Postpartum Depression Symptoms
Many new mothers experience a brief period of despair and sadness following the birth of their baby, called the "baby blues." It's important to talk to your GP or health care professional about your feelings.
In certain cases, a new mother may develop something more serious, postpartum psychosis. It can trigger hallucinations, insufficient sleep, and fears of harming herself or the baby. Hospitalization is often needed.
1. Feelings of hopelessness or despair
If you are experiencing extreme feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, it's an indication that you need to visit a mental health professional immediately. You should also tell your doctor if you think about suicide or have thoughts of hurting your child or yourself. These are potentially dangerous signs that should not be ignored. These symptoms may also be a sign of more severe postpartum depressive disorders, like postpartum schizophrenia.
Antidepressant medication is the most common treatment for PPD. This will help balance the brain's chemicals that affect your mood. Your doctor will decide on the best treatment for you based on your symptoms and whether you are breastfeeding. Talk therapy is another popular treatment. Your doctor may suggest a specific model of therapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy or interpersonal therapy. Support groups can also assist women suffering from PPD.
Rest and avoiding unwanted visitors are also effective methods of preventing. It is important to sleep enough and a good night's sleep while the baby sleeps can help. Exercise can also boost your mood. Finding a network of family members and friends to assist with childcare and household chores can be extremely helpful.
It is important to remember that feeling depressed doesn't mean you're not a good mom or you are not loving your child. It's a normal medical issue that needs treatment. Treatment can help you feel better and help you feel more motivated to care for your baby. Untreated depression can also affect the relationship between a new mom and her baby and cause serious health issues for the mother and baby. Women of color have an increased risk of developing postpartum depression compared with white women. This could be because they are less likely to seek help and get diagnosed.
2. Feelings anger or anger
Rage or anger are not listed as a sign of postpartum depression in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), however, they are a common occurrence in PPD. Anger can be triggered by a variety of factors including rapid changes in hormones, sleep loss and worries about becoming a new mother. If you are experiencing these emotions it is important to speak to your doctor, who might conduct a depression test at your follow-up appointment following delivery.
You can also seek help from a therapist, or a support group. It's also essential to let others know how you're feeling so they can offer assistance. Request assistance with eating or babysitting, as well as cleaning and running around for errands. If someone offers to look after the baby while you sleep you can take advantage of it. 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 the baby, that's an emergency and you should call 911 or your healthcare professional right now. This is an indication of postpartum psychosis, which is a rare but serious medical condition that is often associated with PPD.
If you have someone in your family who is suffering from these thoughts, encourage them to seek medical attention. You can accompany them to their appointment to offer support. You could suggest that they speak to their healthcare professional, or join an online support group for therapists. You can also help by offering to watch your child, running errands or joining in on outings or playdates. You can also set aside time to do things you like, eat a healthy diet, and get enough rest.
3. Feelings of guilt or a sense of inadequacy
Many new moms experience feelings such as sadness, anxiety and fatigue, loneliness, or irritability after childbirth. These feelings are commonly referred to as the baby blues, and can last for several days or weeks following the birth. If depression symptoms in females persist for longer than two weeks and are worsening or if they hinder your ability to care for the baby or yourself or if you are worried about harming yourself or your baby, then you may be suffering from postpartum depression. When you visit your postpartum doctor, your doctor will assess your health and refer you to a mental health specialist should it be needed. Contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you are contemplating hurting your baby or taking the plunge.
Remember that PPD isn't your fault, no matter the reason. Numerous factors can play a role in the development of perinatal depression, including hormonal changes, sleep issues and emotional and family issues. You are at a higher risk if depression or anxiety was present during pregnancy or prior to, and if there is an ancestral history.
Some women are more susceptible to postpartum depression. This is particularly true if they have more serious symptoms, such as feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness or thoughts about harming their child or themselves. These are indicators of a more serious illness known as postpartum psychosis and can be very dangerous for both you and your baby. It is a psychiatric emergency that needs to be treated in an emergency room. Call 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency department. It is also important to have support systems in place. Find friends and family members who can assist with household chores and childcare and the occasional errands.
4. Feelings of hopelessness or despair
If the feelings of despair, sadness or hopelessness persist for more than two weeks it could indicate that something more serious is occurring. They could also be a sign of a more serious condition known as postpartum psychosis. This is a serious mental illness that can trigger hallucinations, delusions and paranoia. Women who experience these symptoms should seek medical attention, either by calling an emergency hotline, going to their doctor, or going to the emergency room.
People with PPD can feel ashamed or guilty about their feelings. They may also believe that their feelings are reflective of their newborn babies or that they are terrible mothers. However, there is nothing they have done or not done that causes their depression. It is caused by a mix of hormonal and environmental factors that are out of their control.
PPD is treatable and typically disappears with the proper treatment. This could include psychotherapy- or talk therapy with a psychiatrist, psychologist or a mental health counselorand sometimes medication. Certain antidepressants are safe for women to take while breastfeeding. Women should also seek as much rest and support as they can throughout this time. This may include soliciting help with household chores, a partner or family members, or joining a mothers' support group. They should also make sure to eat healthy and get plenty of rest and exercise, and visit their doctor regularly for checkups and any questions they may 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 to her doctor immediately. These symptoms could indicate postpartum depressive disorder and should not be ignored. These symptoms may be more severe than baby blues and can keep a new mother from taking care of her child or herself. If left untreated, depression can become severe and even develop into major depressive disorder. It can also affect the bond between the mother and her child as well as the relationship within the family.
It's not known what causes postpartum depression, however, genetics and medical conditions can increase a new mother's chances of developing it. Other risk factors include stress during pregnancy, medical issues both during and after birth and a insufficient support from other women. The risk for a woman increases when she has a past history with depression.
Most women with postpartum depressive disorder get better by taking medication and therapy. Medicine helps balance the brain's chemicals that influence mood. Your doctor can recommend psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy or a mother's support group. The therapist will help the new mother understand her feelings, and how to deal with them. Treatments for depression might also be recommended, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline (Zoloft(r)) or fluoxetine (Prozac(r)) and paroxetine (Paxil(r)). Brexanolone, also known as Zulresso(r) is a brand new medication that is administered by IV over a period of two-and-a half days in the hospital. It starts working immediately. It is safe to take when breastfeeding.
It's normal for mothers to feel sad or depressed after the birth of her baby. If these feelings persist or worsen, it's important to consult a doctor. It's crucial to see an expert when a mother is thinking of hurting herself or her baby or her baby, which could be a sign of more serious depression called postpartum psychosis. It's a rare condition.