The 10 Scariest Things About Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Many new mothers experience a brief period of despair and sadness after the birth of their baby known as the "baby blues." It's important to speak to your doctor or health professional about these feelings.

In certain cases the mother of a newborn may be diagnosed with something more grave: postpartum psychosis. This may cause hallucinations, a lack of sleep, and fears of harming herself or her baby. Sometimes, hospitalization is required.

1. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

If you feel hopeless or depressed, you must seek immediate assistance from an expert in mental health. Inform your doctor if you are having thoughts are of suicide or if you have any thoughts about harming yourself or your baby. These are very serious signs and should not be overlooked. They can also be a warning sign of other serious forms of postpartum depression, such as postpartum psychosis.

The most commonly used method to treat PPD is antidepressant medicine. This helps to regulate your brain's chemicals that affect your mood. Your doctor will determine the most effective medication for you based on your symptoms and whether you are breastfeeding. Talk therapy is another standard treatment. Your doctor may suggest the use of a specific therapy method such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy. Support groups can also assist women with PPD.

Relaxation and avoiding visitors are also effective treatments. It's important to get enough sleep and sleeping while the baby sleeps can be beneficial. Exercise can improve your mood. It can also be beneficial to establish a support system of family and friends who will help you with housework and childcare.

It is important to keep in mind that feeling depressed does not necessarily mean that you're an unloving mother or that you don't love your child. It's not a mental disorder. It's a medical condition that requires treatment. The treatment you receive can make you feel better and give you the energy to care for your baby. Untreated depression can also affect the relationship between a pregnant mom and her child, and can lead to serious health issues for the mother and baby. Women of color have higher risks of suffering from postpartum depression compared with 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 feelings of rage

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 commonplace during PPD. Anger can be triggered by a variety of causes, such as rapid changes in hormones, sleep deprivation and worries about becoming a new mother. If you're experiencing these feelings you should speak to your doctor. He or she may perform a depression screen during your postpartum follow-up.

You can also seek assistance from a therapist or a support group. It is important to let other people know what you're feeling to allow them to provide assistance. Request assistance with eating, babysitting, cleaning and running around for errands. Make use of anyone who offers to take care of your child while you sleep. Spend time with people who understand your needs like family members and friends, or new mothers in a mothers group.

You should contact the emergency services immediately if have thoughts of harming your baby or yourself. This is an indication of postpartum psychiasis which is a rare but serious medical condition that can happen with PPD.

Encourage the friend or family member who is experiencing these feelings to seek medical attention. You can accompany them to their appointment to provide support. You can suggest that they speak to their doctor, or join a support group for therapists. You can also do other things to assist, such as offering to babysit or run around, or join in on outings and playdates with the children. You can also participate in activities that you enjoy and take time to consume a balanced diet and get adequate sleep.

3. Feelings of guilt and feeling unworthy

Many new moms experience feelings like anxiety, sadness or fatigue, loneliness, irritation after childbirth. These feelings are often called the baby blues. They can last for several days or weeks after the birth. If the symptoms persist for longer than two weeks and have been getting worse, or if they hinder your ability 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. Your doctor will assess your health at your postpartum check-up and may refer you to a doctor who is trained in mental health if needed. If you are having thoughts of suicide or harming the baby, call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately.

It is important to remember that PPD is not the fault of you, regardless of the cause. Numerous factors can play a role in the development of perinatal depression including hormonal changes, sleep deprivation and family and emotional issues. There is also a higher risk if you had depression or anxiety during pregnancy or in the past and have a family history of depression.

Certain women have a harder time dealing with postpartum depression, particularly if they suffer from more severe symptoms like feelings of despair and hopelessness or thoughts of hurting them or their baby. These are physical signs of being depressed of a more serious condition known as postpartum psychosis. It can be very dangerous for both the baby and you. This is a mental health crisis that requires treatment at an emergency room. Contact 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. It is important to have a system of support in place. Find family and friends who are willing to assist with childcare, housework and errands.

4. Feelings of despair or a sense of insanity

If the feelings of despair, sadness or hopelessness persist for longer than two weeks it could be a sign that something more serious is happening. Postpartum psychosis is a serious condition that can trigger these feelings. This is a serious mental illness that can cause delusions (thoughts or beliefs that are not true), hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not present) as well as mania (a high and elated mood that is out of touch with reality) and paranoia. Women suffering from these early symptoms of major depression should seek medical attention, whether by calling an emergency hotline, seeing their doctor, or visiting the emergency room.

People with PPD can feel embarrassed or ashamed of their feelings. They may feel that their emotions reflect on their children or they're terrible mothers. However, there is nothing they have done or failed to do that triggers their depression. It is caused by a mix of environmental and hormonal factors that are beyond their control.

PPD can be treated and usually disappear with the right treatment. This could include psychotherapy or talk therapy with a therapist such as psychologist, psychiatrist or a mental health counselor. Sometimes, medication is prescribed. Some antidepressants can be taken while breastfeeding. Women should also strive to get as much sleep and support as they can during this time. This may include asking for help with housework, from a spouse or family member, or joining a mothers' support group. They should also eat a balanced diet exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and see their healthcare provider regularly to check-ups.

5. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

It's important that a woman who feels lost or unworthy, immediately consults her doctor. These are serious symptoms that could indicate postpartum depression, and should not be dismissed. These feelings are more severe than the blues of a newborn, and could prevent a new mother taking care of her or her child. If they're left untreated the depression may get worse and turn into a major depressive disorder. It can also affect the bond between the mother and child and also the relationship between the family.

It's not certain what causes postpartum depression, however, genetics and medical issues can increase a new mother's likelihood of developing it. Other risk factors include anxiety during pregnancy, medical problems both during and after the birth and the lack of support from family and friends. The risk for a woman increases when she has a history of primary depression symptoms.

The majority of women with postpartum depressive disorder recover with medication and therapy. Medicine helps balance chemicals in the brain that influence mood. Your doctor can suggest psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as interpersonal therapy or a mother's support group. The therapist will assist the new mother understand her feelings, and how to deal with them. SSRIs like sertraline, fluoxetine (Prozac (r)), and paroxetine are all prescribed to treat depression. Brexanolone, also known as Zulresso(r), is a newer drug that is administered by IV over two and a half days in hospital. It begins working as soon as it is administered. It is safe to use during 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. If the mother is having thoughts of harming herself or her child it could be a sign of a more serious type of depression, known as postpartum psychosis. It is a rare condition.