The 10 Most Scariest Things About Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Many new mothers experience a brief feeling of despair and sadness following the birth of their child, called the "baby blues." It is important to speak to your doctor or health visitor about your feelings.

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

1. Feelings of hopelessness or a sense of worthlessness

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 right away. It is also important to tell your doctor if there is a thought about suicide or are thinking of hurting yourself or your child. These are extremely dangerous signs and should not be ignored. These symptoms can also be an indication of more severe forms of postpartum depressive disorders, such as postpartum schizophrenia.

The most popular method to treat PPD is antidepressant medicine. This will help balance the chemicals in your brain that affect your mood. Your doctor will suggest the best medication for you depending on your symptoms and if you're breastfeeding. Talk therapy is a different standard treatment. Your doctor may suggest the use of a specific therapy method such as cognitive behavioral indicators of depression therapy or interpersonal therapy. Some support groups help women with PPD.

Other methods include sleeping and avoiding visits from unnecessary people. It is important to get enough sleep and sleeping while the baby sleeps can be beneficial. Exercise can boost your mood. It is also beneficial to build a network of family and friends that can help with household chores or childcare.

It's important to remember that being depressed doesn't mean you're a bad mother or you don't love your child. It's a normal medical issue that needs treatment. Treatment can help you feel better and give you the strength to care for your baby. Untreated depression can also impact a new mother's relationship with her baby and cause serious health issues for the baby and mom. Women of color are at an increased risk of developing postpartum depression compared to white women. This could be because they are less likely to seek treatment and get diagnosed.

2. Feelings of anger or anger

Feelings of anger or rage are not listed as a sign of postpartum depression in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), however, they are commonplace in PPD. Anger can be caused by a variety of causes like rapid changes in hormones, sleep deprivation and anxiety about becoming a mother. If you're experiencing these feelings, it's important to talk with your doctor, who may conduct a depression assessment at your follow-up appointment following the birth.

You can also seek assistance from a therapist or a support group. It's crucial to let other people know what you're feeling to allow them to provide support. Request assistance with eating, babysitting, cleaning and running through errands. If someone is willing to care for the baby while you nap, take them up on it. Spend time with people who can understand your feelings, such as family and friends, or new mothers in a 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 immediately. This is a sign 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 having these feelings, encourage them to seek medical attention. You can accompany them to their appointment and provide support. You can suggest they talk to their doctor, or join an online support group for therapists. You could also help by offering to babysit, run 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 take a good amount of rest.

3. Feelings of guilt or worthlessness

After the birth, many new mothers experience feelings such as anxiety, sadness or fatigue. They might also feel depressed or lonely. They are often referred to as the baby blues and may last for a few days or weeks following delivery. If the symptoms last more than two weeks, are getting worse, 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 (PPD). During your postpartum appointment, your doctor will examine your condition and recommend you to a mental health specialist when required. Contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you think of harming your baby or suicide.

It is important to remember that PPD is not your fault, regardless of the reason. Numerous factors can contribute to the development of perinatal depression such as hormonal changes, sleep deprivation and emotional and family issues. You may also be at a higher risk if you had anxiety or depression during pregnancy or in the past and have an ancestry of depression.

Some women have more difficulty dealing with postpartum depression, particularly if they are suffering from the more severe symptoms of severe depressive episode such as feelings of despair and hopelessness or fears of harming their baby or themselves. These are indicators of a more serious problem known as postpartum psychosis. It can be very dangerous for both you and your baby. It is a psychiatric crisis and requires treatment in a hospital. Call 911 or go straight to the nearest emergency department. It is crucial to have a system of support in place. Find friends and family members who can help with household chores and childcare, as well as running errands.

4. Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness

If a woman's feelings of sadness, worthlessness or hopelessness continue to persist for more than two weeks, they could be a sign of something more severe than the baby blues. Postpartum psychosis can be a more serious condition that can trigger these feelings. This is a serious mental illness that can trigger hallucinations, delusions and paranoia. Women with these symptoms should seek medical attention, whether by calling an emergency hotline, going to their doctor, or going to the emergency room.

Women suffering from PPD might feel embarrassed or ashamed of their feelings. They may also feel that their feelings are somehow a reflection on their newborn babies or that they are bad mothers. But, there is nothing they have done or failed to do to cause their depression. It is caused by a mix of environmental and hormonal factors that are beyond their control.

PPD can be treated and can disappear with the right treatment. This can include psychotherapy -- or talk therapy with a psychiatrist, psychologist or mental health counselorand sometimes medication. Certain antidepressants are safe for women to take while breastfeeding. Women should also receive as much rest and support as they can during this time. This may include soliciting help with household chores as well as a partner or family members or joining a mothers' group. They should also ensure to eat healthy, get plenty of sleep and exercise, and visit their physician regularly for examinations and any other questions they may have.

5. Feelings of hopelessness or a sense of worthlessness

It is crucial that women who feel hopeless or worthless immediately seeks out a doctor. These are serious signs that can indicate postpartum depression and should not be ignored. These feelings are more serious than baby blues and can make it difficult for a new mother to take care of her or her child. If depression is not treated, it can become more serious and may even progress into major depression. It could also hinder the bonding between the mother and her child and the relationship between the family.

Postpartum depression isn't known to be caused by any specific cause however, medical or genetic issues may increase the likelihood of a mother-to-be being affected. Other risk factors include stress during pregnancy, medical issues both during and after delivery and a lack of support from others. If the woman has had a history of depression her risk is higher also.

The majority of women suffering from postpartum depression disorder get better by taking medication and therapy. Medicine can help balance the chemical levels in the brain that affect mood. Your doctor can recommend psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as interpersonal therapy, or a support group for mothers. Therapists can assist a mother-to-be understand her feelings and handle them in a healthy manner. SSRIs like sertraline, fluoxetine (Prozac (r)), and paroxetine are all prescribed to treat depression. A newer medication, called brexanolone (Zulresso(r)), is given by IV over two-and-a-half days in the hospital and works quickly. It is safe to take during breastfeeding.

It's normal to have some sad or down periods after the birth of a baby However, if these feelings don't go away or become worse then it's time to consult a doctor. It's especially important to see an obstetrician if the mother has thoughts types of depression hurting herself or her baby or her baby, which could be a sign of more serious depression called postpartum psychosis. It's a rare condition.