10 Untrue Answers To Common Postpartum Depression Symptoms Questions Do You Know Which Ones?

10 Untrue Answers To Common Postpartum Depression Symptoms Questions Do You Know Which Ones?

Postpartum Depression Symptoms

The "baby blues" is a common occurrence that new mothers experience following the birth of their child. It's important that you talk to your health professional or doctor to discuss these feelings.

In certain cases the mother of a newborn may develop something even more grave known as postpartum psychosis. It can trigger hallucinations, insufficient sleep and thoughts of harming herself or her baby. Hospitalization is frequently required.

1. Feelings of despair or hopelessness

If you feel hopeless or worthless, you should seek immediate help from a mental health professional. It is important to inform your doctor if you are thinking about suicide or think of hurting yourself or your baby. These are extremely dangerous signs and should not be overlooked. These symptoms could be a sign of more severe forms of postpartum depression disorders, like postpartum schizophrenia.

Antidepressant medications are the most popular treatment for PPD. This helps balance the brain's chemical imbalances that influence your mood. Your doctor will recommend the medication that is best for you based on your symptoms and if you're breastfeeding. Talk therapy is also a common treatment. Your doctor might recommend a specific model of therapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy or interpersonal therapy. Some support groups also help women suffering from PPD.

Relaxation and avoiding visitors are also effective ways to prevent. It's important to get enough rest and a good night's sleep when your baby is asleep can be beneficial. Exercise can also boost your mood. It can also be helpful to find a support network of family and friends who can help you with housework and childcare.

It is important to remember that feeling depressed doesn't mean that you are not a good mom or you are not loving your baby. It's a normal medical condition that needs treatment. The treatment you receive can make you feel better and give you the strength to take care of your child. Untreated depression can also impact the relationship between a new mom and her baby and cause serious health issues for the baby and mom. Women of color are at an increased risk of developing postpartum depression compared with white women. This could be due to the fact that they are less likely to seek treatment and receive a diagnosis.

2. Feelings of anger or rage

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) does not include anger or rage as symptoms of PPD, but these feelings are not uncommon. Anger can be triggered by a number of things, including rapid 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. The doctor might conduct a depression test during your postpartum follow-up.

You can also seek assistance from a therapist, or a support group. It's also important to let people know how you're feeling, so they can offer assistance. Request help with cleaning, cooking or babysitting. You can take advantage of those who offer to take care of your baby while you nap. Spend time with people who can understand your feelings like family and friends, or newly mothers in a mothers' group.

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

Encourage your friend or family member who is experiencing these feelings to seek medical attention. Encourage them to talk to their doctor or join a therapist support group and invite them the opportunity to accompany them to the appointment as a support person.  www.iampsychiatry.com  could also offer other services to help, such as offering to take care of the baby or run for errands, or go on playdates and outings with your children. You can also do things you enjoy and eat well and get enough sleep.

3. Feelings of guilt or a sense of inadequacy

Many new moms experience feelings such as anxiety, sadness, fatigue, loneliness or irritability after childbirth. These feelings are often referred to as the baby blues, and can last for several weeks or days after delivery. If the symptoms persist for more than two weeks and are getting worse, or if they affect your ability to take care of your baby or yourself, or if you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, you may be suffering from postpartum depression. When you visit your postpartum doctor, your doctor will evaluate your condition and refer you to a mental health professional if needed. If you are having thoughts of suicide or harming the baby, call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately.

It is important to keep in mind that it is not your fault that you have PPD, no matter the cause. Perinatal depression can be triggered by a variety of causes, including hormonal changes, lack of rest and emotional or family issues. You may also be at a higher risk if you suffered from anxiety or depression during pregnancy or in the past and have a family history of depression.

Some women are more susceptible to postpartum depression. This is especially when they exhibit more severe symptoms, such as feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness or thoughts of harming themselves or their baby. These symptoms are indicative of a more severe condition called postpartum psychosis, which can be risky for you and your baby. It is a psychiatric emergency that needs to be treated in an emergency room. Call 911 or go straight to the nearest emergency department. It is also essential to have support systems in place. Find family and friends who can assist with household chores and childcare and other the occasional errands.

4. Feelings of despair or a sense of insanity

If the feelings of worthlessness, sadness or hopelessness persist for longer than two weeks this could be a sign something more serious is happening. Postpartum psychosis is a more serious condition that can trigger these feelings. This is a serious mental illness that can cause delusions (thoughts or beliefs that aren't true) as well as hallucinations (seeing, hearing or smelling things that are not present), mania (a elevated and elated state that seems out of touch with reality) and paranoia. Women who experience these symptoms should seek medical attention, whether by calling an emergency hotline, visiting their doctor, or visiting the emergency room.

Women with PPD can often feel guilt or shame about how they feel. They may believe that their feelings are reflected on their children or they're horrible mothers. They have not done anything to cause their depression. It is caused by a mix of hormonal and environmental factors that are out of their control.

PPD can be treated and will usually disappear with the right treatment. This could include psychotherapy or talk therapy with a therapist like psychologist, psychiatrist or a mental health counselor. Sometimes, medication is prescribed. Certain antidepressants are safe to take while breastfeeding. Women should also strive to get as much sleep and support as they can during this time. You can seek assistance with household chores family members, your partner, or join a mothers support group. They should also ensure to eat well, get plenty of sleep and exercise, and consult their doctor regularly for checkups and any questions they may have.

5. Feelings of hopelessness or a sense of worthlessness

It is essential that a woman who feels lost or unworthy, immediately seeks out a doctor. These signs could be a sign of postpartum depressive disorder and should not be ignored. These symptoms are more severe than baby blues, and can hinder a new mom from taking care of her her child. If depression is not treated, it can become more severe and can even turn into major depression. It could also hinder the bonding between a mother and her child, as well as the family's relationship.


Postpartum depression is not known to be caused by a specific factor however, genetics or medical issues can increase the likelihood of a mother-to-be getting it. Other risk factors are serious stress during pregnancy, medical issues both during and after birth and the lack of support from other women. If women have an history of depression, her risk is greater as well.

Many women who suffer from postpartum depression get better by taking medication and therapy. Medicine can help balance the brain's chemicals that influence mood. Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy, including cognitive behavior therapy, as well as interpersonal therapy or a mother's support group. Therapists can assist a mother-to-be learn to understand her feelings and handle them in a healthy manner. SSRIs such as sertraline, fluoxetine (Prozac (r)), and paroxetine can be prescribed to treat depression. A newer drug, Brexanolone (Zulresso(r)) is administered via IV over a period of two and a half days in the hospital and starts working quickly. It's safe to use while breastfeeding.

It's normal for people to experience sadness or depression following the birth of a child however, if the feelings don't disappear or become worse then it's time to consult an expert. It's crucial to see an obstetrician if the mother has thoughts of hurting her child or herself, which are signs of depression that is more severe, referred to as postpartum psychosis, which is a rare condition.