Postpartum Depression Symptoms
Many new mothers experience a brief period of despair and sadness following the birth of their child which is known as the "baby blues." signs and symptoms of bipolar depression to speak to your doctor or health professional about these feelings.
In certain cases, a new mother may develop something more grave such as postpartum psychosis. This could cause hallucinations and a lack in sleep, and also thoughts of harming the mother or baby. Hospitalization is often needed.
1. Feelings of hopelessness or a sense of worthlessness
If you experience extreme feelings of despair or a sense of worthlessness, it's an indication that you should to see an expert in mental health immediately. Tell your doctor if your thoughts are of suicide or if you are thinking about hurting yourself or the baby. These are dangerous symptoms that should not be overlooked. They could also be a warning sign for other serious forms of postpartum depression like postpartum psychosis.
The most commonly used method to treat PPD is to use antidepressants. This will balance your brain's chemical imbalances that affect your mood. Your doctor will recommend the best treatment for you based on your symptoms and if you are breastfeeding. Talk therapy is another popular treatment. Your doctor may suggest an individual therapy method like cognitive behavior therapy or interpersonal therapy. Support groups can also assist women suffering from PPD.
Relaxation and avoiding visitors are also effective methods of preventing. It is essential to sleep enough and a good night's sleep when the baby is sleeping can help. Exercise can also improve your mood. It can also be helpful to build a network of family and friends who can assist you with household chores and childcare.
It's important to remember that feeling depressed does not mean you're a bad mother or you don't love your child. It's not a mental illness. It is medical issue that requires treatment. The treatment you receive can make you feel better and help you feel more motivated to take care of your baby. Untreated depression can also affect the relationship between a new mom and her baby, and can lead to serious health issues for the mother and baby. Women of ethnicity are more likely have a worse experience with postpartum depression than white women, perhaps due to the fact that they are less likely to seek treatment and to be diagnosed.
2. Feelings of anger or anger
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) does not include anger or rage as symptoms of PPD however, these feelings are not uncommon. Anger can be caused by many things, such as rapid changes in hormones, sleep loss and anxieties about becoming a mother. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's best to speak with your doctor. The doctor may conduct a depression screening during your postpartum follow-up.
You can also seek help from a therapist or support group. It is important to let others know how you're feeling to allow them to provide support. Offer assistance with cooking, cleaning, babysitting and running errands. Make use of those who offer to take care of your child while you sleep. Try to spend time with other people who can understand how you're feeling. This could include family members or friends or other moms in the mothers' group.
You must call 911 immediately if you are worried about harming your baby or yourself. This is an indication of postpartum psychiasis, which is a rare, but serious medical condition that is often associated with PPD.
If you know a friend or family member who is having these feelings, help them to seek medical attention. Suggest that they talk to their healthcare professional or join a therapist support group and offer to accompany them to the appointment as a support worker. You can also help by offering to watch your child, running around, or participate in playdates or outings. You can also make time to do things that you enjoy, eat well and rest as much as you need.
3. Feelings of guilt and feeling unworthy
After the birth, many new mothers are affected by feelings like sadness, anxiety or fatigue. They may also feel depressed or lonely. These are sometimes called the baby blues and can last for a few days or weeks after delivery. If these symptoms persist for longer than two weeks and are worsening or if they hinder your ability care for 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 examine your health during your postpartum visit and may refer you to a doctor who specializes in mental health if you require. Contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you think of harming your baby or suicide.
Remember that PPD isn't the fault of you, regardless of the cause. Many factors could contribute to the development of perinatal depression including hormone changes, sleep deprivation as well as emotional and family issues. You may also be at a higher risk if you experienced depression or anxiety during pregnancy or in the past and have an ancestral history of depression.
Certain women are more vulnerable to postpartum depression. This is particularly the case if they experience more serious symptoms, such as feelings of hopelessness and desperation or thoughts of harming themselves or their baby. These are signs of a more serious illness known as postpartum psychosis and can be very harmful for you and the baby. It is a psychiatric emergency that requires treatment in the hospital. Contact 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency department. It is also essential to have support systems in place. Find family and friends who will help with housework 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 be a sign something more serious is going on. They could also indicate an even more serious condition known as postpartum psychosis. This is a serious mental illness that can cause delusions (thoughts or beliefs that are not true), hallucinations (seeing, hearing or smelling things that are not present) and mania (a high and elated mood that seems out of touch with reality) and paranoia. Women who experience these symptoms should seek medical assistance immediately, either by calling a hotline, visiting their doctor or going to the emergency room.
People with PPD often feel shame or guilt about the way they feel. They may feel that their feelings are reflected on their children or that they're not good mothers. They have not done anything to trigger their depression. It is caused by a combination hormonal and environmental factors which are beyond their control.
PPD can be treated and usually disappear if the treatment is done. This may include talk therapy or psychotherapy with a therapist like a psychiatrist, psychologist or mental health counselor. Sometimes medication is also prescribed. Some antidepressants are safe to use while breastfeeding. Women should also get as much support and rest as they can during this time. You can seek assistance with household chores family members, a partner, or even join a mothers support group. They should also ensure to eat well, get plenty of sleep and exercise, and consult their physician regularly for checks and any concerns they have.
5. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
It is essential that a woman who feels in despair or unable to feel valued immediately consults with her doctor. These are serious symptoms that can indicate postpartum depression, and should not be dismissed. These feelings are more severe than the blues of a newborn, and can hinder a new mom from taking care of her her child. If they're not treated and untreated, depression can get worse and turn into a major depressive disorder. It can also interfere with the bond between the mother and child and the relationship between the family.
Postpartum depression isn't believed to be caused by anything specific, but medical or genetic factors can increase the chance of a new mom experiencing it. Other risk factors include severe stress during pregnancy, medical problems both during and post-birth, and insufficient support from other women. If the woman has had a history of depression her risk of developing depression is higher as well.
Many women who suffer from postpartum depression recover through therapy and medication. Medicine helps to balance the chemicals in the brain that influence mood. Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy such as cognitive behavior therapy, interpersonal therapy or mother's support groups. The therapist can help the mother-to-be to understand her feelings, and how to deal with them. Medications for depression may also be recommended, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline (Zoloft(r)) or the fluoxetine (Prozac(r)) and paroxetine (Paxil(r)). Brexanolone is also known as Zulresso(r), is a brand new medication that is administered intravenously over a period of two-and-a half days in hospital. It is effective immediately. It is safe to take when breastfeeding.
It's normal to experience sadness or depression after a baby is born however, if the feelings don't go away or worsen then it's time to consult an expert. It's crucial to see a doctor when a mother is thinking of harming her child or herself and is a sign of more serious depression called postpartum psychosis. It's a rare condition.