postpartum depression symptoms (linked web site)

The "baby blues" is a normal feeling that new mothers experience following the birth of their child. It is essential to consult your health care provider or doctor to discuss your feelings.

In certain cases, the mother of a newborn may experience something more grave, postpartum psychosis. This can cause hallucinations, a lack of sleep and thoughts of harming herself or the baby. Sometimes, hospitalization is required.

1. Feelings of hopelessness or a sense of worthlessness

If you feel a sense of despair or a sense of worthlessness It's an indication that you need to see an expert in mental health right away. You should also tell your doctor if you are thinking about suicide or think of hurting yourself or your child. These are very serious warning signs of mental health issues and should not be ignored. These symptoms can also be an indication of more severe postpartum depression disorders, including postpartum schizophrenia.

Antidepressant medication is the most popular treatment for PPD. This will balance your brain's chemicals that affect your mood. Your doctor will decide on the best treatment for you based upon your symptoms and whether you are breastfeeding. Talk therapy is a different standard treatment. Your doctor may recommend a specific model of therapy like cognitive behavior therapy or interpersonal therapy. Support groups can also assist women with PPD.

Other treatments include rest and avoiding unnecessary visitors. The act of sleeping while your baby is asleep will aid in getting enough sleep. Exercise can boost your mood. The idea of forming a network with friends and family members to help with childcare and housework can be very beneficial.

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

2. Feelings of anger or rage

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental health symptoms Disorders (5th edition) does not include anger or rage as identifying early signs of depression of PPD however, these feelings are common. Anger can be caused by a variety of factors including rapid changes in hormones, sleep deprivation and worries about becoming a new mother. If you're experiencing these emotions you should speak with your doctor. They may conduct a depression symptoms in seniors screening 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 to allow them to offer help. Ask for assistance with food or babysitting, as well as cleaning and running around for errands. You can take advantage of anyone who offers to look after your child while you sleep. Spend time with other people who understand how you're feeling. This could include family members and friends or fellow new moms in a mothers' group.

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, it's an emergency situation and you should contact 911 or your healthcare provider away. This is an indication of postpartum psychosis, which is a rare but serious medical condition that can happen with PPD.

Encourage the family member or friend who is suffering from these feelings to seek medical care. You can accompany them to their appointment to provide support. You can suggest they talk to their healthcare professional or join an therapist support group. You could also help by offering to take care of the baby, running errands or joining in on outings or playdates. You can also do things you enjoy and take time to consume a balanced diet and get adequate sleep.

3. Feelings of guilt and feeling unworthy

Many new moms experience feelings like sadness, anxiety or fatigue, loneliness, irritation after childbirth. They are often referred to as the baby blues and may last for several days or even weeks after delivery. However, if the symptoms last for more than two weeks, are becoming worse, hinder your ability to take care of the baby or yourself or if you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, you may be suffering from postpartum depression (PPD). When you visit your postpartum doctor, your doctor will evaluate your condition and recommend you to a mental health professional should it be needed. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or harming the baby, contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately.

It is important to keep in mind that it is not your fault that you suffer from PPD, no matter what caused it. Many factors may contribute to the development of perinatal depression such as hormonal changes, lack of sleep and family and emotional issues. You are at greater risk of developing depression or anxiety if it occurred during pregnancy or before, and if there is a family history.

Certain women have a harder time coping with postpartum depression, particularly when they experience the more severe symptoms of late-life depression, such as feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness or thoughts of harming them or their baby. These are indicators of a more serious condition known as postpartum psychosis and can be very harmful for you and the baby. This is a mental health crisis that needs to be treated in a hospital. Contact 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. It is important to have a support system in place. Find family and friends who will help with housework and childcare, as well as errands.

4. Feelings of despair or a sense of insanity

If a woman's feelings of sadness, worthlessness or hopelessness continue to persist for more than two weeks, it could be indicative of something more severe than the baby blues. Postpartum psychosis is a more severe condition that can cause these feelings. This is a serious mental illness that can lead to hallucinations, delusions and paranoia. Women who experience these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately, whether by calling a hotline, visiting their doctor, or going to the emergency room.

People with PPD can be embarrassed or feel guilty about their feelings. They may feel that their feelings reflect on their children or they're terrible mothers. They haven't done anything to trigger their depression. It is caused by a combination environmental and hormonal factors that are out of their control.

PPD can be treated and typically goes away with the right treatment. This can include psychotherapy -- or talk therapy with a psychologist, psychiatrist or mental health counselor -and sometimes, medication. Certain antidepressants can be used while breastfeeding. Women should also seek as much rest and support as they can throughout this time. This may include asking for help with housework as well as a partner or family member or joining a mothers' group. They should also eat healthy exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and visit their healthcare provider regularly to check-ups.

5. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

It is essential that a woman who feels hopeless or worthless immediately consults with her doctor. These are serious signs that could indicate postpartum depression and should not be ignored. These feelings may be more severe than baby blues and could prevent the new mom from taking care of her infant or herself. If they're not treated the depression may last longer and even develop into a major depression disorder. It can also affect the bond between a mother and her child and the relationship within the family.

Postpartum depression isn't believed to be caused by a specific factor, but medical or genetic factors can increase the likelihood of a new mother experiencing it. Other risk factors include severe stress during the pregnancy, medical issues during pregnancy and post-birth and a lack of support from others. A woman's risk increases when she has a history with depression.

Many women who suffer from postpartum depression get better by taking medication and therapy. Medicine helps balance chemicals in the brain which affect mood. Your doctor can recommend psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy, or a mother's support group. The therapist can help the new mother to understand her feelings, and how to handle them. SSRIs such as 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 a period of two-and-a half days in hospital. It is effective immediately. It's safe to use during breastfeeding.

It's normal to experience sadness or depression following the birth of a child, but if these feelings don't go away or get worse and more severe, it's time to visit a doctor. If the mother is experiencing thoughts of harming herself or her child it could be a sign of a more serious form of depression called postpartum psychsis. It is a rare disorder.