The 10 Scariest Things About Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Many new mothers experience a brief feeling of despair and sadness following the birth of their baby, called the "baby blues." It's crucial to speak to your doctor or health professional about these feelings.

In certain cases, a new mother can develop something much more grave called postpartum psychosis. This can cause hallucinations, and a lack of sleep, and also thoughts of harming the mother or baby. Hospitalization is usually required.

1. Feelings of despair or a sense of insanity

If you feel depressed or worthless, you should seek immediate help from an expert in mental health. It is also important to tell your doctor if you are thinking about suicide or are thinking of harming your child or yourself. These are serious signs of depression relapse that should not be ignored. They can also be a warning sign of other severe types of postpartum depression, such as postpartum psychosis.

Antidepressant medications are the most commonly used treatment for PPD. This will balance the brain's chemicals that affect mood. Your doctor will decide on the best medication for you based on your symptoms and whether you are breastfeeding. Talk therapy is also a popular treatment. Your doctor might recommend specific therapy methods, such as cognitive behavior therapy or interpersonal therapy. Some support groups help women with PPD.

The ability to rest and avoid unwanted visitors are also effective ways to prevent. Sleeping when your baby is asleep can aid in getting enough sleep. Exercise can boost 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 mean that you are a bad mom or that you do not love your baby. It's a normal medical condition that requires treatment. You'll feel better after treatment and be more energized to take care of your child. Untreated depression can also impact the relationship between a mother and her child and can lead to serious health issues for the mom and baby. Women of ethnicity are more likely suffer more from postpartum depression than white women, perhaps because they're less likely to seek treatment and get diagnosed.

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, but these feelings are not uncommon. Anger can be caused by a variety of causes like rapid changes in hormones, sleep deprivation, and worries about becoming a new mother. If you're experiencing these feelings you should speak with your doctor. He or she may conduct a depression screening during your postpartum follow-up.

You can also seek assistance from a therapist or support group. It's also important to let others know how you're feeling so they can offer assistance. Ask for assistance with food cleaning, babysitting, or running around for errands. If someone offers to look after your baby while you rest you can take advantage of it. Try to spend time with other people who understand how you're feeling, like family members and friends, or other new mothers in mothers' groups.

It is imperative to immediately call 911 if you are worried about harming yourself or your baby. This is an indication of postpartum psychosis which is a rare but serious medical condition that is often associated with PPD.

Encourage a family member or friend who is suffering from these symptoms to seek medical treatment. Encourage them to talk to their healthcare provider or join a therapist support group and offer the opportunity to accompany them to the appointment as a support worker. You could also offer other services to assist, such as offering to take care of the baby or run errands, or join in on playdates and outings with the children. You can also make time to do activities you enjoy, eat well, and get enough rest.

3. Feelings of guilt or a sense of inadequacy

Many new moms experience feelings such as sadness, anxiety or fatigue, loneliness, anger after having children. These feelings are often called the baby blues and can last for a few days or weeks following the birth. If the symptoms persist for more than two weeks and are getting worse or if they interfere with your ability to take care of the baby or yourself or if you are worried about harming yourself or your baby, then you could be suffering from postpartum depression. Your doctor will examine your situation during your postpartum visit and may refer you to a doctor who is trained in mental health if you require. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or risking harm to the baby, call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately.

It is important to remember that it is not your fault that you have PPD, no matter the cause. Numerous factors can play a role in the development of perinatal depression including hormone changes, sleep issues and emotional and family issues. You are at an increased risk if depression or anxiety occurred during pregnancy or before, and if there is a family history.

Certain women have a harder time managing postpartum depression, particularly if they suffer from more severe symptoms such as feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness or thoughts of hurting them or their baby. These are signs of a more serious illness known as postpartum psychosis. It could be extremely dangerous for you and the baby. This is a psychiatric emergency that requires treatment at an emergency room. Contact 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. It is also crucial to have support systems in place. Find family and friends who are willing to help with childcare, housework and other errands.

4. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

If the feelings of despair or sadness persist for more than two weeks this could indicate that something more serious is happening. They could also indicate an even more serious condition known as postpartum psychosis. This is an extremely serious mental illness that can lead to delusions (thoughts or beliefs that are not true), hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not present), mania (a high and elated mood that seems out of touch with reality) and paranoia. Women with these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention, either by calling an emergency hotline, seeing their doctor, or going to the emergency room.

Women suffering from PPD may feel guilt or shame about how they feel. They might feel that their feelings reflect on their babies or that they're not good mothers. They haven't done anything to cause their depression. It is caused by a mix of hormonal and environmental factors which are beyond their control.

PPD is treatable and typically goes away with the right treatment. This can include talk therapy or psychotherapy with a therapist like a psychiatrist, psychologist or a mental health counselor. Sometimes, medication may be prescribed. Certain antidepressants are safe to take while breastfeeding. Women should also receive as much support and rest as they can during this time. This may include soliciting help with household chores, from a spouse or family members or joining a mothers' support group. They should also eat well, exercise and get enough sleep, and see their doctor regularly to check-ups.

5. Feelings of hopelessness or despair

If a woman is experiencing feelings of despair or a sense of worthlessness It is crucial to talk to her doctor immediately. These are serious signs that could indicate postpartum depression, and should not be dismissed. These symptoms 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 last longer and even turn into a major depressive disorder. It can also affect the bond between the mother and her child as well as the bond within the family.

It's not certain what causes postpartum depression however, genetics and medical conditions can increase a mother's chances of developing it. Other risk factors include severe stress during the pregnancy, medical issues both during and post-birth, and lack of support from others. If a woman has had a history of depression her risk is greater as well.

Many women who suffer from postpartum depression improve with medicine and therapy. Medicine can help balance the chemicals in the brain that influence mood. Your doctor might recommend psychotherapy, including cognitive behavior therapy, as well as interpersonal therapy or a mother's support group. Therapists can assist a mother-to-be recognize her feelings and manage them in a healthy manner. 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 a period of two-and-a half days in the hospital. It is effective immediately. It's safe to use while breastfeeding.

It's normal for a mom to feel sad or depressed after the birth of her child. However, if these feelings persist or worsen, it's important to consult an expert. 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 disorder.