10 Things We All Hate About Postpartum Depression Symptoms
Postpartum Depression Symptoms Many new mothers experience a brief feeling of despair and sadness after the birth of their child known as the “baby blues.” It is important to speak to your doctor or health visitor about your feelings. In clinical depression symptoms may develop something more grave such as postpartum psychosis. This may cause hallucinations, insufficient sleep, and fears of harming herself or her baby. Hospitalization is frequently required. 1. Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness If you experience extreme feelings of despair or a sense of worthlessness, it's an indication that you should to see a mental health professional immediately. It is also important to tell your doctor if there is a thought about suicide or think of harming yourself or your baby. These are serious signs that should not be overlooked. These symptoms may also be an indication of more severe postpartum depressive disorders, such as postpartum schizophrenia. Antidepressant medications are the most commonly used treatment for PPD. This will balance the chemicals in your brain that affect mood. Your doctor will recommend the medication that is best for you according to your symptoms and whether or not you're breastfeeding. Talk therapy is a different standard treatment. Your doctor may recommend a specific therapy model like cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy. Some support groups help women with PPD. Other methods include rest and avoiding visitors who are not necessary. It is important to get enough rest and sleeping when the baby is sleeping can help. Exercise can also boost your mood. It can also be helpful to establish a support system of family and friends who will help you with housework and childcare. It's important to remember that being depressed doesn't mean that you're a bad mother or you don't love your baby. It's not a mental disorder. It's a medical condition that requires treatment. It is possible to feel better after treatment and have more energy to care for your baby. Untreated depression can also affect the relationship between a pregnant mom and her baby and could result in serious health issues for both baby and mommy. Women of color are more likely to experience more severe postpartum depression than white women, possibly because they're less likely to seek treatment and to be diagnosed. 2. Feelings anger or rage The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) does not mention anger or rage as symptoms of PPD, but these feelings are common. 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 these feelings it's crucial to speak to your doctor, who may do a depression screening during your follow-up appointment after delivery. You can also get help from a therapist or a support group. It's also essential to let people know how you're feeling, to allow them to offer help. Ask for assistance with eating, babysitting, cleaning and running errands. If someone offers to take care of the baby while you nap then take them up on it. Try to spend time with people who understand how you're feeling, such as friends and family members or other moms in a mothers' group. If you're thinking of harming yourself or the baby, that's an emergency and you should call 911 or your healthcare provider right now. That's a serious sign of postpartum psychosis, a rare but serious medical condition that is often associated with PPD. Encourage the friend or family member who is experiencing these feelings to seek medical attention. Offer to accompany them to their appointment and provide assistance. You could suggest that they speak to their healthcare professional, or join a support group for therapists. You can also assist by offering to take care of the baby, running the errands, or join in on playdates or outings. You can also set aside time to do things you like, eat a healthy diet, and get enough rest. 3. Feelings of guilt and feeling unworthy After childbirth, many new mothers are affected by feelings like sadness, anxiety or fatigue. They might also feel lonely or irritable. These feelings are often called the baby blues and may 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 have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, you could be suffering from postpartum depression. When you visit your postpartum doctor, your doctor will evaluate your condition and refer you to a mental health specialist when required. Contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you are contemplating taking your baby's life or committing suicide. It is important to remember that it is not your fault if you suffer from PPD, irrespective of the cause. Perinatal depression can be triggered by many factors, including hormonal changes, lack of sleep, and emotional or family issues. You are at greater risk if depression or anxiety occurred during pregnancy or previously, and if there is an ancestry history of depression in your family. Certain women are more vulnerable to postpartum depression. This is particularly when they exhibit more serious symptoms, such as feelings of despair and worthlessness or thoughts of harming themselves or their baby. These symptoms are indicative of a more severe condition called postpartum psychosis, which can be dangerous for both you and your baby. It is a psychiatric crisis and needs to be treated in an emergency room. Call 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency department. It is essential to have a system of support in place. Find family members and friends who will help with housework and childcare and other running errands. 4. Feelings of despair or hopelessness If feelings of desperation, sadness or hopelessness persist for more than two weeks this could be a sign something more serious is occurring. They could also be a sign of a more serious illness known as postpartum psychosis. This is a serious mental illness that can lead to hallucinations, delusions and paranoia. Women with these symptoms should seek medical attention, whether by calling an emergency hotline, seeing their doctor, or by going to the emergency room. Women with PPD can often feel guilt or shame about the way they are feeling. They may believe that their emotions reflect on their children or that they're terrible mothers. However, there is nothing they have done or not done that triggers their depression. It is caused by a mix of hormonal and environmental factors that are out of their control. PPD can be treated and can disappear if the treatment is done. This could include psychotherapy- or talk therapy with a psychiatrist, psychologist or mental health counselor — and sometimes medication. Some antidepressants can be taken during breastfeeding. Women should also strive to get as much rest and support as possible during this period. You can seek assistance with household chores family members, your partner, or join a mothers' support group. They should also eat well, exercise and get enough sleep, and also visit their health care provider regularly for checkups. 5. Feelings of hopelessness or despair It is crucial that a woman who feels in despair or unable to feel valued immediately consults her doctor. These symptoms could indicate postpartum depressive disorder and should be taken seriously. These feelings are more severe than baby blues and can keep a new mother from taking care of her child or herself. If left untreated and untreated, depression can persist for a longer time and eventually develop into a major depression disorder. It could also hinder the bond between a mother and her child and also the relationship between the family. Postpartum depression is not known to be caused by anything specific, but genetics or medical issues can increase the likelihood of a mother-to-be getting it. Other risk factors include anxiety during pregnancy, medical problems both during and after the birth, and lack support from others. A woman's risk is increased when she has a past history of depression. Most women with postpartum depression recover by taking medication and therapy. Medicine helps balance the chemicals in the brain that affect mood. Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy, or a support group for mothers. The therapist will assist the new mother comprehend her feelings, and how to handle them. Treatments for depression might also be suggested, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline (Zoloft®), fluoxetine (Prozac®) and paroxetine (Paxil®). A newer medication, brexanolone (Zulresso®) is administered by IV over a period of two and a half days in the hospital and begins to work quickly. It is safe to use during breastfeeding. It's normal for mothers to feel sad or depressed after the birth of her child. If these feelings persist or worsen, it's important to consult a doctor. It's especially important to see an obstetrician if the mother has thoughts of hurting her child or herself and is a sign of depression that is more severe, referred to as postpartum psychosis. It's a rare condition.