5 Postpartum Depression Symptoms Myths You Should Avoid

Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Many new mothers experience a brief period of despair and sadness following the birth of their baby which is known as the "baby blues." It's important to talk to your doctor or health care professional about these feelings.

In some cases a new mother may develop something more serious postpartum psychosis. This may cause hallucinations, lack of sleep and thoughts of harming herself or her baby. Hospitalization may be required.

1. Feelings of despair or hopelessness

If you are experiencing extreme feelings of despair or a sense of worthlessness It's an indication that you need to consult a mental health professional right away. You should also tell your doctor if you think about suicide or are thinking of harming yourself or your baby. These are dangerous symptoms that should not be overlooked. These symptoms can also be a sign of more severe postpartum depressive disorders, like postpartum schizophrenia.

The most popular method to treat PPD is antidepressant medicine. This will help balance the brain's chemicals that affect mood. Your doctor will decide on the most effective medication for you based upon your symptoms and whether you are breastfeeding. Talk therapy is also a standard treatment. Your doctor might suggest a specific therapy model such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy. Some support groups help women suffering from PPD.

The ability to rest and avoid unwanted visitors are also effective treatments. If your baby is asleep, sleeping when they are asleep will help you get enough sleep. Exercise can also improve your mood. Finding a network of family members and friends to help with childcare and housework can be very helpful.

It's important to remember that being depressed does not mean you're a bad mother or you don't love your child. It's a normal medical condition that requires treatment. You'll feel better after treatment and feel more energetic to care for your baby. Untreated depression can also affect the relationship between a mother and her baby and lead to serious health issues for the mother and baby. Women of color have an increased risk of developing postpartum depression compared to white women. This could be because they are less likely to seek treatment and get diagnosed.

2. Feelings of anger or rage

Rage or anger are not listed as 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 number of factors, including sudden changes in hormone levels, sleep deprivation and anxieties about being the new mom. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms you should speak with your physician. He or she may perform a depression screen during your postpartum follow-up.

You can also seek assistance from a therapist, or a support group. It's crucial to let others know what you're feeling so they can provide assistance. Ask for assistance with cooking, cleaning babysitting, running errands and so on. If someone is willing to care for your baby while you rest you can take advantage of it. Spend time with people who understand your needs, such as family and friends, or newly mothers in a mothers group.

If you're thinking of harming yourself or the baby, it's an emergency situation and you should call 911 or your healthcare provider right immediately. This is an indication of postpartum psychiasis which is a rare but serious medical condition that is often associated with PPD.

If you have a friend or family member who is suffering from these thoughts, encourage them to seek medical help. It is suggested that they speak to their healthcare provider or join a support group for therapists and invite them the opportunity to accompany them to the appointment as a support person. You could also offer other services to assist, such as offering to babysit or run for errands, or go on outings and playdates with your children. You can also set aside time to do things that you like, eat a healthy diet, and get enough rest.

3. Feelings of guilt or a sense of inadequacy

After childbirth Many new mothers feel depression, anxiety, or even fatigue. They may be lonely or angry. These feelings are commonly referred to as the baby blues. They may last for a few weeks or days after delivery. But if these symptoms last longer than two weeks, are becoming worse, impede your ability to take care of your baby or yourself, or include thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, you may be suffering from postpartum depression (PPD). Your doctor will examine your condition during your postpartum appointment and will refer you to a specialist who specializes in mental health if needed. Contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you are contemplating hurting your baby or taking the plunge.

It is important to keep in mind that it is not your fault if you suffer from PPD, irrespective of the cause. Perinatal depression is caused by many factors, including hormonal changes, lack of rest, and emotional or family issues. You are at a higher chance of developing depression or anxiety if these issues was present during pregnancy or prior to or if you have an ancestry history of depression in your family.

Certain women are more vulnerable to postpartum depression. This is especially when they exhibit more serious symptoms, such as feelings of hopelessness and desperation or thoughts of harming their child or themselves. These symptoms of moderate depression are indicative of a more severe condition called postpartum psychosis. This condition could be harmful for both you and your baby. This is a psychiatric crisis that needs to be treated in a hospital. Contact 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. It is also essential to have support systems in place. Find friends and family members who can assist with household chores and childcare and running errands.

4. Feelings of despair or a sense of insanity

If a woman's feelings of despair, sadness or despair continue to persist for more than two weeks, it could be a sign of something more serious than the baby blues. They could also be a sign signs of depression in men a more serious illness known as postpartum psychosis. This is a serious mental health symptoms of depression illness which can trigger hallucinations, delusions and paranoia. Women who have these symptoms should seek medical help immediately, whether that be by calling a hotline, visiting their doctor, or going to the emergency room.

Women with PPD can often feel shame or guilt about the way they feel. They may also believe that their emotions are reflective of their newborn babies or that they are bad mothers. But, there is nothing they have done or failed to do to cause their identifying depression symptoms. It is caused by a combination of hormonal and environmental factors that are outside of their control.

PPD can be treated and can disappear if the treatment is done. 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 rest and support as they can throughout this time. This could include soliciting help with household chores, a partner or family members or joining a mothers' group. They should also eat healthy exercise, get enough sleep, and visit their healthcare provider regularly to check-ups.

5. Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness

If a woman is experiencing feelings of despair or a sense of worthlessness it is important to speak to her doctor immediately. These are serious symptoms that can indicate postpartum depression and should never be ignored. These symptoms are more severe than baby blues and could prevent a new mother from taking care of her child or herself. If depression is not treated, it can become more serious and may even progress into major depressive disorder. It can also affect the bond between mothers and their children and the relationship within the family.

It's not known what causes postpartum depression but genetics and some medical issues can increase a new mother's chances of developing it. Other risk factors include anxiety during pregnancy, medical problems both during and after delivery and a lack of support from others. If women have a history of depression symptoms in seniors; internet,, her risk is greater also.

The majority of women with postpartum depressive disorder get better with medication and therapy. Medicine helps balance the chemicals in the brain that influence mood. Your doctor can recommend psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy, or a mother's support group. Therapists can assist a new mom to recognize her feelings and manage these feelings in a healthy way. SSRIs such as sertraline, fluoxetine (Prozac (r)), and paroxetine can be prescribed to treat depression. Brexanolone is also known as Zulresso(r), is a brand new medication that is administered intravenously over two and a half days in the hospital. It begins working as soon as it is administered. It is safe to use when breastfeeding.

It's normal for people to experience down or sad times after the birth of a baby, but if these feelings do not go away or worsen and more severe, it's time to visit an expert. If the mother is experiencing thoughts of harming her child or herself, this could be a sign of a more severe form of depression, known as postpartum psychosis. It is a rare disorder.