The 10 Most Scariest Things About Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Many new mothers experience a brief period of despair and sadness following the birth of their child known as the "baby blues." It's important to speak to your doctor or health care professional about your feelings.

In some cases the new mother may develop something much more grave: postpartum psychosis. This can cause hallucinations and lack of sleep, and also thoughts of harming the mother or her baby. Hospitalization may be required.

1. Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness

If you feel hopeless or unworthy, you should seek immediate help from a mental health professional. You should also tell your doctor if you think about suicide or have thoughts of harming yourself or your child. These are potentially dangerous signs of severe depression that should not be ignored. These symptoms could be a sign of more severe postpartum depression disorders, like postpartum schizophrenia.

The most common way to treat PPD is antidepressant medicine. This will balance your brain's chemicals that affect your mood. Your doctor will decide on the most effective medication for you based upon your symptoms of bipolar depression as well as whether you are breastfeeding. Talk therapy is also a popular treatment. Your doctor may suggest a specific model of therapy like cognitive behavior therapy or interpersonal therapy. Support groups can also assist women suffering from PPD.

Other options include sleeping and avoiding visits from unnecessary people. If your baby is asleep, sleeping when they are asleep will ensure that you are getting enough sleep. Exercise can boost your mood. Making a network of family members and friends to help with childcare or household chores can be extremely helpful.

It's important to keep in mind that feeling depressed doesn't mean that you are a bad mom or that you don't love your child. It's a normal medical issue that requires treatment. Treatment can help you feel better and give you the energy to care for your baby. Untreated depression can affect the relationship between a pregnant mom and her child and could result in serious health issues for both the mother 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 receive a diagnosis.

2. Feelings anger or anger

Rage or anger are not considered to be symptoms of teenage depression of postpartum depression in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), however, they are commonplace during PPD. Anger can be triggered by a variety of factors, including sudden changes in hormone levels, sleep deprivation and anxiety about becoming new mommy. If you are experiencing these feelings it is important to speak with your doctor. He might conduct a depression test during your follow-up visit following the birth.

You can also seek assistance from a therapist or a support group. It is important to let others know how you're feeling so they can provide assistance. Ask for assistance with cooking, cleaning babysitting, running errands and so on. If someone offers to take care of the baby while you sleep then take them up on it. Spend time with people who understand what you're feeling. This could include family members and friends or other moms in mothers' groups.

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or the baby, that's an emergency and you should contact 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.

If you have a friend or family member who is suffering from these thoughts, encourage them to seek medical assistance. It is suggested that they speak to their doctor or join a support group for therapists and invite them to accompany them to their appointment as a support worker. You can also do other things to help, like offer to take care of the baby or run errands, or join in on outings and playdates with the children. You can also engage in things that you like and take time to take a healthy diet and get plenty of sleep.

3. Feelings of guilt and feeling unworthy

After childbirth, many new mothers experience feelings such as anxiety, sadness or fatigue. They might be lonely or angry. These are sometimes called the baby blues, and can last for some days or weeks following delivery. If these symptoms persist for longer than two weeks and are worsening, or if they hinder your ability care for your 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 health and recommend you to a mental health specialist should it be needed. Contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you think of taking your baby's life or committing suicide.

It is important to keep in mind that it is not your fault if you suffer from PPD, no matter the cause. Perinatal depression is caused by a variety of factors that include hormonal changes, lack of sleep and emotional symptoms of depression or familial issues. You are at greater chance of developing depression or anxiety if these issues occurred during pregnancy or previously or if you have a family history.

Some women are more susceptible to postpartum depression. This is particularly true if they have more severe symptoms, like feelings of despair and worthlessness or thoughts of harming their child or themselves. These symptoms of teenage depression can indicate an even more serious condition known as postpartum psychosis. It can be risky for you and your baby. This is a psychiatric crisis that must be treated at a hospital. Contact 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency department. It is also important to have support systems in place. Look for family and friends who are willing to assist with household chores, childcare, and running errands.

4. Feelings of despair or a sense of insanity

If the feelings of worthlessness or sadness persist for more than two weeks it could indicate that something more serious is happening. They could also be a sign of an even more serious condition known as postpartum psychosis. This is a very serious mental illness that can trigger delusions (thoughts or beliefs that aren't real) and hallucinations (seeing or smelling things that are not there) and mania (a exuberant and elated mood that is out of touch with reality) and paranoia. Women suffering from these symptoms should seek medical attention, whether by calling an emergency hotline, going to their doctor, or by going to the emergency room.

Women with PPD may feel ashamed or guilty about their feelings. They may feel that their emotions reflect on their children or they're horrible mothers. But there is nothing they've done or failed to do that causes their depression. It is caused by a combination hormonal and environmental factors which are out of their control.

PPD is treatable and usually is cured with the proper treatment. This can include talk therapy or psychotherapy with a therapist such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or a mental health counselor. Sometimes, medication may be prescribed. Certain antidepressants can be used during breastfeeding. Women should also seek as much support and rest as they can during 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 healthy exercise, get enough sleep, and visit their doctor regularly for checkups.

5. Feelings of despair or hopelessness

If a woman is experiencing feelings of despair or a sense of worthlessness it is important to speak to her doctor immediately. These symptoms could indicate postpartum depression and should be taken seriously. These symptoms may be more severe than 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 major depression. It can also affect the bond between a mother and her child as well as the relationship within the family.

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

The majority of women suffering from postpartum depression recover through therapy and medication. Medicine helps to balance the brain's chemicals that influence mood. Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as interpersonal therapy, or a mother's support group. The therapist can assist a new mom to understand her feelings and handle them in a healthy manner. Treatments for depression might also be recommended, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline (Zoloft(r)) and fluoxetine (Prozac(r)) and paroxetine (Paxil(r)). A newer medication, brexanolone (Zulresso(r)) is given by IV over two-and-a-half days in the hospital and begins to work quickly. It is safe to use when you are breastfeeding.

It's normal for mothers to feel depressed or sad after the birth of her baby. If the feelings persist or become worse it is important to talk to the doctor. If the mother is experiencing thoughts of harming herself or her child, this could be an indication of a more serious form of depression called postpartum psychsis. It is a rare condition.