Postpartum Depression Symptoms

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

In some instances the mother of a newborn may be diagnosed with something more grave called postpartum psychosis. This can lead to hallucinations, and a lack of sleep, along with thoughts of harming the mother or her baby. Hospitalization is frequently required.

1. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

If you feel depressed or unworthy, you should seek immediate help from a mental health symptoms of depression health professional. It is also important to tell your doctor if there is a thought about suicide or are thinking of hurting yourself or your child. These are extremely dangerous recognizing signs of Depression and should not be overlooked. They could also be a sign of other serious forms of postpartum depression like postpartum psychosis.

The most common way to treat PPD is with antidepressant medication. This will balance your brain's chemicals that influence your mood. Your doctor will recommend the most effective medication for you based upon your symptoms of bipolar depression and whether you are breastfeeding. Talk therapy is another popular treatment. Your doctor may suggest a specific therapy model such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy. Some support groups also aid women with 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 improve your mood. It is also beneficial to find a support network of family and friends that can assist you with household chores and childcare.

It's important to remember that feeling depressed does not mean you're a bad mother or that you don't love your baby. It's not a mental disorder. It is a medical condition that requires treatment. Treatment can help you feel better and give you the energy to care for your child. Untreated depression may also affect the relationship between a new mother and her baby, and recognizing signs of depression can lead to serious health issues for both baby and mommy. Women of color are at a higher risk of postpartum depression than white women. This could be because they are less likely to seek help and get diagnosed.

2. Feelings of anger or anger

Anger or rage are not listed as a sign delivery. If the symptoms persist for longer than two weeks and have been getting worse, or if they affect your ability care for your baby or yourself, or when you think of harming yourself or your baby, you could be suffering from postpartum depression. In your postpartum appointment your doctor will examine your health and refer you to a mental health professional should it be required. Call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you have thoughts of hurting your baby or taking the plunge.

Remember that PPD isn't your fault, regardless of the reason. Perinatal depression is caused by many factors such as hormonal changes, lack of rest and emotional or familial issues. You may also be at a higher risk if you experienced depression symptoms in males or anxiety during pregnancy or in the past and have a family history of depression.

Certain women have a harder time dealing with postpartum depression, particularly if they suffer from more severe symptoms, such as feelings of despair and hopelessness or thoughts of harming themselves or the baby. These are indicators of a more serious illness known as postpartum psychosis and could be extremely dangerous for both you and your baby. It is a psychiatric emergency and needs to be treated in a hospital. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. It is also crucial to have support systems in place. Find family and friends who will help with housework and childcare and other errands.

4. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

If feelings of desperation or despair persist for more than two weeks this could be a sign something more serious is happening. Postpartum psychosis can be a more serious condition that can trigger these feelings. This is a very serious mental illness that can cause delusions (thoughts or beliefs that aren't real), hallucinations (seeing, hearing or smelling things that aren't present) and mania (a exuberant and elated mood that is out of touch with reality) and paranoia. Women who have these symptoms should seek medical assistance immediately, either by calling a hotline, visiting their doctor or going to the emergency room.

Women suffering from PPD may feel shame or guilt about how they feel. 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 outside of their control.

PPD can be treated and typically disappears with the proper treatment. This could include psychotherapy- or talk therapy with a psychiatrist, psychologist or mental health counselor -and sometimes medication. Some antidepressants can be taken during breastfeeding. Women should try to get as much sleep and support as they can during this time. This could include seeking help with chores, a partner or family member, recognizing signs of depression or joining a mothers' group. They should also ensure to eat well and get plenty of sleep and exercise, and see their physician regularly for checkups and any questions they have.

5. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

It is essential that a woman who feels lost or unworthy, immediately seeks out a doctor. These are serious symptoms that can indicate postpartum depression and should never be overlooked. These feelings are more severe than the blues of a newborn, and may prevent a new mother taking care of her her child. If depression is not treated, it can become more severe and can even turn into a major depressive disorder. It could also hinder the bond between the mother and her child and also the family's relationship.

Postpartum depression isn't believed to be caused by a specific factor, but genetics or medical issues can increase the chances of a new mom experiencing it. Other risk factors include stress during pregnancy, medical issues both during and after birth and the lack of support from family and friends. The risk for a woman increases if she has a history with depression.

The majority of women suffering from postpartum depression disorder recover through therapy and medication. Medicine helps to balance the chemicals in the brain that influence mood. Your doctor may suggest psychotherapy, including cognitive behavior therapy, interpersonal therapy or mothers' support groups. The therapist can assist a mother-to-be recognize her feelings and deal with them in a healthy manner. Treatments for depression might also be recommended, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline (Zoloft(r)) or fluoxetine (Prozac(r)) and paroxetine (Paxil(r)). A newer drug, brexanolone (Zulresso(r)) is given by IV over two-and-a-half days in the hospital and works quickly. It's safe to use during breastfeeding.

It's normal for a mother to feel depressed or sad after the birth of her baby. If the feelings persist or become worse, it's important to consult an expert. It's particularly important to consult an obstetrician when a mother is thinking of harming her child or herself or her baby, which could be a sign of depression that is more severe, referred to as postpartum psychosis. It's a rare condition.