10 Misleading Answers To Common Postpartum Depression Symptoms Questions: Do You Know The Correct Answers?
Postpartum Depression Symptoms Many new mothers experience a brief period of sadness and hopelessness after the birth of their baby, called the “baby blues.” It is important to talk to your GP or health care professional about these feelings. In certain cases, the mother of a newborn may experience something more grave, postpartum psychosis. This can cause hallucinations and a lack in sleep, as well as thoughts of harming the mother or her baby. Hospitalization may be required. 1. Feelings of despair or a sense of insanity If you feel a sense of hopelessness or worthlessness It's a sign that you need to consult an expert in mental health right away. It is also important to tell your doctor if you think about suicide or have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. These are potentially dangerous signs that should not be overlooked. They can also be a warning sign of other severe types 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 recommend the medication that is best for you depending on your symptoms and if you're nursing. Talk therapy is a different standard treatment. Your doctor may suggest an individual therapy method, such as cognitive behavior therapy or interpersonal therapy. Some support groups aid women suffering from PPD. Relaxation and avoiding visitors are also effective methods of preventing. The act of sleeping while your baby is asleep will help you get enough sleep. Exercise can 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 baby. It's a normal occurrence that needs treatment. You'll feel better after treatment and be more energized to take care of your baby. Depression that is not treated can affect the relationship between a mother and her baby and lead to serious health problems for both the mom and baby. Women of color are more likely to have a worse experience with postpartum depression than white women, perhaps due to the fact that they are less likely to seek treatment and 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 in PPD. Anger can be caused by many things including rapid changes in hormones, sleep deprivation, and anxiety about becoming a mother. If you are experiencing these feelings it's crucial to speak to your doctor, who may do a depression screening during your follow-up appointment after the birth. You can also seek advice from a therapist or support group. It is important to let others know how you feel to ensure they are able to offer assistance. Offer assistance with cooking, cleaning babysitting, running errands and so on. Take advantage of anyone who offers to take care of your baby while you nap. Spend time with people who can understand your feelings like family members and friends, or new mothers in a mothers group. If you're having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, it's an emergency situation and you should contact 911 or your healthcare provider right away. This is a sign of postpartum psychiasis which is a rare but serious medical condition that is often associated with PPD. If you have someone in your family who is suffering from these feelings, encourage them to seek medical attention. Suggest that they talk to their doctor or join a therapist support group and offer the opportunity to accompany them to their appointment as a therapist. You can also assist by offering to babysit, run errands or joining in on playdates or outings. You can also engage in things that you like and take time to eat well and get enough sleep. 3. Feelings of guilt and worthlessness After childbirth Many new mothers feel 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 after the birth. But if these symptoms last longer than two weeks, are becoming worse, impede your ability to care for the baby or yourself or include thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, you could be suffering from postpartum depression (PPD). Your doctor will examine your situation at your postpartum check-up and will refer you to someone who is specialized in mental health if needed. If you are having thoughts of suicide or are concerned about harming the baby, contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately. It is important to remember that it is not your fault if you suffer from PPD, irrespective of what caused it. Perinatal depression can be caused by many factors such as hormonal changes, lack of rest and emotional or familial issues. You are at a higher risk of developing depression or anxiety if it was present during pregnancy or prior to or if you have an ancestral history. Certain women have a harder time coping with postpartum depression, particularly when they suffer from more severe symptoms like feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness or thoughts of hurting them or their baby. These are signs of a more serious illness known as postpartum psychosis and can be very harmful for you and the baby. This is a psychiatric crisis that requires treatment at a hospital. Contact 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. It is also essential to have support systems in place. Look for family and friends who are willing to assist with household chores, childcare, and errands. 4. Feelings of despair or hopelessness If a woman's feelings of 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. Postpartum psychosis is a severe condition that can cause these feelings. This is a serious mental illness that can trigger delusions (thoughts or beliefs that aren't real) as well as hallucinations (seeing or smelling things that aren't there), the condition known as mania (a elevated and elated state that is out of sync with reality) and paranoia. Women with these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention, whether by calling an emergency hotline, going to their doctor, or by going to the emergency room. Women with PPD can often feel guilt or shame about the way they are feeling. They may also believe that their emotions are an expression of their baby or that they are bad mothers. They have not done anything to cause their depression. It is caused by a combination environmental and hormonal factors that are out of their control. PPD is treatable and typically is cured with the proper treatment. This could include psychotherapy- or talk therapy with a psychologist, psychiatrist or mental health counselorand sometimes medication. symptoms of depression for men Iampsychiatry are safe for women to use while breastfeeding. Women should also try to get as much rest and support as possible during this time. This might include soliciting help with household chores as well as a partner or family member, or joining a mothers' support group. It is also important to eat healthy and get plenty of sleep and exercise, and see their healthcare provider for regular checks and any concerns they may have. 5. Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness It is essential that a woman who feels in despair or unable to feel valued immediately consults with her doctor. These symptoms could indicate postpartum depression, and should not go unnoticed. These feelings are more severe than baby blues, and can hinder a new mom from taking care of her or her child. If they're left untreated, the depression can get worse and turn into a major depressive disorder. It can also affect the bond between mothers and their children as well as the relationship within the family. It's not certain what causes postpartum depression however, genetics and medical conditions can increase a woman's chances of developing it. Other risk factors include anxiety during pregnancy, medical issues both during and after the birth, and lack support from others. If women have had a history of depression her risk of developing depression is higher also. The majority of women with postpartum depressive disorder improve through therapy and medication. Medicine helps to balance the chemicals in the brain that affect mood. Your doctor might recommend psychotherapy, including cognitive behavior therapy and interpersonal therapy or mothers' support groups. The therapist will help the mother-to-be to comprehend her feelings, and how to deal with them. The use of medications for depression could be recommended, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline (Zoloft®) and the fluoxetine (Prozac®) and paroxetine (Paxil®). Brexanolone, also known as Zulresso®, is a newer medication that is administered intravenously over two and a half days in hospital. It starts working immediately. It is safe to take during breastfeeding. It's normal for mothers to feel depressed or sad after the birth of her baby. However, if the feelings persist or become worse, it's important to consult an expert. It's particularly important to consult an expert in the event that a mother is contemplating of harming her child or herself and is a sign of depression that is more severe, referred to as postpartum psychosis, a very rare condition.