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17 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Be Ignoring Postpartum Depression Symptoms
Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Many new mothers experience a brief moment of despair and sadness after the birth of their baby, called the "baby blues." It is important to speak to your doctor or health visitor about these feelings.

In some cases the mother of a newborn may develop something even more grave known as postpartum psychosis. This could cause hallucinations and a lack in sleep, along with thoughts of harming the mother or baby. Hospitalization may be required.

1. Feelings of despair or a sense of insanity

If you are experiencing extreme feelings of despair or a sense of worthlessness this is an indication that you should to visit a mental health professional right away. It is important to inform your doctor if there is a thought about suicide or have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. These are very serious signs and should not be overlooked. These symptoms can also be a sign of more severe forms of postpartum depressive disorders, including postpartum schizophrenia.


The most common way to treat PPD is antidepressant medicine. This will balance the chemicals in your brain that affect mood. Your doctor will decide on the best treatment for you based upon your symptoms and if you are breastfeeding. Talk therapy is another standard treatment. Your doctor may suggest a specific model of therapy like cognitive behavior therapy or interpersonal therapy. Support groups can also assist women suffering from PPD.

Other options include rest and avoiding visitors who are not necessary. The act of sleeping while your baby is asleep will help you get enough sleep. Exercise can also boost your mood. It can also be helpful to establish a support system of family and friends that can help with household chores or childcare.

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 not a mental illness. It is a medical condition that requires treatment. And getting treatment can make you feel better and give you the energy to care for your child. Untreated depression can affect the relationship between a new mom and her child and could lead to serious health issues for both baby and mommy. Women of ethnicity are more likely have a worse experience with postpartum depression than white women, possibly due to the fact that they are less likely to seek treatment and get diagnosed.

2. Feelings of anger or rage

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) does not mention anger or rage as signs of PPD, but these feelings are not uncommon. Anger can be triggered by a number of things, such as rapid changes in hormone levels, sleep deprivation and worries about being new mommy. If you're experiencing these feelings it is important to speak with your doctor. He might conduct a depression test at your follow-up appointment following delivery.

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 assistance. Request help with cleaning, cooking babysitting, running errands and so on. Take advantage of those who offer to take care of your child while you sleep. Spend time with other people who understand what you're feeling, like family members or friends, or other new mothers in the mothers' group.

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, it's an emergency situation and you should call 911 or your healthcare provider right now. This is an indication of postpartum psychiasis which is a rare but serious medical condition that can be associated with PPD.

If you know someone in your family who is experiencing these feelings, encourage them to seek medical attention. 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 therapist. You can also help by offering to take care of the baby, running errands or joining in on outings or playdates. You can also engage in activities that you enjoy and make time to consume a balanced diet and get adequate sleep.

3. Feelings of guilt or a sense of inadequacy

After childbirth Many new mothers feel anxiety, sadness or fatigue. They may also feel depressed or lonely. They are often referred to as the baby blues and can last for a few days or weeks following delivery. If the symptoms persist for more than two weeks and are getting worse, or if they affect your ability to care for the baby or yourself, or if you are worried about harming yourself or your baby, you could be suffering from postpartum depression. During your postpartum appointment, your doctor will assess your condition and recommend you to a mental health specialist if necessary. Call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you are contemplating taking your baby's life or committing suicide.

It is important to remember that it is not your fault if you suffer from PPD, irrespective of what caused it. Many factors could play a role in the development of perinatal depression, including hormone changes, sleep deprivation and family and emotional issues. You may also be at a higher risk if you experienced anxiety or depression during pregnancy or in the past and have an ancestral history of depression.

Certain women have a harder time dealing with postpartum depression, particularly when they experience the more severe symptoms, such as feelings of despair and desperation or fears of harming themselves or the baby. These symptoms can indicate a more severe condition called postpartum psychosis. This condition could be harmful for both you and your baby. It is a psychiatric crisis and requires treatment in the hospital. Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room. It is important to have a support system in place. Find family and friends who are willing to assist with childcare, housework and other errands.

4. Feelings of hopelessness or a sense of worthlessness

If feelings of desperation, sadness or hopelessness persist for longer than two weeks, it could be a sign something more serious is occurring. They could also be a sign of an even more serious condition known as postpartum psychosis. This is a serious mental illness that can lead to delusions (thoughts or beliefs that aren't true), hallucinations (seeing or smelling things that aren't present), the condition known as mania (a high and elated mood that seems out of touch with reality) and paranoia. Women suffering from these symptoms should seek medical attention, whether by calling an emergency hotline, going to their doctor, or visiting the emergency room.

Women suffering from PPD might feel embarrassed or ashamed of their feelings. They may believe that their feelings reflect on their children or they're horrible mothers. However there is nothing they have done or failed to do that causes their depression. It is caused by a combination of hormonal and environmental factors that are outside of their control.

PPD can be treated and typically is cured with the proper treatment. This may include talk therapy or psychotherapy with a therapist like a psychiatrist, psychologist or mental health counselor. Sometimes medication is also prescribed. Some antidepressants can be taken while breastfeeding. Women should also strive to get as much rest and support as possible during this period. You can seek assistance with household chores family members, your partner, or join a mothers support group. They should also eat well exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and see their health care provider regularly for checkups.

5. Feelings of hopelessness or despair

If a woman is having feelings of despair or a sense of worthlessness it is important to speak to her doctor right away. These symptoms could indicate postpartum depressive disorder and should not be ignored. These feelings are more serious than baby blues and may hinder a new mom from taking care of her her child. If they're left untreated and untreated, depression can last longer and even turn into a major depressive disorder. It could also hinder the bonding between a mother and child and the relationship between the family.

Postpartum depression is not known to be caused by a specific factor, but genetics or medical issues can increase the likelihood of a new mother experiencing it. Read Home include severe stress during the pregnancy, medical problems during pregnancy as well as after birth and a absence of support from family and friends. If women have an history of depression, her risk is higher as well.

Most women with postpartum depression recover by taking medication and therapy. Medicine can help balance the brain's chemicals that influence mood. Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy, or a mother's support group. The therapist will assist the new mother comprehend her feelings, and how to handle them. Medications for depression may also be suggested, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline (Zoloft(r)), the fluoxetine (Prozac(r)) and paroxetine (Paxil(r)). A newer medication, Brexanolone (Zulresso(r)) is administered by IV over two and a half days at the hospital and works quickly. It is safe to take when you are breastfeeding.

It's normal to experience down or sad times after a baby is born However, if these feelings don't disappear or worsen then it's time to consult a doctor. If the mother is having thoughts of harming herself or her child, this could be an indication of a more serious type of depression, known as postpartum psychosis. It is a rare disorder.

Read More: https://www.iampsychiatry.com/depression-symptoms