POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION TREATMENT

Are you feeling shame or guilt that you aren’t feeling like you “should” after pregnancy?

Struggling to “keep it all together” to cover your sadness, irritability or mood changes?

Maybe you are missing your old life before baby

This is supposed to be the happiest time of my life…why am I so miserable?

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If any of these ring true for you, you are certainly not alone. These feelings and thoughts aren’t what you expected to have when you bring your baby home. Moms, especially new moms, may be very surprised to feel sadness, have crying episodes and be plagued with chronic worry shortly after having a baby. Some women can experience emotional numbness, apathy, and/or ambivalence about being a new mom.
 

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ISN'T IT JUST THE BABY BLUES?

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This is one of the most popular questions I have been asked in my practice. Baby Blues is extremely common, so much so that up to 80 percent of mothers experience the baby blues. The primary difference between the baby blues and postpartum depression is the onset and duration of symptoms. Symptoms of the baby blues peaks between 3-5 days after delivery and usually resolves within 2 weeks postpartum. Unlike the Baby Blues, Postpartum Depression (PPD) can surface any time within the first year postpartum and lasts more than several weeks. Common Symptoms of the baby blues: feeling very happy and then sad, crying with no apparent reason, sudden mood swings, anxiety, loss of appetite, irritability, 

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POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

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Approximately 1 in 7 women experience major/minor depression following childbirth. Symptoms can occur within several days of delivery up to even 1 year postpartum. The abrupt change in hormones (estrogen and progesterone return back to normal levels within 24 hours after delivery) is thought to be a key contributing factor to the development of postpartum depression among other risk factors.  Primary risk factors for postpartum depression include: history of sensitivity to hormonal birth control, prenatal depression or anxiety, personal or family history of anxiety or depression, traumatic birth, lack of social support, 

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SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE:

• Feeling sad, hopeless, empty, or overwhelmed

• Crying more often than usual or for no apparent reason

• Feeling worried or overly anxious

• Moodiness, restlessness, or irritability

• Lack of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy

• Anger or rage

• Persistent doubt about your ability to care for your baby

• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

• Physical aches and pains

• Changes in appetite

• Lack of sleep or oversleeping

• Difficulty concentrating

• Withdrawing from others​

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HOW I HELP

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I utilize a number of science-backed modalities for treatment, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). CBT will help you to identify negative thought patterns and then actively replace those thoughts with more positive behaviors. ACT can help you sit with your present thoughts and/or feelings without judgment or avoidance. These techniques can help bring calm to a period of intense change and focus to your maternal mental health.

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IS MEDICATION RIGHT FOR ME?

It very well could be! Counseling has proven to be incredibly effective in treating postpartum mood and anxiety disorders. However, if you find that your symptoms are not decreasing in frequency or intensity, I would encourage you (and will gladly help facilitate) a meeting with a physician (an OBGYN, primary care physician or psychiatrist) who is experienced in perinatal mental health. With your written permission, I will collaborate with any existing physicians or new providers, as we all serve as important members of your care team!

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BUT YOU MAY STILL HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT PREGNANCY ANXIETY THERAPY... 

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I don’t think I need therapy because these feelings will pass on their own.

In some cases, the emotional highs and lows can subside on their own. However, treatment with a trained professional gives you the opportunity to feel better sooner. You can also take the skills you acquire in session and use them for future challenges in your life.
 

I don’t have a budget for therapy.

I do accept United, Cigna, and Aetna insurance plans. If you have another provider, please check to see to what extent they may cover out-of-network therapy. For those not covered by insurance, or without it, I also accept self-pay. Maternal mental health is one aspect of pregnancy that is easy to ignore but that is so crucial to the foundation-building of a mother or parent partner. Making an investment to care for your mental health can benefit everyone in your home.

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If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please know that you are not alone, and your symptoms are treatable. You do not have to continue to feel the way you do, and talking with a perinatal mental health trained therapist can help.