The 10 Scariest Things About Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Postpartum Depression Symptoms

The "baby blues" is a common occurrence that new mothers experience following the birth of their child. It's important that you consult your health professional or doctor to discuss your feelings.

In certain cases the mother of a newborn may develop something much more grave known as postpartum psychosis. This could cause hallucinations, and a lack of sleep, and also thoughts of harming the mother or baby. Hospitalization is often needed.

1. Feelings of despair or a sense of insanity

If you feel hopeless or depressed, you must seek immediate assistance from a mental health professional. Tell your doctor if your thoughts are about suicide or you're thinking about harming yourself or your baby. These are very serious signs of mental health problems and should not be overlooked. These symptoms may also be a sign of more severe forms of postpartum depression disorders, like postpartum schizophrenia.

The most popular method to treat PPD is to use antidepressants. This helps balance the brain's chemical imbalances that affect your mood. Your doctor will recommend the best medication for you based upon your symptoms as well as whether you are breastfeeding. Talk therapy is a different standard treatment. Your doctor may recommend an individual 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. If your baby is asleep, sleeping when they are asleep will aid in getting enough sleep. Exercise can also improve your mood. The idea of forming a network with friends and family members to help with childcare and housework can be very helpful.

It's important to remember that being depressed doesn't mean you're a bad mother or you don't love your child. It's not a mental health symptoms of depression illness. It's medical issue that requires treatment. The treatment you receive can make you feel better and give you the energy to take care of your baby. Untreated depression can also affect the relationship between a pregnant mom and her child and could result in serious health issues for the mother and baby. Women of ethnicity are more likely experience more severe postpartum depression symptoms in seniors than white women, perhaps because they're less likely seek treatment and get diagnosed.

2. Feelings of anger or anger

Anger or rage are not considered to be symptoms of postpartum depression in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), but they are common in PPD. Anger can be triggered by a number of things, such as rapid changes in hormone levels, sleep deprivation and anxiety about becoming new mommy. If you're experiencing these emotions it's best to talk with your physician. They may conduct a depression screening during your postpartum follow-up.

You can also seek help from a therapist or support group. It's important to let others know how you're feeling so they can offer assistance. Offer help with meals, babysitting, cleaning and running errands. Make use of anyone who offers to look after your child while you sleep. Spend time with people who understand your feelings like family and friends, or even new mothers in a mothers group.

You should call 911 immediately if you have thoughts of harming your baby or yourself. This is a sign of postpartum psychosis. It's a rare but severe medical condition that can be associated with PPD.

If you know a friend or family member who is having these thoughts, encourage them to seek medical help. It is suggested that they speak to their doctor or join a therapist support group and offer the opportunity to accompany them to the appointment as a support worker. You can also assist by offering to take care of the baby, running around, or participate in playdates or outings. You can also make time to do things you like, eat a healthy diet and take a good amount of rest.

3. Feelings of guilt or worthlessness

After childbirth, many new mothers feel anxiety, sadness or fatigue. They might also feel depressed or lonely. They're sometimes referred to as baby blues, and can last for several days or even weeks following 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 if you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, then you could be suffering from postpartum depression. Your doctor will examine your situation at your postpartum check-up and will refer you to a specialist who is trained in mental health, if required. If you're having thoughts of suicide or harming the baby, contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately.

It is crucial to remember that it is not your fault if you suffer from PPD, no matter the cause. Perinatal depression can be triggered by a variety of causes that include hormonal changes, lack of rest and emotional or familial issues. You are at an increased risk of developing depression or anxiety if it was present during pregnancy or prior to or if there is an ancestry history of depression in your family.

Women who are pregnant may have more difficulty dealing with postpartum depression, particularly when they suffer from more severe symptoms such as feelings of despair and desperation or thoughts of hurting themselves or the baby. These signs are indicative of an even more serious condition known as postpartum psychosis. It can be dangerous for both you and your baby. This is a psychiatric emergency that needs to be treated in a hospital. Contact 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency department. It is also crucial to have support systems in place. Find family members and friends who can help with household chores and childcare, as well as the occasional errands.

4. Feelings of hopelessness or despair

If women's feelings of despair, sadness, or worthlessness persist for longer than two weeks, they could be a sign of something more severe than the baby blues. They could also indicate an even 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 medical attention immediately, whether by calling a hotline, or visiting their doctor, or going to the emergency room.

People with PPD can feel embarrassed or ashamed of their feelings. They may also feel that their feelings are somehow an expression of their babies or that they are terrible mothers. However there is nothing they've done or failed to do that triggers their depression. It is caused by a combination hormonal and environmental factors which are beyond their control.

PPD can be treated and can disappear with the right treatment. This could include psychotherapy or talk therapy with a therapist, such as psychologist, psychiatrist or mental health counselor. Sometimes medication is also prescribed. Certain antidepressants can be used during breastfeeding. Women should also strive to get as much sleep and support as they can during this period. This could include asking for help with housework, a partner or family members or joining a mothers' support group. They should also eat healthy exercise, get enough sleep, and visit their doctor regularly for checkups.

5. Feelings of despair or a sense of inadequacy

It is crucial that women who feel in despair or unable to feel valued immediately consults with her doctor. These are serious signs of sadness that can indicate postpartum depression and should never be overlooked. These symptoms may be more severe than baby blues and could prevent mothers from taking care of her infant or herself. If left untreated, depression can become severe and can even turn into major depression. It can also affect the bonding between a mother and her child and also the family's bond.

It's not known what causes postpartum depression however, genetics and medical problems can increase a woman's chances of developing it. Other risk factors include severe stress during pregnancy, medical issues during the pregnancy as well as after birth and the absence of support from family and friends. A woman's risk increases if she has a history with depression.

Most women with postpartum depression get better with medicine and therapy. Medicine can help balance the chemicals in the brain that affect mood. Your doctor can recommend psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy, or an organization for mothers to support each other. The therapist will assist the new mother comprehend her feelings, and how to handle them. Medications for depression may also be recommended, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline (Zoloft(r)) or the fluoxetine (Prozac(r)) and paroxetine (Paxil(r)). A newer drug, Brexanolone (Zulresso(r)) is administered via IV over a period of two and a half days in the hospital and works quickly. It is safe to take when breastfeeding.

It's normal for people to experience down or sad times after a baby is born however, if the feelings do not go away or become worse, it's time to see an expert. It's crucial to see a doctor if the mother has thoughts of hurting herself or her baby and is a sign of more serious depression called postpartum psychosis, a very rare condition.