Beware Of These "Trends" Concerning Postpartum Depression Symptoms
Postpartum Depression Symptoms
The "baby blues" is a common occurrence experienced by new mothers after the birth of their child. It is essential to speak to your health professional or doctor to discuss these feelings.
In certain cases, the mother of a newborn may experience something more serious, postpartum psychosis. This can cause hallucinations, lack of sleep, and fears of harming herself or her baby. Hospitalization is usually required.
1. Feelings of despair or a sense of insanity
If you are experiencing extreme feelings of despair or desperation It's a sign that you need to visit a mental health professional immediately. Inform your doctor if you are having thoughts are of suicide or you're thinking about harming yourself or your baby. These are extremely dangerous signs and should not be ignored. They could also be a warning sign of other serious types of postpartum depression like postpartum psychosis.
The most popular method to treat PPD is to use antidepressants. This will balance the chemicals in your brain that affect mood. Your doctor will suggest the best medication for you depending on your symptoms and whether or not you're breastfeeding. Talk therapy is also a popular treatment. Your doctor might recommend an individual therapy method, such as cognitive behavior therapy or interpersonal therapy. Some support groups also aid women with PPD.
Rest and avoiding unwanted visitors are also effective treatments. Sleeping when your baby is asleep will help you get enough sleep. Exercise can improve your mood. Finding a network of family members and friends to help 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 illness. It is an illness that requires treatment. You'll feel better after treatment and be more energized to take care of your baby. Untreated depression can also affect a new mother's relationship with her baby and lead to serious health issues for the baby and mom. 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
Feelings of anger or rage are not listed as symptoms of postpartum depression in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), however, they are commonplace in PPD. Anger can be triggered by a variety of things, such as rapid changes in hormone levels, sleep deprivation, and anxiety about becoming the new mom. If you are experiencing these feelings it's crucial to speak to your doctor, who may conduct a depression assessment during your follow-up visit following the birth.
You can also get help from a therapist or a support group. It is important to let other people know how you feel to allow them to provide assistance. Offer help with meals, babysitting, cleaning and running around for errands. If someone is willing to care for the baby while you sleep you can take advantage of it. Spend time with others who understand what you're feeling. This could include friends and family members or other mothers in a mothers' group.
You should contact the emergency services immediately if are worried about harming yourself or your baby. That's a serious sign of postpartum psychosis, a rare but severe medical condition that is often associated with PPD.
If you have someone in your family who is having these feelings, help them to seek medical assistance. Invite them to their appointment to offer support. You could suggest that they talk to their doctor or join a support group for therapists. You can also help by offering to take care of the baby, running the errands, or join in on outings or playdates. You can also do things you enjoy and make time to eat well and get enough sleep.
3. Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
Many new moms experience feelings such as anxiety, sadness, fatigue, loneliness or irritability after childbirth. These feelings are commonly referred to as the baby blues, and can last for a few days or weeks following the birth. If these symptoms persist for longer than two weeks and are worsening or if they interfere with your ability care for the baby or yourself, or if you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, you may be suffering from postpartum depression. Your doctor will evaluate your situation during your postpartum visit and may refer you to a doctor who is specialized in mental health if you require. 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 what caused it. Many factors could play a role in the development of perinatal depression such as hormonal changes, lack of sleep as well as emotional and family issues. You are also at increased risk if you experienced anxiety or depression during pregnancy or in the past and have an ancestral history of depression.
Certain women are more prone to postpartum depression. This is especially true if they have more serious symptoms, such as feelings of hopelessness and desperation or thoughts of harming themselves or their baby. These are signs of a more serious problem known as postpartum psychosis. It can be very dangerous for both you and your baby. It is a psychiatric emergency that must be treated in the hospital. Contact 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. It is also crucial to have support systems in place. Find family and friends who can help with household chores and childcare, as well as the occasional errands.
4. Feelings of despair or hopelessness
If women's feelings of sadness, worthlessness or hopelessness persist for more than two weeks, it could be indicative of something more severe than the baby blues. Postpartum psychosis is a severe condition that can cause these feelings. This is a serious mental illness that can lead to hallucinations, delusions and paranoia. Women who have these symptoms should seek medical assistance immediately, either by calling a hotline or a doctor, or by visiting their doctor, or going to the emergency room.
Women suffering from PPD might feel embarrassed or ashamed of their feelings. They may believe that their feelings reflect on their children or that they're terrible mothers. But, there is nothing they have done or failed to do that causes their depression. It is caused by a combination of environmental and hormonal factors that are out of their control.
PPD can be treated and will usually disappear with the right treatment. This can include psychotherapy - or talk therapy with a psychologist, psychiatrist or a mental health counselorand sometimes, medication. Certain antidepressants are safe for women to use while breastfeeding. Women should also receive as much rest and support as they can during this time. You can seek help with household chores, family members or your partner, or join a mothers support group. They should also eat well exercise, get enough sleep, and visit their health care provider regularly for checkups.
5. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
If a woman is experiencing feelings of despair or feeling worthless it is important to speak to her doctor right away. These are serious symptoms that could be a sign of postpartum depression and should not be overlooked. These feelings may be more severe than the newborn blues and could prevent a new mother from taking care of herself or her baby. If left untreated, depression can become severe and can even turn into a major depression. It can also affect the bond between mothers and their children as well as the bond within the family.
Postpartum depression isn't known to be caused by any specific cause, but medical or genetic factors can increase the chance 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 other women. physical symptoms of depression for a woman increases if she has a history with depression.
Many women who suffer from postpartum depression recover with medicine and therapy. Medicine helps to balance the brain's chemicals that influence mood. Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy, or a mother's support group. Therapists can help a new mother recognize her feelings and manage them in healthy ways. Medications for depression may also be recommended, such as 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 by IV over two and a half days at the hospital and starts working quickly. 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 baby. If these feelings persist or get worse it's crucial to speak with a doctor. 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, a very rare condition.