The 10 Scariest Things About Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Postpartum Depression Symptoms

The "baby blues" is a common occurrence experienced by mothers who have just had the birth of their baby. It is essential to consult your health care provider or doctor to discuss these feelings.

In some cases a new mother may develop something more serious such as postpartum psychosis. It can trigger hallucinations, insufficient sleep, and fears of harming herself or her baby. Hospitalization is sometimes required.

1. Feelings of despair or a sense of insanity

If you feel helpless or unworthy, you should seek immediate help from a mental health professional. It is important to inform your doctor if you think about suicide or are thinking of harming yourself or your child. These are extremely dangerous identifying signs of depression and should not be overlooked. These symptoms may also be an indication of more severe forms of postpartum depression disorders, like postpartum schizophrenia.

The most common signs of depression way to treat PPD is antidepressant medicine. This helps to regulate the chemicals in your brain that affect mood. Your doctor will suggest the best medication for you based on your symptoms and whether or not you're breastfeeding. Talk therapy is also a common treatment. Your doctor might recommend a specific model of therapy like cognitive behavior therapy or interpersonal therapy. Certain support groups assist women with PPD.

Other methods include sleeping and avoiding visits from unnecessary people. It's important to get enough sleep and a good night's sleep while the baby sleeps can help. Exercise can also improve your mood. Finding a network of friends and family members to help with childcare or housework can be very beneficial.

It's important to remember that being depressed doesn't mean that you're an unloving mother or that you don't love your baby. It's not a mental disorder. It is an illness that requires treatment. You'll feel better after treatment and have more energy to care for your baby. Untreated depression may also affect the relationship between a pregnant mom and her baby and could lead to serious health issues for baby and mommy. Women of color are at 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 treatment and receive a diagnosis.

2. Feelings of anger or rage

Feelings signs of emotional distress anger or rage are not listed as symptoms of postpartum depression in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), but they are common during PPD. Anger can be triggered by a variety of factors, including sudden changes in hormone levels, sleep deprivation, and anxieties about being new mommy. If you're experiencing these emotions it is important to speak to your doctor, who may do a depression screening at your follow-up appointment following delivery.

You can also seek assistance from a therapist or a support group. It's important to let other people know what you're feeling to ensure they are able to offer assistance. Ask for assistance with cooking, cleaning, babysitting and running errands. Make use of anyone who will watch your baby while you nap. Spend time with people who understand your feelings like family members and friends, or even new mothers in a mothers group.

If you're thinking of harming yourself or your baby, it's an emergency and you must call 911 or your healthcare provider right now. This is an indication of postpartum psychiasis, which is a rare but serious medical condition that can be associated with PPD.

Encourage the family member or friend who is suffering from these feelings to seek medical care. You can accompany them to their appointment to offer assistance. You can suggest they talk to their healthcare provider or join a support group for therapists. You could also offer other services to assist, such as offering to babysit or run around, or join in on outings and playdates with your children. You can also engage in things that you like and take time to consume a balanced diet and get adequate sleep.

3. Feelings of guilt and worthlessness

Many new moms experience feelings such as anxiety, sadness and fatigue, loneliness, or anger after having children. These are sometimes called the baby blues and may last for some days or weeks after delivery. If the symptoms last longer than two weeks, and are getting worse, hinder your ability to take care of the baby or yourself or you are worried about harming yourself or your baby, you could be suffering from postpartum depression (PPD). When you visit your postpartum doctor, your doctor will evaluate your health and refer you to a mental health specialist if required. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or risking harm to the baby, call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately.

Remember that PPD is not your fault, no matter the cause. Perinatal depression can be triggered by a variety of factors, including hormonal changes, lack of rest and emotional or familial issues. There is also a higher risk if you experienced anxiety or depression during pregnancy or in the past and have an ancestry of depression.

Certain women have a harder time dealing with postpartum depression, particularly if they are suffering from the more severe symptoms like feelings of despair and hopelessness or fears of harming themselves or the baby. These symptoms can indicate a more severe disorder known as postpartum psychosis, which could be harmful for both you and your baby. This is a mental health crisis that must be treated at an emergency room. Call 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency department. It is also essential to have support systems in place. Find friends and family members who can assist with household chores and childcare and running errands.

4. Feelings of despair or hopelessness

If the feelings of worthlessness or despair persist for more than two weeks it could indicate that something more serious is occurring. Postpartum psychosis is a severe condition that can cause these feelings. This is an extremely serious mental illness that can cause delusions, hallucinations and paranoia. Women with these symptoms should seek medical attention, whether by calling an emergency hotline, going to their doctor, or going to the emergency room.

Women suffering from PPD may feel guilt or shame about how they feel. They may believe that their emotions reflect on their children or they're terrible mothers. They haven't done anything to trigger their depression. It is caused by a combination of hormones and environmental factors that are outside of their control.

PPD can be treated and usually disappear if the treatment is done. This could involve psychotherapy- or talk therapy with a psychiatrist, psychologist or mental health counselor -and sometimes, medication. Certain antidepressants can be used during breastfeeding. Women should also get as much rest and support as they can during this time. You can seek assistance with household chores or family members or a partner, or even join a mothers' support group. They should also eat well exercise, get enough sleep, and see their doctor regularly for checkups.

5. Feelings of despair or hopelessness

It is essential that a woman who feels lost or unworthy, immediately consults her doctor. These symptoms can indicate postpartum depression and should not go unnoticed. These symptoms are more severe than the baby blues and could prevent a new mother from taking care of herself or her baby. Untreated depression can become more serious and may even progress into a major depressive disorder. It can also affect the bond between a mother and her child as well as the relationship within the family.

Postpartum depression isn't believed to be caused by anything specific however, genetics or medical issues can increase the chance of a new mother being affected. Other risk factors include stress during pregnancy, medical issues during the pregnancy and post-birth, and lack of support from others. A woman's risk is increased when she has a past history of depression.

The majority of women suffering from postpartum depression get better with medicine and therapy. Medicine helps to balance the chemicals in the brain that affect mood. Your doctor can suggest psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy or a support group for mothers. The therapist will assist the new mother understand her feelings, and how to deal with them. SSRIs such as sertraline fluoxetine (Prozac (r)), and paroxetine may be prescribed for depression. Brexanolone is also known as Zulresso(r), is a newer medication that is administered by IV over a period of 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 to have some down or sad times following the birth of a child however, if the feelings don't go away or get worse then it's time to consult a doctor. It's especially important to see an obstetrician when a mother is thinking of hurting her child or herself or her baby, which could be a sign of more serious depression, also known as postpartum psychosis, a very rare condition.