Postpartum Depression

What is postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression affects women after childbirth. While it’s normal to experience a mix of emotions in the first few days, these baby blues don’t typically last for long. If you feel sad, hopeless, and worthless after several weeks, you could have postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression is a common, treatable condition, so you don’t need to feel ashamed of your feelings. Best Option Behavioral Health Services offers expert support and treatment to help you overcome postpartum depression.

What symptoms can postpartum depression cause?

Just like other forms of depression, postpartum depression negatively affects your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. You may experience:

• Self-loathing
• Guilt and shame
• Feelings of overwhelm
• Frequent weeping
• Moodiness or irritability
• Problems sleeping
• General aches and pains
• Lack of energy and motivation
• Difficulties caring for yourself properly

You might withdraw from friends and family and think about harming yourself. You may find it hard to bond with your baby and, in severe cases, have unwanted thoughts of harming them.

Women have a higher risk of postpartum depression if they or close family members have had previous mental health problems. Stress during pregnancy or challenging life situations can also increase your chances of developing postpartum depression. 

What does a postpartum depression consultation involve?

The skilled providers at Best Option Behavioral Health Services begin your postpartum depression consultation with a thorough evaluation. They review your medical history and may ask you to complete a depression screening procedure.

Blood tests can also be important. They identify any physical triggers for your condition, such as hypothyroidism (low levels of thyroid hormone). In many cases, women with postpartum depression have low levels of estrogen and progesterone, the female sex hormones.

These hormones decrease significantly following childbirth, contributing to postpartum problems like mood changes, insomnia, and fatigue.

How is postpartum depression treated?

Postpartum depression treatment may include hormone therapy, psychotherapy, antidepressant medication, or a combination of all of the above.

If tests show your hormone levels need boosting, you can take medication to rebalance them. Antidepressants help by increasing mood-regulating neurotransmitters — brain chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin.

Talk therapy has numerous benefits. It enables you to understand your condition, shows you practical ways to challenge and alter harmful negative thoughts, and helps you recognize your strengths and value as a new mother.

If you can’t shake the baby blues, talk to the compassionate, caring postpartum depression experts at Best Option Behavioral Health Services. Call the office or book an appointment online today.