Postpartum Depression Symptoms
Many new mothers experience a brief feeling of sadness and hopelessness after the birth of their baby known as the "baby blues." It is important to speak to your doctor or health professional about your feelings.
In some cases the mother of a newborn may be diagnosed with something more grave known as postpartum psychosis. This can cause hallucinations, and a lack of sleep, as well as thoughts of harming the baby or mother. Hospitalization may be required.
1. Feelings of hopelessness or despair
If you feel helpless or unworthy, you should seek immediate help from a mental health professional. Talk to your doctor if your thoughts are of suicide, or if you have any thoughts about harming yourself or your baby. These are extremely dangerous signs and should not be ignored. These symptoms may also be a sign of more severe forms of postpartum depression disorders, such as postpartum schizophrenia.
The most common way to treat PPD is antidepressant medicine. This will balance your brain's chemicals that affect your mood. Your doctor will decide on the most effective medication for you based upon your symptoms and whether you are breastfeeding. Talk therapy is a different standard treatment. Your doctor may suggest a specific model of therapy like cognitive behavior therapy or interpersonal therapy. Some support groups help women suffering from PPD.
Relaxation and avoiding visitors are also effective ways to prevent. If your baby is asleep, sleeping when they are asleep can aid in getting enough sleep. Exercise can improve your mood. Making a network of family members and friends to assist with childcare and housework can be very helpful.
It's important to remember that feeling depressed does not mean you're a bad mother or that you don't love your child. It's not a mental disorder. It's a medical condition that requires treatment. Treatment can help you feel better and give you the strength to take care of your baby. Untreated depression can affect the relationship between a new mother and her child and could result in serious health issues for mom and baby. Women of color have higher risks of suffering from postpartum depression than white women. This could be due to the fact that they are less likely to seek treatment and be diagnosed.
2. Feelings of anger or feelings of rage
Rage or anger are not listed as 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 factors like rapid changes in hormones, sleep deprivation and anxieties about becoming a mother. If you are experiencing these feelings it's crucial to speak with your doctor. He may conduct a depression assessment during your follow-up visit following delivery.
You can also seek assistance from a therapist or support group. It's also important to let others know how you're feeling, to allow them to offer help. Offer assistance with cooking, cleaning, babysitting and running errands. Take advantage of anyone who offers to look after your child while you sleep. Spend time with people who understand your needs like family and friends, or newly mothers in a mothers' group.
If you're having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, that's an emergency situation and you should call 911 or your healthcare provider now. This is a sign of postpartum psychosis. It's a rare but severe medical condition that can occur with PPD.
Encourage the family member or friend who is experiencing these feelings to seek medical attention. Encourage them to talk to their doctor or join a support group for therapists, and offer to go with them to their appointment as a support worker. You can also do other things to help, like offer to babysit or run around, or join in on outings and playdates with the children. You can also do activities that you enjoy and consume a balanced diet and get adequate sleep.
3. Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
After birth the new moms often feel depression, anxiety, or even fatigue. They may also feel depressed or lonely. These are sometimes called the baby blues and can last for several days or even weeks after the birth. If these symptoms persist for longer than two weeks and have been getting worse or if they affect your ability to care for the baby or yourself or if you are worried about harming yourself or your baby, then you could be suffering from postpartum depression. Your doctor will examine your situation during your postpartum visit and can refer you to someone who is trained in mental health if needed. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or risking harm to the baby, contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately.
Remember that PPD is not the fault of you, regardless of the cause. Numerous factors can be involved in the development of perinatal depression including hormone changes, lack of sleep as well as emotional and family issues. You are at a higher chance of developing depression or anxiety if these issues occurred during pregnancy or previously, and if there is a family history.
Certain women are more vulnerable to postpartum depression. This is particularly when they exhibit more severe symptoms, such as feelings of despair and worthlessness or thoughts of harming their child or themselves. These are indicators of a more serious condition known as postpartum psychosis and can be very harmful for you and the baby. This is a psychiatric crisis that needs to be treated in a hospital. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. It is crucial to have a support system in place. Seek out friends and family who are willing to assist with housework, childcare and running errands.
4. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
If feelings of desperation or despair persist for more than two weeks, it could indicate that something more serious is going on. Postpartum psychosis can be a more severe condition that can cause these feelings. This is a very serious mental illness that can lead to delusions (thoughts or beliefs that aren't real) and hallucinations (seeing or smelling things that are not present) as well as an euphoria (a exuberant and elated mood that seems out of touch with reality) and paranoia. Women who have these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately, either by calling a hotline, visiting their doctor or going to the emergency room.
People with PPD often feel guilt or shame over how they feel. They may also feel that their emotions are a reflection on their baby or that they are bad mothers. They haven't done anything to trigger 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 with the right treatment. symptoms of deep depression could involve psychotherapy- or talk therapy with a psychiatrist, psychologist or mental health counselor -and sometimes, medication. Certain antidepressants can be used while breastfeeding. Women should also get as much support and rest as they can throughout this time. You can seek assistance with household chores, family members or a partner, or join a mothers support group. It is also important that they eat a healthy diet and get plenty of rest and exercise, and see their doctor regularly for examinations and any other questions they may have.
5. Feelings of despair or hopelessness
It's important that a woman who feels hopeless or worthless immediately consults with her doctor. These are serious signs that can indicate postpartum depression and should not be dismissed. These feelings are more severe than the baby 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 can also interfere with the bond between the mother and the child and also the family's relationship.
Postpartum depression isn't believed to be caused by anything specific however, genetics or medical issues can increase the chance of a mother-to-be being affected. Other risk factors include serious stress during pregnancy, medical issues both during as well as after birth and a absence of support from family and friends. If a woman has a history of depression, her risk is higher also.
Many women who suffer from postpartum depression recover by taking medication and therapy. Medicine helps to balance the chemicals in the brain which influence mood. Your doctor might recommend psychotherapy such as cognitive behavior therapy and interpersonal therapy or a mother's support group. The therapist can assist a new mom to learn to understand her feelings and deal with them in healthy ways. SSRIs such as sertraline fluoxetine (Prozac (r)), and paroxetine may be prescribed for depression. A newer medication, called brexanolone (Zulresso(r)) is administered via IV over two-and-a-half days in the hospital and starts working quickly. It is safe to take when breastfeeding.
It's normal to experience sadness or depression after a baby is born however, if the feelings do not go away or worsen then it's time to consult an expert. It's particularly important to consult an obstetrician when a mother is thinking of harming her child or herself and is a sign of depression that is more severe, referred to as postpartum psychosis, which is a rare condition.