The 10 Scariest Things About Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Postpartum Depression Symptoms

The "baby blues" is a normal feeling experienced by mothers who have just had the birth of their baby. It's important that you speak to your health professional or doctor to discuss these feelings.

In certain cases, the mother of a newborn may experience something more serious postpartum psychosis. This may cause hallucinations, insufficient sleep, and fears of harming herself or her baby. Hospitalization is sometimes required.

1. Feelings of despair or hopelessness

If you feel helpless or unworthy, you should seek immediate help from an expert in mental health. It is important to inform your doctor if you are thinking about suicide or have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. These are serious signs of sadness that should not be overlooked. These symptoms of persistent depressive disorder could be a sign of more severe forms of postpartum depressive disorders, including postpartum schizophrenia.

Antidepressant medication is the most popular treatment for PPD. This helps to regulate your brain's chemicals that influence your mood. Your doctor will recommend the best medication for you based on your symptoms and whether you are breastfeeding. Talk therapy is also a standard treatment. Your doctor might recommend an individual therapy method, such as cognitive behavior therapy or interpersonal therapy. Some support groups also aid women suffering from PPD.

Relaxation and avoiding visitors are also effective methods of preventing. If your baby is asleep, sleeping when they are asleep can aid in getting enough sleep. Exercise can boost your mood. It can also be helpful to establish a support system 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 that you don't love your baby. It's a normal occurrence that needs treatment. It is possible to feel better after treatment and have more energy to care for your baby. Untreated depression can also impact the relationship between a new mom and her baby and cause serious health issues for the mom and baby. Women of color have a higher risk of postpartum depression compared with white women. This could be due to the fact that they are less likely to seek treatment and get diagnosed.

2. Feelings of anger or feelings of rage

Feelings of anger or rage are not listed as symptoms of postpartum depression in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), however, they are a common occurrence during PPD. Anger can be triggered by a variety of factors, including sudden changes in hormone levels, sleep deprivation and anxieties about being a new mom. If you are experiencing these feelings, it's important to talk with your doctor. He might conduct a depression test during your follow-up visit following the birth.

You can also seek advice from a therapist or a support group. It is important to let other people know how you feel to allow them to provide support. Ask for assistance with eating cleaning, babysitting, or running errands. If someone offers to look after your baby while you rest you can take advantage of it. Spend time with people who can understand your feelings like family and friends, or new mothers in a mothers' group.

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or the baby, that's an emergency situation and you should contact 911 or your healthcare provider right immediately. This is a sign of postpartum psychiasis, which is a rare, but serious medical condition that can be associated with PPD.

Encourage your friend or family member who is suffering from these symptoms to seek medical treatment. It is suggested that they speak to their healthcare provider or join a support group for therapists and offer the opportunity to accompany them to their appointment as a therapist. You can also do other things to help, such as offering to babysit or run errands, or join in on outings or playdates with your children. 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 worthlessness

Many new moms experience feelings such as anxiety, sadness, fatigue, loneliness or irritation after childbirth. These feelings are often referred to as the baby blues. They can last for several days or weeks following the birth. However, if the symptoms last more than two weeks, are getting worse, interfere with your ability to care for the baby or yourself, or if you have thoughts of hurting yourself or the baby, you could be experiencing postpartum depression (PPD). In your postpartum appointment your doctor will examine your health and refer you to a mental health professional should it be required. If you're having thoughts of suicide or risking harm to the baby, contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately.

It is important to remember that it is not your fault that you have PPD, irrespective of the cause. 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 may also be at a higher risk if you had anxiety or depression during pregnancy or in the past and have a family history of depression.

Some women have more difficulty coping with postpartum depression, especially if they experience the more severe symptoms like feelings of despair and hopelessness or thoughts of harming them or their baby. These symptoms are indicative of a more severe condition called postpartum psychosis, which could be harmful 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 important to have a support system in place. Seek out friends and family who are willing to assist with housework, childcare and errands.

4. Feelings of hopelessness or a sense of worthlessness

If the woman's feelings of depression, sadness, worthlessness or hopelessness persist for longer 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 condition known as postpartum psychosis. This is a very serious mental illness that can trigger delusions (thoughts or beliefs that aren't true), hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there) as well as mania (a elevated and elated state that is out of touch with reality) and paranoia. Women who experience these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately, whether by calling a hotline, visiting their doctor or going to the emergency room.

People with PPD can feel ashamed or guilty about their feelings. They may feel that their feelings reflect on their children or that they're terrible mothers. They have not done anything to cause their depression. It is caused by a combination of hormonal and environmental factors that are out of their control.

PPD can be treated and will usually disappear if the treatment is done. This could involve psychotherapy- or talk therapy with a psychiatrist, psychologist or a mental health counselorand sometimes, medication. Certain antidepressants are safe to use while breastfeeding. Women should also get as much rest and support as they can throughout this time. This might include seeking help with chores, from a spouse or family member or joining a mothers' support group. They should also eat well exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and also visit their doctor regularly to check-ups.

5. Feelings recognizing signs of depression hopelessness or despair

If a woman is experiencing feelings of despair or feeling worthless it is important to speak to her doctor immediately. These symptoms could indicate postpartum depression, and should be taken seriously. These feelings are more serious than the blues of a newborn, and may make it difficult for a new mother to take care of her her child. If they're not treated, the depression can last longer and even become a major depressive disorder. It can also affect the bond between a mother and her child as well as the bond within the family.

It's unclear what causes postpartum depression, but genetics and other medical problems can increase a new mother's chances of getting it. Other risk factors are serious stress during pregnancy, medical issues both during and after birth, and lack support from others. The risk for a woman increases if she has a history with depression.

The majority of women suffering from postpartum depression improve through therapy and medication. Medicine can help balance the chemicals in the brain which affect mood. Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy and interpersonal therapy or mother's support groups. The therapist will help the new mother comprehend her feelings, and how to handle them. SSRIs like sertraline, fluoxetine (Prozac (r)), and paroxetine may be prescribed to treat depression. A newer medication, brexanolone (Zulresso(r)) is given by IV over two-and-a-half days in the hospital and works quickly. It is safe to take while breastfeeding.

It's normal for a mother to feel depressed or sad after the birth of her child. However, if these feelings persist or get worse, it's important to consult the doctor. If the mother is having thoughts of harming herself or her child, this could be a sign of a more serious form of depression called postpartum psychsis. This is a rare condition.