17 Reasons Why You Should Ignore Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Postpartum Depression Psychological Symptoms Of Depression

The "baby blues" is a normal feeling experienced by mothers who have just had 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, insufficient sleep and thoughts of harming herself or her baby. Hospitalization is frequently required.

1. Feelings of despair or hopelessness

If you feel hopeless or worthless, you should seek immediate assistance from an expert in mental health. Tell your doctor if your thoughts are of suicide or you're thinking of hurting yourself or the baby. These are very dangerous symptoms and should not be ignored. These symptoms may also be a sign of more severe forms of postpartum depressive disorders, including postpartum schizophrenia.

Antidepressant medication is the most common treatment for PPD. This will help balance the brain's chemicals that affect mood. Your doctor will determine the best medication for you based upon your symptoms and whether you are breastfeeding. Talk therapy is another standard treatment. Your doctor may suggest the use of a specific therapy method like cognitive symptoms of depression behavioral signs of depression therapy or interpersonal therapy. Some support groups also help women suffering from PPD.

Rest and avoiding unwanted visitors are also effective ways to prevent. It is essential to get enough rest, and sleeping when your baby is asleep can be beneficial. Exercise can also boost your mood. Making a network of friends and family members to assist with childcare and housework can be very beneficial.

It's important to remember that feeling depressed doesn't mean you're a bad mother or that you don't love your child. It's a normal medical issue that needs treatment. And getting treatment can make you feel better and give you the energy to care for your baby. Untreated depression may also affect the relationship between a pregnant mom and her child, and can lead to serious health issues for mom and baby. Women of color are more likely to have a worse experience with postpartum depression than white women, perhaps because they're less likely to seek treatment and to be diagnosed.

2. Feelings of anger or rage

Rage or anger are not listed as a sign of postpartum depression in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), however, they are a common occurrence during PPD. Anger can be triggered by a variety of things, including rapid changes in hormone levels, sleep deprivation and anxiety about becoming a new mom. If you're experiencing any psychological indicators of depression these symptoms you should speak with your doctor. He or she may perform a depression screen during your postpartum follow-up.

You can also seek help from a therapist or a support group. It's also important to let people know how you're feeling, to allow them to offer help. Offer assistance with cooking, cleaning, babysitting and running errands. If someone offers to take care of the baby while you sleep you can take advantage of it. Spend time with people who understand your feelings like family members and friends, or new mothers in a mothers group.

You must call 911 immediately if you think of harming yourself or your baby. That's a serious sign of postpartum psychosis, which is a rare, but serious medical condition that is often associated with PPD.

Encourage a family member or friend who is suffering from these symptoms to seek medical treatment. You can accompany them to their appointment to provide support. You could suggest that they speak to their healthcare professional, or join an online support group for therapists. You could also offer other services to assist, such as offering babysitting or running for errands, or go on playdates and outings with the children. You can also set aside time to do activities you enjoy, eat well, and get enough rest.

3. Feelings of guilt or a sense of inadequacy

After the birth, many new mothers feel depression, anxiety, or even fatigue. They might be lonely or angry. These are sometimes called the baby blues and may last for several days or even weeks after delivery. If the symptoms persist for more than two weeks and have been getting worse or if they hinder your ability to care for your baby or yourself, or if you are worried about harming yourself or your baby, then you may be suffering from postpartum depression. Your doctor will examine your health during your postpartum visit and will refer you to a doctor who specializes in mental health if needed. Contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you think of hurting your baby or taking the plunge.

It is important to remember that it is not your fault that you suffer from PPD, regardless of the cause. Many factors could be involved in the development of perinatal depression such as hormonal changes, sleep issues and emotional and family issues. You are at an increased chance of developing depression or anxiety if these issues was present during pregnancy or prior to or if you have an ancestry history of depression in your family.

Some women are more susceptible to postpartum depression. This is especially when they exhibit more severe symptoms, such as feelings of despair and worthlessness or thoughts about harming their child or themselves. These signs are indicative of an even more serious condition known as postpartum psychosis. It can be dangerous for both you and your baby. This is a mental health crisis that must be treated at a hospital. Contact 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. It is crucial to have a system of support in place. Find friends and family members who can assist with household chores and childcare, as well as the occasional errands.

4. Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness

If a woman's feelings of despair, sadness, or worthlessness continue to persist for more than two weeks, they could be a sign of something more severe than the baby blues. Postpartum psychosis is a severe condition that can trigger these feelings. This is a serious mental illness that can cause delusions (thoughts or beliefs that aren't true) as well as hallucinations (seeing or smelling things that aren't present) as well as the condition known as mania (a exuberant and elated mood that is out of touch with reality) and paranoia. Women with these symptoms should seek medical attention, either by calling an emergency hotline, going to their doctor, or visiting the emergency room.

People with PPD often feel guilt or shame over how they feel. They may also feel that their feelings are somehow reflective of their babies or that they are terrible mothers. They have not done anything to cause their depression. It is caused by a mix of hormonal and environmental factors that are outside of their control.

PPD can be treated and will usually 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 use while breastfeeding. Women should also get as much rest and support as they can throughout this time. This could include soliciting help with household chores, from a spouse or family members, or joining a mothers' group. They should also eat healthy, exercise and get enough sleep, and see their doctor regularly to check-ups.

5. Feelings of despair or a sense of inadequacy

If a woman is having feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, it's important to talk with her doctor right away. These are serious symptoms that can indicate postpartum depression and should never be dismissed. These symptoms may be more severe than the baby blues and could prevent mothers from taking care of her child or herself. If they're not treated, the depression can persist for a longer time and eventually become a major depressive disorder. It can also affect the bond between a mother and her child and the relationship within the family.

Postpartum depression is not known to be caused by any specific cause however, genetics or medical issues can increase the likelihood of a new mother being affected. Other risk factors include stress during the pregnancy, medical problems both during and after birth and the insufficient support from other women. If the woman has an history of depression, her risk of developing depression is higher as well.

The majority of women suffering from postpartum depression disorder get better with medication and therapy. Medicine helps balance the chemicals in the brain that affect mood. Your doctor may suggest psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy and interpersonal therapy or a mother's support group. The therapist can help the mother-to-be to understand her feelings, and how to handle them. SSRIs such as sertraline fluoxetine (Prozac (r)), and paroxetine may be prescribed to treat depression. A newer drug, brexanolone (Zulresso(r)) is given by IV over two and a half days at the hospital and works quickly. It is safe to use when breastfeeding.

It's normal for a mother to feel depressed or sad after the birth of her child. However, if these feelings persist or worsen it's crucial to speak with the doctor. It's especially important to see an expert in the event that a mother is contemplating of hurting her child or herself or her baby, which could be a sign of more serious depression called postpartum psychosis, a very rare condition.