depression-symptoms

Postpartum Depression SymptomsMany new mothers experience a brief moment of despair and sadness following the birth of their baby which is known as the “baby blues.” It’s crucial to talk to your doctor or health care professional about these feelings.In certain cases the new mother may develop something much more grave known as postpartum psychosis. This can cause hallucinations, and a lack of sleep, and also thoughts of harming the mother or baby. Hospitalization is frequently required.1. Feelings of despair or hopelessnessIf you are experiencing extreme feelings of despair or desperation this is an indication that you need to consult a mental health professional 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 extremely dangerous signs and should not be overlooked. These symptoms could be an indication of more severe forms of postpartum depressive disorders, such as postpartum schizophrenia.The most commonly used method to treat PPD is to use antidepressants. This helps to regulate the chemicals in your brain that affect your mood. Your doctor will decide on the best treatment for you based upon your symptoms as well as whether you are breastfeeding. Talk therapy is also a common treatment. Your doctor may suggest an individual therapy model like cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy. Some support groups also aid women with PPD.Other options include sleeping and avoiding visits from unnecessary people. It is essential to get enough rest, and sleeping when your baby is asleep can be beneficial. Exercise can also improve your mood. It is also beneficial to build a network of family and friends who can assist you with household chores and childcare.It’s important to remember that feeling depressed doesn’t mean you’re an unloving mother or that you don’t love your child. It’s not a mental illness. It is an illness that requires treatment. It is possible to feel better after treatment and be more energized to take care of your baby. Untreated depression can also impact the relationship between a mother and her baby and lead to serious health problems for both the baby and mom. Women of race are more likely to have a worse experience with postpartum depression than white women, possibly because they’re less likely seek treatment and get diagnosed.2. Feelings of anger or angerAnger 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 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 these feelings it is important to speak with your doctor, who may do a depression screening during your follow-up visit following delivery.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 food or babysitting, as well as cleaning and running through errands. If someone offers to take care of your baby while you rest then take them up on it. Make sure you spend time with other people who understand what you’re feeling. This could include family members and friends or other mothers in a mothers’ group.If you’re having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, it’s an emergency and you should call 911 or your healthcare provider immediately. This is a sign of postpartum psychiasis which is a rare but serious medical condition that can be associated with PPD.Encourage a family member or friend who is experiencing these feelings to seek medical care. Offer to accompany them to their appointment to offer assistance. You can suggest they speak to their healthcare provider, or join an online support group for therapists. You could also offer other services to help, like offer babysitting or running for errands, or go on playdates and outings with your children. You can also take time to do activities you like, eat a healthy diet and rest as much as you need.3. Feelings of guilt, shame and a sense of inadequacyMany new mothers experience feelings of depression, anxiety or fatigue, loneliness, irritability after childbirth. These feelings are often called the baby blues. They can last for a few days or weeks following the birth. If the symptoms persist for more than two weeks and are getting worse or if they interfere with your ability care for the baby or yourself, or if you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, you could be suffering from postpartum depression. During your postpartum appointment, your doctor will evaluate your condition and refer you to a mental health specialist should it be necessary. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or are concerned about harming the baby, call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately.Remember that PPD is not your fault, no matter the reason. Numerous factors can be involved in the development of perinatal depression, such as hormonal changes, sleep deprivation and emotional and family issues. You are at greater risk if depression or anxiety was present during pregnancy or prior to or if you have a family history.Certain women are more prone to postpartum depression. This is especially when they exhibit more severe symptoms, such as feelings of despair and worthlessness or thoughts about harming themselves or their baby. These are indicators of a more serious condition known as postpartum psychosis. It could be extremely dangerous for you and the baby. This is a mental health crisis that requires treatment at an emergency room. Call 911 or go straight to the nearest emergency department. It is essential to have a support system in place. Find friends and family members who will help with housework and childcare, as well as the occasional errands.4. Feelings of hopelessness or despairIf the woman’s feelings of depression, sadness, worthlessness or hopelessness persist for more than two weeks, it may be a sign of something more severe than the baby blues. They could also be a sign of an even more serious condition 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 medical attention, whether by calling an emergency hotline, seeing their doctor, or visiting the emergency room.Women suffering from PPD might be embarrassed or feel guilty about their feelings. They may feel that their feelings are reflected on their babies or that they’re not good mothers. But there is nothing they’ve done or failed to do that causes their depression. It is caused by a combination of hormones and environmental factors that are outside of their control.PPD is treatable and usually disappears with the proper treatment. This could include psychotherapy- or talk therapy with a psychiatrist, psychologist or mental health counselor- and sometimes medication. Some antidepressants can be taken during breastfeeding. Women should also receive as much support and rest as possible during this period. You can seek assistance with household chores or family members or your partner, or join a mothers’ support group. It is also important to eat healthy and get plenty of sleep and exercise, and visit their doctor regularly for checkups and any questions they have.5. Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessnessIt’s important that a woman who feels in despair or unable to feel valued immediately consults her doctor. These are serious signs that could be a sign of postpartum depression and should not be ignored. These feelings can be more severe than the baby blues and could prevent the new mom from taking care of her infant or herself. If left untreated the depression may last longer and even develop into a major depression disorder. depression symptoms for men 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 but genetics and other medical conditions can increase a new mother’s chances of getting it. Other risk factors include anxiety during pregnancy, medical issues both during and after birth and the lack of support from family and friends. If the woman has had a history of depression her risk is greater also.The majority of women suffering from postpartum depression disorder improve with medication and therapy. Medicine can help balance the chemicals in the brain that affect mood. Your doctor may suggest psychotherapy, including cognitive behavior therapy and interpersonal therapy or mothers’ support groups. Therapists can assist a new mom to learn to understand her feelings and handle these feelings in a healthy way. SSRIs such as sertraline, fluoxetine (Prozac (r)), and paroxetine can be prescribed for depression. Brexanolone is also known as Zulresso(r), is a brand new medication that is administered intravenously over two and a half days in a hospital. It starts working immediately. It is safe to take during breastfeeding.It’s normal to have some down or sad times after the birth of a baby, but if these feelings don’t go away or worsen then it’s time to consult an expert. If the mother is experiencing thoughts of harming herself or her child it could be an indication of a more serious form of depression, known as postpartum psychosis. It is a rare condition.