10 Things We Are Hating About 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 is important to talk to your doctor or health visitor about these feelings. In rare instances, the mother of a newborn may experience something more grave, postpartum psychosis. This can cause hallucinations and lack of sleep, along with thoughts of harming the mother or her baby. Hospitalization is sometimes required. 1. Feelings of hopelessness or a sense of worthlessness If you feel hopeless or worthless, you should seek immediate assistance from a mental health professional. You should also tell your doctor if you are thinking about suicide or think of hurting your child or yourself. These are extremely dangerous signs and should not be ignored. They can also be a warning sign for other serious forms of postpartum depression, such as postpartum psychosis. Antidepressant medications are the most popular treatment for PPD. This helps to regulate your brain's chemicals that affect your mood. Your doctor will suggest the medication that's best for you depending on your symptoms and if you're nursing. Talk therapy is a different standard treatment. Your doctor may suggest a specific therapy model such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy. Some support groups help women with PPD. Other methods include rest and avoiding unnecessary visitors. It is important to get enough sleep and a good night's sleep when your baby is asleep can help. Exercise can also improve your mood. Finding a network of friends and family members to help with childcare or housework can be very beneficial. It is important to keep in mind that feeling depressed doesn't mean that you are not a good mom or you are not loving your child. It's a normal occurrence that needs treatment. It is possible to feel better after treatment and have more energy to care for your baby. Untreated depression may also affect the relationship between a pregnant mom and her child, and can lead to serious health issues for both baby and mommy. Women of color have a higher risk of postpartum depression compared to white women. This could be due to the fact that they are less likely to seek help and receive a diagnosis. 2. Feelings of anger or rage The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) does not mention anger or rage as signs of PPD however, these emotions are not uncommon. Anger can be caused by a variety of causes including rapid changes in hormones, sleep loss and worries about becoming a new mother. If you're experiencing these feelings you should speak to your doctor. signs and symptoms of postnatal depression may conduct a depression screening during your postpartum follow-up. You can also seek help from a therapist or a support group. It's important to let others know what you're feeling to ensure they are able to offer assistance. Ask for assistance with eating cleaning, babysitting, or running errands. If someone offers to look after your baby while you rest then take them up on it. Make sure you spend time with others who understand how you're feeling. This could include family members and friends, or other new moms in mothers' groups. You should contact the emergency services immediately if are worried about harming your baby or yourself. This is an indication of postpartum psychosis which is a rare but serious medical condition that can happen with PPD. If you know someone in your family who is having these feelings, encourage them to seek medical attention. Suggest that they talk to their healthcare provider or join a therapist support group and offer to go with them to the appointment as a therapist. You could also help by offering to babysit, run the errands, or join in on playdates or outings. You can also participate in activities that you enjoy and make time to eat well and get enough sleep. 3. Feelings of guilt and worthlessness Many new moms experience feelings like sadness, anxiety, fatigue, loneliness or anger after having children. These feelings are often referred to as the baby blues. They may last for a few weeks or days after delivery. If these symptoms persist for longer than two weeks and are getting worse or if they affect your ability to take care of the baby or yourself, or when you think of harming yourself or your baby, then you may be suffering from postpartum depression. Your doctor will assess your situation during your postpartum visit and will refer you to someone who is trained in mental health, if required. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or harming the baby, contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately. It is important to remember that it is not your fault that you have PPD, irrespective of the cause. Many factors may be involved in the development of perinatal depression including hormone changes, lack of sleep and family and emotional issues. You are also at increased risk if you experienced anxiety or depression during pregnancy or in the past and have a family history of depression. Certain women have a harder time coping with postpartum depression, especially if they experience the more severe symptoms such as feelings of despair and desperation or fears of harming themselves or the baby. These are indicators of a more serious condition known as postpartum psychosis and can be very harmful for both you and your baby. This is a mental health crisis that needs to be treated in an emergency room. Call 911 or go straight to the nearest emergency department. It is also important to have support systems in place. Seek out friends and family who are willing to help with housework, childcare and other errands. 4. Feelings of despair or a sense of insanity If feelings of desperation or despair persist for more than two weeks it could be a sign that something more serious is going on. They could also be a sign of a more serious condition known as postpartum psychosis. This is a serious mental illness which can lead to hallucinations, delusions and paranoia. Women suffering from these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention, whether by calling an emergency hotline, going to their doctor, or by going to the emergency room. Women with PPD may feel ashamed or guilty about their feelings. They may also feel that their emotions are reflective of their babies or that they are horrible mothers. But there is nothing they have done or not done that causes their depression. It is caused by a combination of hormones and environmental factors that are outside of their control. PPD is treatable and usually disappears with the proper treatment. This could include psychotherapy or talk therapy with a psychologist, psychiatrist or a mental health counselorand sometimes medication. Certain antidepressants are safe to use while breastfeeding. Women should also receive as much support and rest as possible during this period. You can seek assistance with household chores family members, a partner, or join a mothers' support group. It is also important that they eat a healthy diet, get plenty of sleep and exercise, and see their healthcare provider for regular checkups and any questions they may have. 5. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness It is crucial that women who feel lost or unworthy, immediately seeks out a doctor. These are serious symptoms that can indicate postpartum depression and should never be overlooked. These feelings can be more severe than baby blues and can keep the new mom from taking care of her infant or herself. If they're not treated and untreated, depression can last longer and even turn into a major depressive disorder. It can also affect the bond between mothers and their children as well as the relationship within the family. It's unclear what causes postpartum depression, but genetics and some medical problems can increase a mother's chances of developing it. Other risk factors are serious stress during pregnancy, medical problems both during and after delivery and a lack of support from other women. A woman's risk increases if she has a history with depression. Most women with postpartum depression get better by taking medication and therapy. Medicine can help balance the chemicals in the brain which influence mood. Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy such as cognitive behavior therapy, as well as interpersonal therapy or a mother's support group. The therapist can help the new mother comprehend her feelings, and how to manage them. The use of medications for depression could be recommended, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline (Zoloft®) or the fluoxetine (Prozac®) and paroxetine (Paxil®). Brexanolone, also known as Zulresso®, is a newer drug that is administered via IV over a period of two and a half days in the hospital. It is effective immediately. It is safe to take when you are breastfeeding. It's normal for a mother to feel depressed or sad after the birth of her baby. If these feelings persist or worsen it's crucial to speak with the doctor. It's especially important to see an obstetrician if the mother has thoughts of harming her child or herself and is a sign of more serious depression called postpartum psychosis. It's a rare condition.