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Postpartum Depression Symptoms The “baby blues” is a common feeling experienced by new mothers after the birth of their baby. It's important that you speak to your health care provider or doctor to discuss your feelings. In some cases the mother of a newborn may develop something much more serious known as postpartum psychosis. This could cause hallucinations and a lack in sleep, and also thoughts of harming the baby or mother. Sometimes, hospitalization is required. 1. Feelings of hopelessness or despair If you experience extreme feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness this is an indication that you need to visit an expert in mental health right away. It is important to inform your doctor if there is a thought about suicide or are thinking of harming yourself or your child. These are dangerous symptoms that should not be ignored. They could also be a warning sign for other severe types of postpartum depression, such as postpartum psychosis. The most common way to treat PPD is to use antidepressants. This helps to regulate your brain's chemicals that affect your mood. Your doctor will decide on the most effective medication for you based on your symptoms and whether you are breastfeeding. Talk therapy is a different standard treatment. Your doctor may recommend a specific model of therapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy or interpersonal therapy. Certain support groups assist women suffering from PPD. Other options include sleeping and avoiding visits from unnecessary people. It's important to get enough sleep and sleeping when your baby is asleep can be beneficial. Exercise can boost your mood. It is also beneficial to build a network of family and friends who can help you with housework and childcare. It is important to remember that feeling depressed doesn't mean you're a bad mom or that you don't love your child. It's a normal medical issue that needs treatment. You'll feel better after treatment and feel more energetic to take care of your baby. Untreated depression can affect the relationship between a new mom and her baby and could result in serious health issues for baby and mommy. Women of color 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 of anger or feelings of rage Anger or rage are not listed as a sign of postpartum depression in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), however, they are commonplace in PPD. Anger can be triggered by a variety of factors, including sudden changes in hormone levels, sleep deprivation, and worries about being 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 assistance from a therapist or a support group. It's crucial to let others know how you feel to ensure they are able to offer support. Ask for assistance with cooking, cleaning or babysitting. You can take advantage of anyone who will look after your baby while you nap. Spend time with people who can understand your feelings like family members and friends, or newly mothers in a mothers group. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, it's an emergency and you must call 911 or your healthcare professional right immediately. This is a sign of postpartum psychosis, which is a rare but severe medical condition that can be associated with PPD. Encourage the family member or friend who is suffering from these symptoms to seek medical treatment. Suggest that they talk to their healthcare professional or join a therapist support group and offer to go with them to their appointment as a support worker. You could also help by offering to take care of the baby, running around, or participate in outings or playdates. You can also do activities that you enjoy and make time to eat well and get enough sleep. 3. Feelings of guilt and worthlessness After birth Many new mothers experience feelings such as depression, anxiety, or even fatigue. They might be lonely or angry. These feelings are commonly referred to as 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 are worried about harming yourself or your baby, then you may be suffering from postpartum depression. Your doctor will evaluate your health during your postpartum appointment and can refer you to a doctor who specializes in mental health if needed. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or harming the baby, call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately. Remember that PPD isn't your fault, regardless of the cause. Perinatal depression can be caused by a variety of causes that include hormonal changes, lack of sleep and emotional or familial issues. You are at greater chance of developing depression or anxiety if these issues was present during pregnancy or prior to, and if there is an ancestry history of depression in your family. Some women have more difficulty dealing with postpartum depression, particularly if they are suffering from the more severe symptoms, such as feelings of despair and desperation or fears of harming them or their baby. These symptoms are indicative of a more severe disorder known as postpartum psychosis. This condition could be harmful for both you and your baby. This is a psychiatric crisis that needs to be treated in an emergency room. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. It is also crucial to have support systems in place. Look for family and friends who are willing to assist with household chores, childcare, and running errands. 4. Feelings of despair or hopelessness If a woman's feelings of sadness, worthlessness or hopelessness persist for more than two weeks, they may be a sign of something more severe than the baby blues. Postpartum psychosis is a more severe condition that can cause these feelings. This is an extremely serious mental illness that can trigger hallucinations, delusions and paranoia. Women with these symptoms should seek medical attention, whether by calling an emergency hotline, visiting their doctor, or going to the emergency room. Women with PPD can often feel guilt or shame over the way they are feeling. They might feel that their feelings are reflected on their children or that they're horrible mothers. But, there is nothing they have done or not done to cause their depression. It is caused by a combination of hormones and environmental factors that are out of their control. PPD is treatable and usually disappears with the proper treatment. acute depression symptoms can include psychotherapy – or talk therapy with a psychiatrist, psychologist or mental health counselor -and sometimes, medication. Some antidepressants are safe to take while breastfeeding. Women should also seek as much rest and support as possible during this period. This could include asking for help with housework, a partner or family members or joining a mothers' group. They should also eat well, exercise and get enough sleep, and see their health care provider regularly for checkups. 5. Feelings of hopelessness or a sense of worthlessness It is essential that women who feel hopeless or worthless immediately consults her doctor. These are serious signs that could be a sign of postpartum depression and should never be ignored. These symptoms can be more severe than the baby blues and could prevent mothers from taking care of her child or herself. If left untreated, the depression can persist for a longer time and eventually develop into a major depression disorder. It can also affect the bond between mothers and their children as well as the relationship within the family. Postpartum depression isn't known to be caused by a specific factor however, genetics or medical issues can increase the chances of a new mom being affected. Other risk factors are serious stress during pregnancy, medical problems both during and after the birth, and lack support from other women. The risk for a woman increases when she has a history of depression. The majority of women with postpartum depressive disorder get better through therapy and medication. Medicine helps balance chemicals in the brain which affect mood. Your doctor can recommend psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy or a support group for mothers. Therapists can help a new mother understand her feelings and manage them in healthy ways. SSRIs such as sertraline fluoxetine (Prozac ®), and paroxetine may be prescribed to treat depression. A newer drug, brexanolone (Zulresso®) is given by IV over two and a half days at the hospital and starts working quickly. It's safe to take while breastfeeding. It's normal for mothers to feel depressed or sad after the birth of her child. However, if these feelings persist or get worse, it's important to consult an expert. It's particularly important to consult a doctor when a mother is thinking of harming herself or her baby, which are signs of depression that is more severe, referred to as postpartum psychosis. It's a rare condition.