Childbirth is an exciting and life-changing experience for many women, but a large percentage of mothers face postpartum depression. An estimated one in seven women battle with depression after giving birth. Although it has often been dismissed as temporary mood swings throughout history, postpartum depression is a mental health disorder. With symptoms like sadness, anxiety, hopelessness, and trouble connecting with their baby, new mothers who face postpartum require care. Our licensed therapists are trained to recognize postpartum depression and help individuals heal from their pain.
What Is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression (PPD), also called postnatal depression or, simply, postpartum, is a serious mental health condition that must be treated. Postpartum is more than “baby blues,” which tend to resolve after two weeks or less. Markedly, postnatal depression stretches beyond the 2-week time frame and is a serious depressive disorder. In some cases, postpartum depression will eventually resolve itself on its own. However, in other cases, the mother experiences lingering symptoms and difficulty connecting with her baby. Over time, it can create major tears in your family, as well as significantly reduce your quality of life. Similar to major depressive disorder, depression after childbirth can lead to thoughts about suicide and self-harm. Further, postpartum can also develop in fathers. In women, it can begin as early as pregnancy and linger long after giving birth.
How Common Is Postpartum Depression?
As mentioned, approximately 15 percent of women experience postpartum depression that develops either during or after pregnancy. Depression in women is more common if you have certain risk factors. These include a history of mental illness, abuse, or trauma, history of substance abuse, history of pregnancy complications, and undue stress.
What Causes Postpartum Depression?
As with any mood disorder, there are a variety of factors that combine to create symptoms. Research shows that genetics, predisposition to mental illness, hormonal changes, and environmental factors all play a role. Understandably, the human body undergoes vast changes in order to grow another life inside of itself. After giving birth, it takes time for the body to reset back to its pre-pregnancy state. As your hormones and physical health adjust, you’re also facing major changes in your home and family. Overall, there’s no one factor that determines who will develop postpartum depression. Yet, there are common effects of PPD on the mother and the child.
How Does Postpartum Depression Affect the Mother and Child?
PPD has an effect on both the mom and the baby. The early days after giving birth are an important time for new mothers and fathers to bond with their children. However, post-childbirth depression causes a distance and separation between the parent and their baby. One effect it has is causing you to doubt whether you love your child because you feel unnatural around them. This is felt by both the mother and the child and can impact the type of care the newborn receives. It can also lead to long-term developmental problems in the baby. However, it’s important to recognize that depression is associated with imbalances in the brain. You are not a bad parent, but you do need help to heal from your symptoms.
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Speak With Our Admissions TeamWhat Are the Signs and Symptoms of Postpartum Depression?
There are many common signs of postpartum depression. Symptoms can include:
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Anxiety
- Sadness
- Loss of interest
- Hostility or irritability
- Mood swings
- Trouble sleeping
- Trouble bonding with their baby
- Changes in appetite
- Intrusive thoughts
- Fear about caring for the baby
- Feelings of shame and guilt
- Social isolation
How Can I Tell If a Loved One Has Postpartum Depression?
If your loved one exhibits some of the signs above, it’s important to address them with love and concern. Treatment will keep both the mother and the baby safe by ensuring both receive the care they need while in a vulnerable state. Further, mental illness and substance abuse often go hand-in-hand. If you notice your loved one turning to substances and worry they might have a problem, it’s even more important to ensure they receive help.
Is Postpartum Depression Treatable?
The good news is postpartum depression is a treatable mental illness. Through recovery programming that combines traditional and holistic healing therapies, individuals can restore their personal and familial health. Postnatal depression is widely understood to be a possible complication of pregnancy. As such, we are able to implement research-driven treatment as a rehabilitation program for individuals facing depression after childbirth.
Psychotherapies for Postpartum Depression
At Aliya Health Group, all of our clients engage in psychotherapies like behavioral therapy. Evidence shows talk therapies have a positive healing effect in cases of postpartum depression. Traditional talk therapy is based on exploring negative and untrue patterns of thinking that influence behavior and vice versa. Together, the therapist and client work to change thoughts and behaviors, including addressing anxious feelings and emotional regulation.
Holistic Therapies for Postpartum Depression
Additionally, each client participates in one or more holistic therapies. These look like therapeutic activities that engage the mind, body, and spirit for a full-body healing experience. In some ways, holistic therapy is an extension of self-care. Along with providing stress relief and physical wellness, it shows clients helpful activities they can continue outside of treatment.
Medications for Postpartum Depression
Some clients’ programming includes medication-assisted treatment (MAT). When it comes to mental illness, medication can regulate symptoms for overall improvement in one’s quality of life. MAT is an optional approach that is followed in combination with therapy and counseling.
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Check Your CoverageSelf-Care Tips for Postpartum Depression
It’s important to take care of yourself if you’re battling depression, even though it may feel like the last thing you’re capable of doing. Anxiety and postpartum depression often go together, which creates a sense of overwhelm and fear. You don’t have to feel trapped alone with your symptoms. Tell someone what you’re going through. Do your best to care for yourself, like eating healthy, exercising, and getting quality rest. If this feels impossible, reach out to us so we can provide you with tools to help you recover.
Asking for Help with Postpartum Depression
If you think you’re struggling with postpartum depression, it’s important that you ask for help. No matter how you’re feeling, getting treatment for your symptoms will ensure both you and your baby are well-cared for. There’s no shame in needing outside help. Professional treatment equips you with the tools you need to overcome your illness. As soon as you let our admissions team know what you’re going through, you’re no longer alone in the process. We’re ready to begin your healing journey with you.
