10 Things You Learned In Kindergarden They'll Help You Understand Postpartum Depression Symptoms
Postpartum Depression Symptoms
Many new mothers experience a brief moment of sadness and hopelessness after the birth of their child known as the "baby blues." It's important to talk to your GP or health visitor about these feelings.
In rare instances, a new mother may develop something more serious, postpartum psychosis. This may cause hallucinations, insufficient sleep, and fears of harming herself or the baby. Hospitalization is sometimes required.
1. Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
If you feel depressed or depressed, you must seek immediate assistance from a mental health professional. You should also tell your doctor if you think about suicide or think of harming yourself or your child. These are dangerous symptoms that should not be overlooked. They can also be a sign of other severe types of postpartum depression, such as postpartum psychosis.
The most common way to treat PPD is antidepressant medicine. This will help balance the chemicals in your brain that affect your 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 common treatment. Your doctor may suggest a specific therapy model such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy. Some support groups help women suffering from PPD.
Relaxation and avoiding visitors are also effective treatments. The act of sleeping while your baby is asleep will aid in getting enough sleep. Exercise can improve your mood. It can also be beneficial to build a network of family and friends who will help with household chores or childcare.
It is important to keep in mind that feeling depressed doesn't mean you're a bad mom or that you are not loving your baby. It's a normal medical issue that needs treatment. You'll feel better after treatment and be more energized to care for your child. Untreated depression can also affect the relationship between a mother and her child and can lead to serious health issues for the mother and baby. Women of ethnicity are more likely suffer more from postpartum depression than white women, possibly due to the fact that they are less likely to seek treatment and get diagnosed.
2. Feelings of anger or feelings of rage
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) does not include anger or rage as symptoms of PPD however, these feelings are quite common. Anger can be caused by a variety of factors including rapid changes in hormones, sleep deprivation, and anxiety about becoming a mother. If you are experiencing these emotions it is important to speak with your doctor. He may conduct a depression assessment during your follow-up appointment after the birth.
You can also get help from a therapist or a support group. It's important to let other people know what you're feeling to ensure they are able to offer assistance. Ask for assistance with cooking, cleaning or babysitting. Take advantage of anyone who will watch your child while you sleep. Spend time with people who understand your feelings, such as family and friends, or new mothers in a mothers group.
If you're having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, it's an emergency and you should contact 911 or your healthcare professional right immediately. This is an indication of postpartum psychiasis, which is a rare, but serious medical condition that can be associated with PPD.
If you know a friend or family member who is experiencing these feelings, help them to seek medical attention. Suggest that they talk to their doctor or join a support group for therapists, and offer to accompany them to the appointment as a therapist. You can also help by offering to watch your child, running the errands, or join in on outings or playdates. You can also do things you enjoy and make time to take a healthy diet and get plenty of sleep.
3. Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
After childbirth the new moms often feel anxiety, sadness or fatigue. They may also feel depressed or lonely. They are often referred to as the baby blues, and can last for a few days or weeks after delivery. But if these symptoms last for more than two weeks, are getting worse, impede your ability to take care of the baby or yourself or you are worried about hurting yourself or the baby, you could be experiencing postpartum depression (PPD). Your doctor will evaluate your situation at your postpartum check-up and can refer you to a doctor who specializes in mental health if you require. Call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you have thoughts of harming your baby or suicide.
It is important to remember that it is not your fault that you have PPD, no matter what caused it. Perinatal depression can be caused by a variety of causes such as hormonal changes, lack of rest and emotional or family issues. You are at an increased risk if depression or anxiety occurred during pregnancy or before or if you have an ancestral history.
Some women have more difficulty dealing with postpartum depression, especially if they are suffering from the more severe symptoms such as feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness or thoughts of hurting themselves or the baby. These are indicators of a more serious condition known as postpartum psychosis and can be very dangerous for both the baby and you. signs and symptoms of postnatal depression is a psychiatric emergency that must be treated at an emergency room. Contact 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency department. It is important to have a system of support in place. Look for family and friends who are willing to help with childcare, housework and other errands.
4. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
If the feelings of worthlessness or sadness persist for longer than two weeks, it could be a sign that something more serious is occurring. Postpartum psychosis can be a more severe condition that can cause these feelings. This is an extremely serious mental illness that can cause delusions (thoughts or beliefs that aren't true), hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't present) and mania (a elevated and elated state that is out of touch with reality) and paranoia. Women who experience these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately, whether that be by calling a hotline, visiting their doctor, or going to the emergency room.
Women with PPD can often feel guilt or shame about how they feel. They may feel that their emotions reflect on their babies or that they're horrible mothers. They haven't done anything to trigger their depression. It is caused by a mix of hormonal and environmental factors which are beyond their control.
PPD is treatable and typically disappears with the proper treatment. This can include psychotherapy - or talk therapy with a psychologist, psychiatrist or mental health counselor -and sometimes, medication. Certain antidepressants are able to be taken while breastfeeding. Women should also receive as much support and rest as they can during this time. You can seek help with household chores or family members or your partner, or join a mothers' support group. They should also ensure to eat healthy and get plenty of sleep and exercise, and visit their physician regularly for checks and any concerns they have.
5. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
It's important that women who feel in despair or unable to feel valued immediately consults her doctor. These symptoms can indicate postpartum depression, and should not be ignored. These symptoms can be more severe than the newborn blues and could prevent the new mom from taking care of her child or herself. If they're left untreated, the depression can persist for a longer time and eventually develop into a major depression disorder. It can also interfere with the bonding between a mother and her child and the family's relationship.
Postpartum depression isn't known to be caused by any specific cause, but medical or genetic issues may increase the chances of a new mom being affected. Other risk factors include stress during the pregnancy, medical problems during the pregnancy and post-birth and the absence of support from family and friends. If women have an history of depression, her risk is greater as well.
Most women with postpartum depressive disorder recover by taking medication and therapy. Medicine helps balance the brain's chemicals that affect mood. Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy, or a mother's support group. The therapist can assist a mother-to-be recognize her feelings and handle them in healthy ways. Medications for depression may also be recommended, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline (Zoloft(r)) or the fluoxetine (Prozac(r)) and paroxetine (Paxil(r)). Brexanolone, also referred to as Zulresso(r) is a newer medication that is administered via IV over a period of two-and-a half days in hospital. It starts working immediately. It is safe to take during breastfeeding.
It's normal to experience sadness or depression after a baby is born however, if the feelings don't go away or become worse and more severe, it's time to visit a doctor. If the mother is experiencing thoughts of harming herself or her child, this could be an indication of a more serious type of depression known as postpartum psychsis. It is a rare disorder.