Postpartum Depression Symptoms

The "baby blues" is a common feeling experienced by new mothers after the birth of their baby. It's important that you consult your health care provider or doctor to discuss these feelings.

In rare instances, a new mother may develop something more serious postpartum psychosis. It can trigger hallucinations, lack of sleep, and fears of harming herself or the baby. Hospitalization is often needed.

1. Feelings of despair or hopelessness

If you experience extreme feelings of despair or desperation, it's a sign that you need to consult a mental health professional right away. Inform your doctor if you are having thoughts are of suicide or if you are thinking of hurting yourself or the baby. These are extremely dangerous signs and should not be overlooked. They could also be a sign of other serious types of postpartum depression, like postpartum psychosis.

Antidepressant medication is the most common treatment for PPD. This helps balance the brain's chemicals that affect your mood. Your doctor will recommend the best medication for you based upon your symptoms and if you are breastfeeding. Talk therapy is another popular treatment. Your doctor might recommend a specific model of therapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy or interpersonal therapy. Some support groups aid women with PPD.

Other treatments include rest and avoiding visitors who are not necessary. It is essential to get enough rest and sleeping when the baby is sleeping can be beneficial. Exercise can also improve your mood. It can also be beneficial to build a network of family and friends who can assist you with household chores and childcare.

It is important to keep in mind that feeling depressed does not necessarily mean that you're an unloving mother or that you do not love your baby. It's a normal medical condition that requires treatment. You'll feel better after treatment and have more energy to care for your baby. Untreated depression can affect the relationship between a pregnant mom and her baby and could lead to serious health issues for both baby and mommy. Women of color are more likely to have a worse experience with postpartum depression than white women, perhaps because they're less likely seek treatment and to be diagnosed.

2. Feelings of anger or 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 in PPD. Anger can be triggered by a variety of things, including rapid changes in hormone levels, sleep deprivation and worries about being new mommy. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms it's best to talk with your doctor. He or she might conduct a depression test during your postpartum follow-up.

You can also seek assistance from a therapist, or a support group. It's also important to let others know how you're feeling so they can offer support. Offer assistance with food or babysitting, as well as cleaning and running through errands. If someone offers to take care of the baby while you nap then take them up on it. Spend time with people who can understand your feelings like family and friends, or even new mothers in a mothers group.

It is imperative to contact the emergency services immediately if think of harming your baby or yourself. This is an indication of postpartum psychosis, which is a rare, but serious medical condition that is often associated with PPD.

Encourage the friend or family member who is suffering from these feelings to seek medical care. Suggest that they talk to their healthcare provider or join a support group for therapists and offer to go with them to their appointment as a support person. You can also help by offering to watch your child, running the errands, or join in on playdates or outings. You can also take time to do activities you like, eat healthy and take a good amount of rest.

3. Feelings of guilt, shame or deprivation

After birth, many new mothers are affected by feelings like anxiety, sadness or fatigue. They might also feel lonely or irritable. They're sometimes referred to as baby blues and can last for some days or weeks after the birth. If the symptoms of severe depression last longer than two weeks, are becoming worse, interfere with your ability to take care of the baby or yourself or if you have thoughts of hurting yourself or the baby, you may be suffering from postpartum depression (PPD). During your postpartum appointment, your doctor will evaluate your condition and refer you to a mental health specialist should it be required. If you are having thoughts of suicide or harming the baby, call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately.

It is important to remember that it is not your fault that you suffer from PPD, regardless of what caused it. Many factors may play a role in the development of perinatal depression including hormonal changes, lack of sleep and emotional and family issues. You are at a higher risk if depression or anxiety was present during pregnancy or prior to, and if there is an ancestral history.

Some women are more susceptible to postpartum depression. This is particularly when they exhibit more severe symptoms, like feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness or thoughts about harming themselves or their baby. These are indicators of a more serious condition known as postpartum psychosis and could be extremely dangerous for you and the baby. It is a psychiatric emergency that requires treatment in an emergency room. Contact 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency department. It is important to have a system of support in place. Find family members and friends who can assist with household chores and childcare and other errands.

4. Feelings of hopelessness or despair

If a woman's feelings of sadness, worthlessness or hopelessness persist for more than two weeks, it may be a sign of something more severe than the baby blues. They could also indicate an even more serious condition known as postpartum psychosis. This is a serious mental illness which can trigger hallucinations, delusions and paranoia. Women suffering from these symptoms of major depressive disorder should seek medical assistance immediately, either by calling a hotline, or 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 emotions reflect on their babies or that they're not good 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 you take the proper treatment. This could include talk therapy or psychotherapy with a therapist, such as psychologist, psychiatrist, or mental health counselor. Sometimes, medication may be prescribed. Certain antidepressants are able to be taken during breastfeeding. Women should also seek as much rest and support as possible during this period. You can seek assistance with household chores, family members or your partner, or join a mothers' support group. They should also make sure that they eat a healthy diet and get plenty of rest and exercise, and visit their healthcare provider for regular checkups and any questions they may have.

5. Feelings of hopelessness or despair

If a woman is having 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 severe than baby blues, and can hinder a new mom from taking care of her or her child. If they're left untreated the depression may get worse and develop into a major depression disorder. It can also affect the bond between a mother and her child and the relationship within the family.

Postpartum depression isn't believed to be caused by a specific factor however, medical or genetic issues may increase the chances of a mother-to-be being affected. Other risk factors include stress during pregnancy, medical issues both during and after the birth, and lack support from others. If women have a history of depression, her risk is greater as well.

Most women with postpartum depression improve with medicine and therapy. Medicine helps to balance the chemical levels in the brain that affect mood. Your doctor may suggest psychotherapy such as cognitive behavior therapy, interpersonal therapy or mothers' support groups. The therapist can help a new mother understand her feelings and handle them in healthy ways. SSRIs such as sertraline fluoxetine (Prozac (r)), and paroxetine are all prescribed for depression. A newer drug, Brexanolone (Zulresso(r)) is given by IV over a period of two and a half days in the hospital and begins to work quickly. It is safe to take during breastfeeding.

It's normal for a mom to feel sad or depressed after the birth of her child. If the feelings persist or become worse it is important to talk to the doctor. If the mother is experiencing thoughts of harming her child or herself This could be a sign of a more serious form of depression known as postpartum psychsis. This is a rare disorder.