The 10 Scariest Things About Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Postpartum Depression Symptoms

The "baby blues" is a normal feeling 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 develop something much more grave known as postpartum psychosis. It can trigger hallucinations, a lack of sleep, and fears of harming herself or the baby. Hospitalization is frequently required.

1. Feelings of hopelessness or despair

If you feel a sense of despair or a sense of worthlessness this is a sign that you need to visit a mental health professional right away. It is important to inform your doctor if you are thinking about suicide or think of hurting yourself or your child. These are very dangerous physical symptoms of being depressed and should not be ignored. These symptoms of postpartum depression can also be an indication of more severe postpartum depression disorders, such as postpartum schizophrenia.

The most commonly used method to treat PPD is with antidepressant medication. This helps to regulate the chemicals in your brain that affect your mood. Your doctor will recommend the medication that's best for you according to your symptoms and whether or not you're breastfeeding. Talk therapy is also a common treatment. Your doctor may recommend an individual therapy method like cognitive behavior therapy or interpersonal therapy. Some support groups also help women with PPD.

Other methods include rest and avoiding unnecessary visitors. It's important to sleep enough and sleeping when your baby is asleep can be beneficial. Exercise can also improve your mood. It is also beneficial to build a network of family and friends who can help with household chores or childcare.

It's important to remember that feeling depressed doesn't mean you're a bad mother or you don't love your baby. It's not a mental illness. It is an illness that requires treatment. It is possible to feel better after treatment and be more energized to take care of your baby. Untreated depression may also affect the relationship between a new mom and her baby and could result in serious health issues for mom and baby. Women of color are more likely to experience more severe postpartum depression than white women, perhaps due to the fact that they are less likely to seek treatment and be diagnosed.

2. Feelings anger or anger

Feelings of anger or rage 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 number of things, such as rapid changes in hormone levels, sleep deprivation, and worries about being a new mom. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms of major depressive disorder, it's best to speak to your doctor. He or she may perform a depression screen during your postpartum follow-up.

You can also seek help from a therapist or a support group. It's important to let others know how you feel to allow them to provide assistance. Request help with cleaning, cooking, babysitting and running errands. If someone offers to take care of the baby while you sleep you can take advantage of it. Spend time with people who can understand your feelings like family members and friends, or newly mothers in a mothers group.

If you're thinking of harming yourself or the baby, it's an emergency and you should contact 911 or your healthcare provider away. This is an indication of postpartum psychiasis which is a rare but serious medical condition that can happen with PPD.

Encourage your friend or family member who is suffering from these feelings to seek medical attention. Offer to accompany them to their appointment to provide assistance. You can suggest that they talk to their healthcare provider, or join an therapist support group. You could also offer other services to help, such as offering babysitting or running for errands, or go on playdates and outings with your children. You can also do things you enjoy and eat well and get enough sleep.

3. Feelings of guilt or a sense of inadequacy

Many new moms experience feelings such as sadness, anxiety, fatigue, loneliness or irritability after childbirth. They're sometimes referred to as baby blues and may last for several days or even weeks after delivery. If the symptoms persist for longer than two weeks and have been getting worse or if they hinder 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 evaluate your condition at your postpartum check-up and may refer you to a specialist who is trained in mental health, if required. Call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you think of taking your baby's life or committing suicide.

It is important to remember that it is not your fault that you have PPD, regardless of what caused it. Numerous factors can play a role in the development of perinatal depression including hormonal changes, sleep deprivation as well as emotional and family issues. You are at a higher risk if depression or anxiety occurred during pregnancy or before or if you have an ancestry history of depression in your family.

Certain women have a harder time dealing with postpartum depression, particularly when they are suffering from the more severe symptoms such as feelings of despair and desperation or thoughts of harming themselves or the baby. These are signs of a more serious problem known as postpartum psychosis and could be extremely dangerous for both you and your baby. It is a psychiatric crisis and requires treatment in a hospital. Contact 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 errands.

4. Feelings of despair or a sense of insanity

If the woman's feelings of depression, despair, sadness, or worthlessness persist for more than two weeks, it could be indicative of something more serious than the baby blues. They could also be a sign of a more serious illness known as postpartum psychosis. This is a serious mental illness that can cause delusions (thoughts or beliefs that are not true) and hallucinations (seeing or smelling things that aren't there), mania (a exuberant and elated mood that is out of sync with reality) and paranoia. Women suffering from these symptoms should seek medical attention, either by calling an emergency hotline, going to their doctor, or visiting the emergency room.

Women with PPD may be embarrassed or feel guilty about their feelings. They might feel that their emotions reflect on their children or that they're terrible mothers. They haven't done anything to trigger their depression. It is caused by a combination of environmental and hormonal factors that are beyond their control.

PPD can be treated and usually disappear with the right treatment. This could include talk therapy or psychotherapy with a therapist such as psychologist, psychiatrist or mental health counselor. Sometimes, medication may be prescribed. Certain antidepressants are able to be taken during breastfeeding. Women should try to get as much rest and support as possible during this period. This might include asking for help with housework, from a spouse or family member or joining 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 examinations and any other questions they have.

5. Feelings of hopelessness or a sense of worthlessness

If a woman is having feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness it is important to speak with her doctor right away. These are serious signs that can indicate postpartum depression and should not be overlooked. These feelings are more severe than baby blues and can keep a new mother from taking care of her infant or herself. If depression is not treated, it can become more serious and may even progress into major depressive disorder. It could also hinder the bonding between the mother and child, as well as the family's bond.

It's unclear what causes postpartum depression but genetics and other medical conditions can increase a mother's likelihood of developing it. Other risk factors are serious anxiety during pregnancy, medical problems both during and after birth, and lack support from other women. If the woman has had a history of depression her risk of developing depression is higher as well.

Most women with postpartum depression recover with medicine and therapy. Medicine helps balance chemicals in the brain which affect mood. Your doctor can recommend psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as interpersonal therapy or an organization for mothers to support each other. Therapists can help a new mother recognize her feelings and manage these feelings in a healthy way. SSRIs like sertraline, fluoxetine (Prozac (r)), and paroxetine can be prescribed for depression. Brexanolone is also known as Zulresso(r) is a newer drug that is administered intravenously over two and a half days in a hospital. It starts working immediately. It is safe to take when breastfeeding.

It's normal for people to experience sad or down periods after the birth of a baby, but if these feelings do not go away or become worse, it's time to see a doctor. If the mother is having thoughts of harming herself or her child This could be a sign of a more serious type of depression, known as postpartum psychosis. It is a rare condition.