postpartum depression symptoms (Read Much more)

Many new mothers experience a brief moment of despair and sadness after the birth of their child, called the "baby blues." It's important to talk to your GP or health care professional about your feelings.

In certain cases the new mother may be diagnosed with something more grave known as postpartum psychosis. This could cause hallucinations and lack of sleep, and also thoughts of harming the mother or baby. Hospitalization may be required.

1. Feelings of despair or a sense of insanity

If you feel hopeless or unworthy, you should seek immediate assistance from a mental health professional. You should also tell your doctor if you are thinking about suicide or have thoughts of harming yourself or your child. These are potentially dangerous signs of mental health problems that should not be overlooked. These symptoms can also be an indication of more severe postpartum depression disorders, including postpartum schizophrenia.

Antidepressant medication is the most commonly used treatment for PPD. This helps to regulate your brain's chemicals that affect your mood. Your doctor will recommend the most effective medication for you based on your symptoms and if you are breastfeeding. Talk therapy is another standard treatment. Your doctor may recommend a specific therapy model like cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy. Some support groups also aid women with PPD.

Other treatments include sleeping and avoiding visits from unnecessary people. It is essential to get enough sleep, and sleeping while the baby sleeps can help. Exercise can boost your mood. It is also beneficial to find a support network of family and friends who will help you with housework and childcare.

It's important to remember that feeling depressed does not mean you're not a good mom or you are not loving your baby. It's a normal occurrence that requires treatment. And getting treatment can make you feel better and give you the strength to care for your baby. Untreated depression can also affect the relationship between a pregnant mom and her child and could lead to serious health issues for both baby and mommy. Women of color have higher risks of suffering from postpartum depression than white women. This could be due to the fact that they are less likely to seek treatment and be diagnosed.

2. Feelings of anger or feelings of rage

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) does not mention anger or rage as symptoms of PPD however, these emotions are not uncommon. Anger can be triggered by a number of things, such as rapid changes in hormone levels, sleep deprivation and anxieties about being a new mom. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's best to speak to your doctor. The doctor might conduct a depression test during your postpartum follow-up.

You can also seek help from a therapist, or a support group. It's also essential to let others know how you're feeling, so they can offer support. Ask for help with cleaning, cooking or babysitting. You can take advantage of anyone who offers to look after your baby while you nap. Spend time with people who understand your feelings, such as family and friends, or newly mothers in a mothers' group.

It is imperative to call 911 immediately if you think of harming your baby or yourself. It's a serious indication of postpartum psychosis. It's a rare, but serious medical condition that can occur with PPD.

Encourage a family member or friend who is experiencing these feelings to seek medical care. Encourage them to talk to their healthcare professional or join a therapist support group, and offer the opportunity to accompany them to the appointment as a support worker. You could also help 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 enjoy, eat well, and get enough rest.

3. Feelings of guilt and feeling unworthy

Many new moms experience feelings such as anxiety, sadness and fatigue, loneliness, or irritability after childbirth. They are often referred to as the baby blues, and can last for some days or weeks after the birth. But if these symptoms last for more than two weeks, and are getting worse, impede your ability to take care of the baby or yourself, or include thoughts psychological signs of being depressed harming yourself or the baby, you could be experiencing postpartum depression (PPD). In your postpartum appointment your doctor will assess your condition and recommend you to a mental health professional should it be necessary. If you are experiencing 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 if you have PPD, irrespective of the cause. Many factors may play a role in the development of perinatal depression such as hormonal changes, lack of sleep and family and emotional issues. You are at a higher risk if depression or anxiety occurred during pregnancy or previously or if you have an ancestral history.

Certain women have a harder time managing postpartum depression, particularly if they suffer from more severe symptoms, such as feelings of despair and desperation or thoughts of hurting them or their baby. These are indicators of a more serious problem known as postpartum psychosis and could be extremely dangerous for both the baby and you. It is a psychiatric emergency and must be treated in an emergency room. Call 911 or go straight to the nearest emergency department. It is essential to have a support system in place. Find friends and family members who will help with housework and childcare and errands.

4. Feelings of hopelessness or a sense of worthlessness

If women's feelings of despair, sadness or despair persist for more than two weeks, they 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 who experience these symptoms should seek medical attention, either by calling an emergency hotline, visiting their doctor, or going to the emergency room.

Women with PPD can often feel shame or guilt about the way they are feeling. They may believe that their feelings reflect on their children or that they're not good mothers. However, there is nothing they've done or failed to do that causes their depression. It is caused by a mix of hormonal and environmental factors that are outside of their control.

PPD is treatable and usually disappears with the proper treatment. This may include talk therapy or psychotherapy with a therapist such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or mental health counselor. Sometimes, medication is prescribed. Certain antidepressants are able to be taken while breastfeeding. Women should also try to get as much rest and support as possible during this time. You can seek help with household chores family members, your partner, or join a mothers' support group. They should also eat healthy exercise, get enough sleep, and also visit their healthcare provider regularly for checkups.

5. Feelings of hopelessness or a sense of worthlessness

It is crucial that a woman who feels hopeless or worthless immediately consults with her doctor. These are serious symptoms that could indicate postpartum depression, and should not be ignored. These feelings are more serious than the blues of a newborn, and could make it difficult for a new mother to take care of her her child. If they're left untreated the depression may get worse and develop into a major depression disorder. It could also hinder the bonding between the mother and the child, as well as the relationship between the family.

It's not certain what causes postpartum depression, but genetics and some medical problems can increase a mother's chances of getting it. Other risk factors include stress during pregnancy, medical issues both during and after birth and a lack of support from other women. A woman's risk increases when she has a past history of depression.

Many women who suffer from postpartum depression get better with medicine and therapy. Medicine helps balance chemicals in the brain that influence mood. Your doctor can suggest psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy or a support group for mothers. The therapist will help the new mother to comprehend her feelings, and how to manage them. SSRIs such as sertraline fluoxetine (Prozac (r)), and paroxetine can be prescribed to treat depression. A newer drug, Brexanolone (Zulresso(r)), is administered by IV over two and a half days at the hospital and begins to work quickly. It is safe to take during breastfeeding.

It's normal for mothers 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 an indication of a more serious form of depression known as postpartum psychsis. This is a rare condition.