How Is Ppd Treated
If you think you may have PPD, see your health care provider right away. Your provider can be:
- Your prenatal care provider. This is the provider who gave you medical care during pregnancy.
- Your primary care provider. This is your main health care provider who gives you general medical care.
- A mental health provider. This may be a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, counselor or a therapist.
- Your babys health care provider
To find out if you have PPD, your provider asks you questions about how youre feeling. He wants to know if your feelings are causing problems in how you care for yourself and your baby. He may ask you to fill out a form called a depression screening questionnaire. Your answers on the form can help him find out if you have PPD.
Your provider may do tests to see if you have other health problems that may lead to PPD. For example, he may check your thyroid hormones. Low levels of thyroid hormones may lead to PPD.
The sooner you see your provider about PPD, the better. You can get started on treatment so you can take good care of yourself and your baby. Treatment can include:
- Counseling, like CBT and IPT
- Support groups. These are groups of people who meet together or go online to share their feelings and experiences about certain topics. Ask your provider or counselor to help you find a PPD support group.
- Medicine. PPD often is treated with medicine.
Medicines to treat PPD include:;
If youre taking medicine for PPD:
Causes Of Postnatal Depression
The cause of postnatal depression is not completely clear.
There are a number of things that may make you more likely to have postnatal depression. These include:
- a history of mental health problems, particularly depression, earlier in life
- a history of mental health problems during pregnancy
- having no close family or friends to support you
- a difficult relationship with your partner
- recent stressful life events, such as a bereavement
- physical or psychological trauma, such as domestic violence
- having the “baby blues”
Even if you do not have any of these, having a baby is a life-changing event that can sometimes trigger depression.
It often takes time to adapt to becoming a new parent. Looking after a small baby can be stressful and exhausting.
How To Treat Postpartum Depression Which Affects Both Mom & Baby
Did you know that 7080 percent of all new mothers experience some negative feelings after the birth of their child? Its common for women to experience severe mood swings after giving birth, which are known as baby blues. But when this sense of sadness doesnt go away, it may be the start of postpartum depression.
Mothers going through depression often feel too ashamed to talk about how theyre feeling, and researchers feel that this condition is both under-recognized and under-treated. Mothers dont feel like theyre being good mothers and often feel guilty about not wanting to take care of their newborn.
For most women, these feelings of inadequacy and sadness go away naturally, but for some this can turn into lasting depression, which can hinder the relationship between the mother and child. In fact, researchers have reported that postpartum depression has a moderate-to-large adverse effect on mother-infant interaction. Children older than 1 year whose mothers had postpartum depression have been reported to display more behavioral problems and cognitive deficits than children of mothers who were not depressed. For this reason, its important to understand the symptoms of ongoing postpartum depression and take these mood swings and phases seriously.
Don’t Miss: How Many Years Does Ptsd Last For
Tips On How To Overcome Postpartum Depression
Some of the tips to overcome postpartum depression can include consulting a professional, meeting with other moms, getting enough rest, eating healthy, breastfeed only if you want to, exercising a bit, learning to relax, making realistic goals, talk to your partner and lastly not to be hard on oneself.
Giving birth is an emotional roller-coaster ride that could derail your life in the form of postpartum depression. Dont worry, it is totally okay to be overjoyed one moment and then be in tears the next moment. Anxiety, worry and sadness are all normal after pregnancy and these emotions are usually a part of having Baby Blues. However, if you continue to feel these emotions 2 to 3 weeks after delivering your baby, you could be dealing with postpartum depression.
This condition is prominent in women who have a history of depression and anxiety. Even women dealing with depression during their pregnancy period can get postpartum depression. If you are stressed, battling OCD or lacking support from your partner, family and friends, you could develop postpartum depression.
Huffington Post
Analyzing Your Negative Thoughts
Read Also: How To Ground Someone Having A Panic Attack
How Is It Treated
Postpartum depression is treated with counselling and antidepressant medicines. Women with milder depression may be able to get better with counselling alone. But many women need both. Moms can still breastfeed their babies while taking certain antidepressants.
To help yourself get better, make sure you eat well, get some exercise every day, and get as much sleep as possible. Get support from family and friends if you can.
Try not to feel bad about yourself for having this illness. It doesn’t mean you’re a bad mother. Many women have postpartum depression. It may take time, but you can get better with treatment.
