Postpartum Depression Symptoms (Aboutdirectorofnursingjobs.Com)

Many new mothers experience a brief feeling of sadness and hopelessness after the birth of their baby, called the "baby blues." It's important to talk to your GP or health care professional about these feelings.

In certain cases, a new mother may develop something more grave such as postpartum psychosis. This could cause hallucinations and lack of sleep, along with thoughts of harming the mother or her baby. Hospitalization is often needed.

1. Feelings of hopelessness or a sense of worthlessness

If you feel a sense of despair or desperation, it's a sign that you need to see an expert in mental health immediately. Talk to your doctor if your thoughts are of suicide or if you have any thoughts of hurting yourself or the baby. These are serious mild signs of depression that should not be overlooked. They could also be a sign of other serious forms of postpartum depression, like postpartum psychosis.

Antidepressant medication is the most common treatment for PPD. This helps balance the brain's chemicals that affect your mood. Your doctor will recommend the medication that's best for you according to your symptoms and whether or not you're nursing. Talk therapy is another standard treatment. Your doctor might recommend a specific model of therapy like cognitive behavior therapy or interpersonal therapy. Some support groups also help women suffering from PPD.

Other methods include rest and avoiding visitors who are not necessary. If your baby is asleep, sleeping when they are asleep will ensure that you are getting enough sleep. Exercise can also boost your mood. The idea of forming a network with friends and family members to assist with childcare and household chores can be extremely helpful.

It's important to remember that being depressed doesn't mean you're a bad mother or you don't love your baby. It's not a mental illness. It's an illness that requires treatment. The treatment you receive can make you feel better and help you feel more motivated to take care of your child. Untreated depression can also affect the relationship between a mother and her child and can lead to serious health issues for the mother and baby. Women of color have an increased risk of developing postpartum depression than white women. This could be due to the fact that they are less likely to seek treatment and receive a diagnosis.

2. Feelings of anger or rage

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental health signs and symptoms Disorders (5th edition) does not mention anger or rage as a sign of PPD, but these feelings are common. Anger can be triggered by a variety of things, such as rapid changes in hormone levels, sleep deprivation and anxieties about being new mommy. If you're experiencing these emotions it's best to talk with your physician. The doctor might conduct a depression test during your postpartum follow-up.

You can also seek help from a therapist, or a support group. It's also essential to let people know how you're feeling, so they can offer support. Offer help with meals or babysitting, as well as cleaning and running through errands. You can take advantage of those who offer to watch your child while you sleep. Try to spend time with other people who can understand how you're feeling, like family members or friends, or other new moms in mothers' groups.

You should contact the emergency services immediately if think of harming yourself or your baby. It's a serious indication of postpartum psychosis, a rare but severe medical condition that is often associated with PPD.

If you know someone in your family who is having these feelings, encourage them to seek medical attention. It is suggested that they speak to their doctor or join a therapist support group, and offer the opportunity to accompany them to the appointment as a support person. You could also help by offering to watch your child, running errands or joining in on playdates or outings. You can also engage in activities that you enjoy and make time to take a healthy diet and get plenty of sleep.

3. Feelings of guilt and feeling unworthy

Many new mothers experience feelings of anxiety, sadness or fatigue, loneliness, anger after having children. These are sometimes called the baby blues and can last for a few days or weeks after the birth. However, if the symptoms last more than two weeks, are getting worse, impede your ability to care for the baby or yourself, or if you have thoughts of harming yourself or the baby, you could be suffering from postpartum depression (PPD). Your doctor will evaluate your health during your postpartum appointment and will refer you to someone who is trained in mental health, if required. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or are concerned about harming the baby, contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately.

Remember that PPD isn't your fault, no matter the reason. Numerous factors can contribute to the development of perinatal depression, such as hormonal changes, lack of sleep as well as emotional and family issues. You may also be at a higher risk if you experienced depression or anxiety during pregnancy or in the past and have an ancestry of depression.

Some women have more difficulty dealing with postpartum depression, particularly when they are suffering from the more severe symptoms like feelings of despair and hopelessness or thoughts of harming themselves or the baby. These are indicators of a more serious illness known as postpartum psychosis and can be very dangerous for you and the baby. It is a psychiatric emergency that must be treated in the hospital. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. It is also essential to have support systems in place. Find family members and friends who can help with household chores and childcare and other 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 may 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 which can lead to hallucinations, delusions and paranoia. Women suffering from these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention, either by calling an emergency hotline, going to their doctor, or going to the emergency room.

Women suffering from PPD might be embarrassed or feel guilty about their feelings. They may believe that their feelings are reflected on their babies or that they're terrible mothers. But there is nothing they have done or failed to do that triggers their depression. It is caused by a combination environmental and hormonal factors that are out of their control.

PPD is treatable and usually goes away with the right treatment. This can include psychotherapy - or talk therapy with a psychiatrist, psychologist or mental health counselor -and sometimes, medication. Some antidepressants are safe to take while breastfeeding. Women should try to get as much rest and support as they can during this time. This may include asking for help with housework, a partner or family members or joining a mothers' support group. They should also ensure to eat well, get plenty psychological signs of depression sleep and exercise, and visit their doctor regularly for checks and any concerns they have.

5. Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness

It's important that a woman who feels in despair or unable to feel valued immediately seeks out a doctor. These symptoms could indicate postpartum depression, and should not go unnoticed. These feelings are more severe than baby blues, and could prevent a new mother taking care of her her child. If they're left untreated the depression may last longer and even become a major depressive disorder. It could also hinder the bonding between the mother and child, as well as the family's bond.

It's unclear what causes postpartum depression, but genetics and some medical conditions can increase a woman's chances of developing it. Other risk factors include stress during pregnancy, medical issues during the pregnancy and after birth and the lack of support from others. If women have a history of depression, her risk is greater also.

Most women with postpartum depression get better with medicine and therapy. Medicine helps to balance the chemicals in the brain that affect mood. Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy, or an organization for mothers to support each other. Therapists can help a new mother understand her feelings and handle them in a healthy manner. SSRIs like sertraline, fluoxetine (Prozac (r)), and paroxetine are all prescribed for depression. Brexanolone is also known as Zulresso(r) is a newer medication that is administered by IV over two and a half days in a hospital. It is effective immediately. It is safe to take while breastfeeding.

It's normal to have some sad or down periods after the birth of a baby however, if the feelings don't go away or become worse then it's time to consult an expert. It's especially important to see a doctor when a mother is thinking mild signs of depression harming herself or her baby and is a sign of more serious depression, also known as postpartum psychosis. It's a rare condition.