5 Cliches About Postpartum Depression Symptoms You Should Avoid

Postpartum Depression Symptoms The “baby blues” is a common feeling that new mothers experience following the birth of their baby. It is essential to speak to your health care provider or doctor to discuss these feelings. In some cases the new mother may be diagnosed with something more serious: postpartum psychosis. This can cause hallucinations, and a lack of sleep, as well as thoughts of harming the baby or mother. Hospitalization is usually required. 1. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness If you are experiencing extreme feelings of despair or desperation It's an indication that you need to see an expert in mental health right away. It is also important to tell your doctor if there is a thought about suicide or think of hurting yourself or your child. These are dangerous symptoms that should not be ignored. They can also be a sign of other serious forms of postpartum depression like postpartum psychosis. The most commonly used method to treat PPD is to use antidepressants. This will balance your brain's chemicals that influence your mood. Your doctor will determine the best medication for you based upon your symptoms and if you are breastfeeding. Talk therapy is also a standard treatment. Your doctor may suggest specific therapy methods like cognitive behavior therapy or interpersonal therapy. Support groups can also assist women with PPD. Relaxation and avoiding visitors are also effective treatments. It's important to get enough rest, and sleeping while the baby sleeps can be beneficial. Exercise can also improve your mood. The idea of forming a network with friends and family members to assist with childcare and housework can be very helpful. It's important to remember that being depressed doesn't mean you're an unloving mother or that you don't love your child. It's a normal occurrence that needs treatment. And getting treatment can make you feel better and give you the strength to care for your child. Untreated depression may also affect the relationship between a new mom and her baby and could result in serious health issues for both baby and mommy. Women of color are at a higher risk of postpartum depression compared to 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 rage Anger or rage are not considered to be symptoms of postpartum depression in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), however, they are commonplace during PPD. Anger can be caused by a variety of factors like rapid changes in hormones, sleep loss and worries about becoming a new mother. If you're experiencing these emotions you should speak with your doctor. He or she may perform a depression screen during your postpartum follow-up. You can also seek advice from a therapist or a support group. It's important to let people know how you're feeling, so they can offer support. Ask for help with cleaning, cooking babysitting, running errands and so on. If someone offers to take care of the baby while you sleep, take them up on it. Try to spend time with other people who understand what you're feeling. This could include family members and friends or other mothers in the mothers' group. If you're having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, that's an emergency situation and you should call 911 or your healthcare provider right away. This is a sign of postpartum psychiasis, which is a rare but serious medical condition that can be associated with PPD. If you know someone in your family who is suffering from these thoughts, encourage them to seek medical attention. You can accompany them to their appointment to offer assistance. You can suggest they speak to their healthcare provider or join an therapist support group. You can also assist by offering to watch your child, running errands or joining in on playdates or outings. You can also take time to do activities you like, eat healthy and rest as much as you need. 3. Feelings of guilt and feeling unworthy After childbirth the new moms often feel sadness, anxiety or fatigue. They might also feel lonely or irritable. They're sometimes referred to as baby blues and may last for some days or weeks following delivery. If the symptoms last for more than two weeks, and are getting worse, interfere with your ability to care for the baby or yourself or you are worried about hurting yourself or the baby, you may be suffering from postpartum depression (PPD). During your postpartum appointment, your doctor will assess your health and refer you to a mental health professional if required. Contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you have thoughts of hurting your baby or taking the plunge. Remember that PPD isn't bipolar depression symptoms in females of you, regardless of what caused it. Perinatal depression is caused by a variety of factors such as hormonal changes, lack of rest, and emotional or family issues. You are at a higher chance of developing depression or anxiety if these issues occurred during pregnancy or previously, and if there is an ancestry history of depression in your family. Certain women have a harder time coping with postpartum depression, especially if they are suffering from the more severe symptoms such as feelings of despair and hopelessness or thoughts of harming themselves or the baby. These symptoms are indicative of a more severe disorder known as postpartum psychosis, which can be dangerous 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 important to have a support system in place. Look for family and friends who are willing to assist with childcare, housework and running errands. 4. Feelings of hopelessness or a sense of worthlessness If the woman's feelings of depression, sadness, worthlessness or hopelessness continue to persist for more than two weeks, it could be a sign of something more serious than the baby blues. They could also indicate a more serious illness known as postpartum psychosis. This is an extremely serious mental illness that can lead to hallucinations, delusions and paranoia. Women who experience these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention, either by calling an emergency hotline, going to their doctor, or going to the emergency room. People with PPD can feel embarrassed or ashamed of their feelings. They may also feel that their emotions are reflective of their newborn baby or that they are bad mothers. They haven't done anything to cause their depression. It is caused by a combination of hormonal and environmental factors that are out of their control. PPD is treatable and usually is cured with the proper treatment. This can include psychotherapy or talk therapy with a therapist, such as psychologist, psychiatrist or mental health counselor. Sometimes, medication is prescribed. Certain antidepressants are safe for women to take during breastfeeding. Women should also get as much rest and support as possible during this period. This could include soliciting help with household chores, from a spouse or family members or joining a mothers' support group. They should also ensure to eat well and get plenty of rest and exercise, and visit their physician regularly for checks and any concerns they have. 5. Feelings of despair or a sense of inadequacy If a woman is having feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness It is crucial to talk to her doctor immediately. These signs could be a sign of postpartum depression and should not go unnoticed. These feelings are more severe than baby blues and may prevent mothers from taking care of herself or her baby. If left untreated the depression may get worse and turn into a major depressive disorder. It can also affect the bond between the mother and her child as well as the bond within the family. It's not known what causes postpartum depression but genetics and other medical conditions can increase a woman's chances of developing it. Other risk factors include severe stress during pregnancy, medical problems both during and post-birth and the insufficient support from other women. The risk for a woman increases when she has a history with depression. The majority of women with postpartum depressive disorder improve by taking medication and therapy. Medicine can help balance the brain's chemicals that affect mood. Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy, or a support group for mothers. The therapist will help the new mother comprehend her feelings, and how to manage them. Medications for depression may also be suggested, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline (Zoloft®) and fluoxetine (Prozac®) and paroxetine (Paxil®). A newer medication, called Brexanolone (Zulresso®) is administered by IV over two-and-a-half days in the hospital and works quickly. It is safe to take during breastfeeding. It's normal for a mother to feel depressed or sad after the birth of her child. If these feelings persist or get worse it is important to talk to a 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, known as postpartum psychosis. This is a rare disorder.