10 Misconceptions Your Boss Shares Regarding Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Many new mothers experience a brief feeling of despair and sadness after the birth of their child which is known as the "baby blues." It is important to speak to your doctor 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 baby or mother. Sometimes, hospitalization is required.

1. Feelings of hopelessness or despair

If you feel depressed or worthless, you should seek immediate assistance from an expert in mental health. Inform your doctor if you are having thoughts are of suicide, or if you are thinking about hurting yourself or the baby. These are dangerous symptoms that should not be overlooked. They could also be a warning sign for other severe types of postpartum depression, like postpartum psychosis.

Antidepressant medications are the most popular treatment for PPD. This helps to regulate the brain's chemicals that affect mood. Your doctor will decide on the most effective medication for you based on your symptoms and if you are breastfeeding. Talk therapy is also a standard treatment. Your doctor may recommend a specific therapy model such as cognitive behavior therapy or interpersonal therapy. Some support groups also help women with PPD.

Other options include sleeping and avoiding visits from unnecessary people. It is important to get enough sleep and a good night's sleep 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 that can help with household chores or childcare.

It's important to remember that feeling depressed does not mean you're a bad mother or that you don't love your child. It's a normal occurrence that requires treatment. And getting treatment can make you feel better and help you feel more motivated to care for your child. Untreated depression can also impact the relationship between a mother and her child and can lead to serious health issues for the mom and baby. Women of race are more likely to suffer more from postpartum depression than white women, perhaps because they're less likely to seek treatment and be diagnosed.

2. Feelings anger or anger

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) does not mention anger or rage as signs of Moderate depression of PPD, but these feelings are quite common. Anger can be triggered by a number of factors, including sudden changes in hormone levels, sleep deprivation, and anxiety about becoming the new mom. If you're experiencing these emotions it's best to talk with your doctor. They may perform a depression screen during your postpartum follow-up.

You can also seek help from a therapist or a support group. It's important to let others know how you're feeling so they can offer support. Ask for help with cleaning, cooking or babysitting. If someone is willing to care for the baby while you sleep you can take advantage of it. Spend time with people who can understand your feelings like family members and friends, or new mothers in a mothers' group.

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or the baby, that's an emergency situation and you should call 911 or your healthcare professional right away. It's a serious indication of postpartum psychosis, a rare but serious medical condition that is often associated with PPD.

If you have someone in your family who is experiencing these feelings, encourage them to seek medical help. Encourage them to talk to their healthcare provider or join a support group for therapists and invite them to go with them to their appointment as a support person. You could also offer other services to help, like offer babysitting or running around, or join in on outings or playdates with the children. You can also take time to do things that you like, eat healthy and rest as much as you need.

3. Feelings of guilt, shame and a sense of inadequacy

After childbirth, many new mothers are affected by feelings like depression, anxiety, or even fatigue. They might be lonely or angry. These feelings are often referred to as the baby blues. They may last for a few days or weeks following the birth. If the symptoms last longer than two weeks, are becoming worse, hinder your ability to take care of the baby or yourself, or include thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, you may be suffering from postpartum depression (PPD). Your doctor will assess your health at your postpartum check-up and can refer you to a doctor who is specialized in mental health symptoms of depression health if you require. If you are having thoughts of suicide or risking harm to the baby, call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately.

It is important to remember that PPD is not your fault, no matter the cause. Perinatal depression is caused by a variety of factors such as hormonal changes, lack behavioral indicators of depression rest, and emotional or family issues. You are at greater risk if depression or anxiety occurred during pregnancy or before, and if there is a family history.

Some women have more difficulty coping with postpartum depression, particularly if they are suffering from the more severe symptoms of persistent depressive disorder such as feelings of despair and desperation or thoughts of harming them or their baby. These psychological signs of depression are indicative of a more severe disorder known as postpartum psychosis, which can be dangerous for both you and your baby. It is a psychiatric emergency that must be treated in a hospital. Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room. It is also important to have support systems in place. Find family and friends who can assist with household chores and childcare and errands.

4. Feelings of hopelessness or despair

If feelings of desperation, sadness or hopelessness persist for longer than two weeks it could be a sign something more serious is going on. They could also be a sign of a more serious illness known as postpartum psychosis. This is a serious mental illness that can lead to delusions (thoughts or beliefs that aren't real) as well as hallucinations (seeing, hearing or smelling things that aren't there) as well as mania (a exuberant and elated mood that is out of sync with reality) and paranoia. Women who experience these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention, whether by calling an emergency hotline, visiting their doctor, or going to the emergency room.

People with PPD can be embarrassed or feel guilty about their feelings. They might also feel that their feelings are an expression of their new baby or that they are terrible mothers. But there is nothing they have done or failed to do to cause their depression. It is caused by a combination of environmental and hormonal factors that are beyond their control.

PPD can be treated and usually disappear with the right treatment. This could involve psychotherapy- or talk therapy with a psychiatrist, psychologist or a mental health counselorand sometimes, medication. Some antidepressants can be taken during breastfeeding. Women should also strive to get as much rest and support as they can during this time. You can ask for help with household chores family members, a partner, or join a mothers' support group. They should also eat well exercise, get enough sleep, and see their health care provider regularly to check-ups.

5. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

If a woman is experiencing feelings of despair or feeling worthless, it's important to talk with her doctor right away. These symptoms can indicate postpartum depressive disorder and should not be ignored. These symptoms are more severe than baby blues and may prevent a new mother taking care of her her child. If left untreated, depression can become serious and may even progress into a major depression. It can also affect the bond between a mother and her child as well as the bond within the family.

Postpartum depression is not known to be caused by a specific factor however, medical or genetic issues may increase the likelihood of a new mom getting it. Other risk factors include stress during pregnancy, medical issues both during and after delivery and the lack of support from others. If a woman has a history of depression, her risk is greater also.

Most women with postpartum depressive disorder improve by taking medication and therapy. Medicine helps to balance the brain's chemicals that influence mood. Your doctor might recommend psychotherapy, including cognitive behavior therapy, interpersonal therapy or a mother's support group. The therapist can help the new mother to understand her feelings, and how to manage them. SSRIs such as sertraline fluoxetine (Prozac (r)), and paroxetine can be prescribed to treat depression. Brexanolone, also known as Zulresso(r) is a brand new medication that is administered intravenously over two and a half days in hospital. It starts working immediately. It is safe to use when you are breastfeeding.

It's normal for a mother to feel sad or depressed after the birth of her child. However, if these feelings persist or worsen it's crucial to speak with a doctor. It's particularly important to consult 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.