression and should never be dismissed. These feelings are more serious than the blues of a newborn, and could make it difficult for a new mother to take care of her her child. Untreated depression can become more severe and can even turn into a major depression. It could also hinder the bonding between the mother and the child, as well as the relationship between the family. It's not known what causes postpartum depression, but genetics and some medical issues can increase a woman's likelihood of developing it. Other risk factors include serious stress during pregnancy, medical issues both during and after birth, and insufficient support from other women. The risk for a woman increases when she has a past history of depression. The majority of women with postpartum depressive disorder improve by taking medication and therapy. 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 support group for mothers. Therapists can help a new mother learn to understand her feelings and manage them in a healthy manner. Treatments for depression might also be suggested, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline (Zoloft®) and the fluoxetine (Prozac®) and paroxetine (Paxil®). symptoms of depression is also known as Zulresso® is a newer medication that is administered by IV over a period of two-and-a half days in a hospital. It begins working as soon as it is administered. It is safe to use when you are breastfeeding. It's normal for a mother to feel sad or depressed after the birth of her child. However, if these feelings persist or worsen it's crucial to speak with an expert. It's particularly important to consult an expert if the mother has thoughts of hurting herself or her baby, which are signs of more serious depression called postpartum psychosis, a very rare condition.