What Is Postpartum Depression Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment And Prevention
Stocksy
Pregnancy and giving birth are intensely emotional experiences. And while these life-changing events can bring joy, they can also present challenges that make you feel sad, tired, and anxious.
Maternal Child and Health JournalFrontiers in NeuroendocrinologyDepression & Anxiety,
You May Like: Can A Panic Attack Last For Weeks
Strategies For Coping With Postpartum Depression
Make healthy lifestyle choices. Although it is definitely a challenge to focus on yourself with a new baby, its important for people who have postpartum depression to take time to do things like eating healthy meals, exercising, getting enough sleep, and avoiding alcohol, which can exacerbate mood swings.
Practice self-care. Enlist a partner, friend, or other family member to watch the baby or hire a sitter, then get out of the house and do something for yourself.
Set realistic expectations. Treatment can help, but it may take some time before you feel like yourself again. In the meantime, dont feel pressured to check off everything on your to-do list.
Say yes to caregiving help. Take people up on their offers to help. Your friends and family members can help around the house, watch the baby so you can sleep, run errands, or be there to listen when you need to talk.
Avoid isolation. Talk with your partner, friends, or family about how youre feeling. You may want to join a support group with other mothers whove experienced postpartum depression and can share experiences and coping skills.
Notice The Small Things
If you are trying to help someone with postpartum depression, one seemingly small way of helping that can actually make a big difference is to point out evidence that she is recovering. Notice when she smiles and let her know. This will help her see that things are getting better too. These small things may seem insignificant, but they arent.
Recommended Reading: What Is The Meaning Of Phobia
Postpartum Depression Signs And Symptoms
Symptoms of postpartumÂ;depressionÂ;can be hard to detect. Many women have these symptoms following childbirth:
- Trouble sleepingÂ;
- Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessnessÂ;
- Thoughts of death or suicideÂ;
- Thoughts of hurting someone else
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
Symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder that are new rarely occur in the postpartum period . The obsessions are usually related to concerns about theÂ;baby’s healthÂ;or irrational fears of harming the baby.Â;Panic disorderÂ;may also happen. You can have these conditions and depression at the same time.
Untreated postpartum depression can be dangerous for new moms and their children. A new mom should seek professional help when:
- Symptoms persist beyond 2 weeks
- They canât function normally
- They can’t cope with everyday situations
- They have thoughts of harming themselves or their baby
- They’re feeling extremely anxious, scared, and panicked most of the day
Complications Of Postpartum Depression
When a new mother is depressed, it can increase the risk of depression for the father as well, as mentioned earlier. And if a mother’s postpartum depression goes untreated, newborns are more likely to have problems like excessive crying, difficulty with sleeping and eating, and delays in language development.
Those suffering from postpartum psychosis may have bizarre, grandiose thoughts and delusions, and their moods may swing from one extreme to another. They may also hallucinate hearing voices or seeing things that arent there and may have recurring thoughts of harming themselves or their baby.
In some cases of postpartum psychosis, there may be a previous history of mental illness, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder.
If you notice any of these changes in someone you love or are close to, its important to seek help right away so both mother and child remain safe.
Also Check: Is Weed Good For Anxiety And Panic Attacks
What Can I Do At Home To Feel Better While Seeing A Doctor For Postpartum Depression
Here are some ways to begin feeling better or getting more rest, in addition to talking to a health care professional:
- Rest as much as you can. Sleep when the baby is sleeping.
- Dont try to do too much or to do everything by yourself. Ask your partner, family, and friends for help.
- Make time to go out, visit friends, or spend time alone with your partner.
- Talk about your feelings with your partner, supportive family members, and friends.
- Talk with other mothers so that you can learn from their experiences.
- Join a support group. Ask your doctor or nurse about groups in your area.
- Dont make any major life changes right after giving birth. More major life changes in addition to a new baby can cause unneeded stress. Sometimes big changes cant be avoided. When that happens, try to arrange support and help in your new situation ahead of time.
It can also help to have a partner, a friend, or another caregiver who can help take care of the baby while you are depressed.;If you are feeling depressed during pregnancy or after having a baby, dont suffer alone. Tell a loved one and call your doctor right away.
Where Can I Get Help
If you have symptoms of postpartum depression, get help right away. The sooner you get help, the sooner you will feel better. Start by talking to your health care provider . They can:
- Prescribe medicines to help you.
- Recommend that you see a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other mental health worker for treatment.
- Do blood tests to make sure something else isn’t causing your symptoms.
If you don’t have a health care provider, you can get help online at:
If you are thinking about hurting yourself or your baby or if you hear or see things that aren’t there, get help right away.
You can:
- Go to the nearest emergency room.
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or reach them online.;
- Contact the National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the U.S., anytime, about any type of crisis.
Also Check: Can Acid Give You Schizophrenia
Exercise And Postpartum Depression
Exercise can help lift your spirits. Once you’ve recovered physically from giving birth, try to get some exercise every day. One study has shown that vigorous exercise after recovering from childbirth is associated with an increased feeling of well-being. Your doctor can help you plan an exercise program that’s right for you.
How Do I Know If I Have Postpartum Depression
Despite the fact that postpartum depression has been known about for a long time, many experts believe it isnât being properly diagnosed. As knowledge about postpartum depression grows, more health care professionals are looking for risk factors in their patients as early as their first prenatal care visit.
If a woman is at risk, their doctor can evaluate their moods throughout the pregnancy. After a woman gives birth, they and those close to them should watch for symptoms of depression. Their doctor should look for such signs at their 6-week postpartum visit, as well.
Thereâs no blood test or body scan that shows you have this mood disorder. Instead, your doctor will ask certain questions about your state of mind. The most common PPD screening tests are:
If you have symptoms of postpartum depression, your doctor will evaluate their severity, including asking about whether you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. Theyâll also ask about other mood-related symptoms to determine whether you have postpartum depression or another condition, such as bipolar disorder or postpartum psychosis. Your thyroid levels also may be checked to make sure the gland is working the way it should. Hypothyroidism can cause the same symptoms as postpartum depression.
Don’t Miss: How To Tell If A Bipolar Woman Loves You
Natural Ways To Treat Postpartum Depression
This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may receive a small commission . Please see my full;disclosure policy;for details.
- Pin
If you are a newly postpartum mom who is experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression, here are tips on how to combat postpartum depression naturally.
This is;a guest;post by Rosie, a mom;and;a postpartum survivor.;She blogs over at;Solutions Mommy, which is a blog dedicated to helping first-time pregnant and postpartum moms feel;confidant;in their new roles as mothers.
Giving birth is one of the most amazing things a woman can go through.;The last thing on your mind is developing postpartum depression after birth.;After;all,;you waited 9 months to become a mom, Shouldnt you feel love pouring out from every pore for your baby?
Ill be going over;signs and symptoms of postpartum depression and how to treat it naturally.
Myths About Postnatal Depression
Postnatal depression is often misunderstood and there are many myths surrounding it.
These include:
- postnatal depression is less severe than other types of depression in fact, it’s as serious as other types of depression
- postnatal depression is entirely caused by hormonal changes it’s actually caused by many different factors
- postnatal depression will soon pass unlike the “baby blues”, postnatal depression can persist for months if left untreated and in a minority of cases it can become a long-term problem.
- postnatal depression only affects women research has actually found that up to 1 in 10 new fathers become depressed after having a baby
These factors are equally true of antenatal depression.
You May Like: How To Break The Cycle Of Health Anxiety
A Heartwrenchingly Difficult Situation Made Even Harder
Almost a quarter of mothers in Canada experience symptoms of either postpartum depression or anxiety. It can be hard to ask for help, even at the best of times, because theres so much stigma attached to not feeling elated about a new baby. And during a pandemic, when people are forced to stay home, doctors offices are packed with COVID-19 patients, and healthcare professionals dont always have the chance to pick up on red flags, help can seem even further away.
Theres no single cause for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. But the change in hormone levels is thought to be a part of it. Theres a dramatic drop in estrogen and progesterone in the body after giving birth, which can lead to fatigue and feelings of sadness.
That said, the biggest predictors of postpartum depression are a lack of support and of opportunities to spend time with other people, which is exactly what we are imposing on people right now, said Nicole Letourneau, a nursing professor at the University of Calgary and the Alberta Childrens Hospital Foundation Research Chair in Parent-Infant Mental Health.
Typically, new parents experiencing PPD are encouraged to leave their house, see their friends, visit a therapist. None of that is possible at a time when people are being asked to stay at home.
And the pandemic is piling extra stress onto new parents.
Seeking Therapy And Medical Advice
Also Check: What Phobia Is Fear Of Death