Postpartum depression is a scary and lonely place. It’s also common — and treatable, especially if you know when to see a postpartum depression therapist.
Postpartum Depression Can Happen to Anyone
Postpartum depression therapists around the world are continually working to break through the stigmas and misconceptions that keep many women suffering in silence.
As did Grammy award-winning artist Cardi-B. She recounted that her postpartum depression following the birth of her daughter “came out of nowhere,” which is a common sentiment. She learned first-hand that postpartum depression does not discriminate.
This condition, which affects about one in every ten women who give birth, can come on quickly but can be overcome by working with a postpartum depression therapist and adhering to a personalized treatment plan. Here is what you should know about depression after giving birth.
Breaking the Silence on Postpartum Depression
When moments of your greatest joy are met with conflicting feelings of sadness or anxiety, it can be challenging and even confusing, says Jessica Salinas, MD, a Littleton OB/GYN at AdventHealth Medical Group OB/GYN at Littleton. Admitting that you feel “sad” or any perceived negative emotion is hard for many women, for fear of both intrinsic and public shame. But this is far from the reality.
“Women tend to downplay their symptoms of sadness because they want to be happy, making it difficult to admit and seek help,” says Dr. Salinas. “It also can feel like a reflection of their love for their new little ones, which is such a crippling misconception.”
Another common myth about postpartum depression is that all women need medication to treat it.
Although medication might be appropriate for some cases, others can find hope and relief through open conversations and lifestyle changes. “Every woman is different, and we work with you to figure out the right treatment based on your unique situation," says Dr. Salinas.
Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Depression
It's not always easy to tell if you're experiencing the "baby blues" or something more. Whereas the common emotional roller coaster post-delivery can bring tears after a heart-warming commercial or at the first baby milestone, postpartum depression and anxiety can bring more serious symptoms, including:
- Feelings of isolation
- Extreme worry and anxiety
- Feelings of sadness that aren’t going away
- Unreasonable or racing thoughts
- Sleeplessness
- Lack of motivation to care for self and baby
“A good benchmark is whether the emotions are impacting your ability to care for yourself or your baby,” Dr. Salinas says. “If the answer is yes, it’s time to seek help from a postpartum depression therapist.”
Onset of Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression can happen up to 12 months after delivery, although it often takes hold in the first six months. About 90 percent of women who experience postpartum depression develop symptoms within the first four months, with the majority feeling the onset in the first four weeks. At AdventHealth Medical Group OB/GYN at Littleton, our South Denver obstetricians follow our patients until they’re at least six weeks postpartum. As part of our routine follow-up, we’ll ask about your emotional and spiritual health.
Postpartum depression occurs for a variety of reasons. Still, some of the most common causes are extreme changes in hormone levels in a woman's body after delivery, as well as lifestyle changes that are inherent to new parenthood, such as sleep deprivation and stressors brought by increased caregiver demands.
Causes vary from the hormonal roller coaster after delivery as well as the physical changes that pregnancy and birth can have on the body. It's common to feel a sense of loss through the healing process. Postpartum depression after miscarriage also can occur.
Postpartum depression may be more common in Littleton, Colo., in late fall and winter, when there is less sunlight like seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Risks for Postpartum Depression
Although anyone who's recently given birth or had a miscarriage can experience postpartum depression, certain risk factors can indicate a preference for the condition.
One of those is having struggled with depression at any time in life or during pregnancy, which is called peripartum depression. Moms of babies who have difficulty feeding or developmental issues also are at increased risk.
Another important distinction is that some women experience postpartum anxiety without depression. This manifests through intrusive thoughts interrupting sleep and affecting other aspects of life. Excessive worry is another reason to see a postpartum depression therapist.
When to See a Postpartum Depression Therapist for Help
Treatment for postpartum depression requires a personalized approach that considers your symptoms, environment and lifestyle. A postpartum depression therapist will recommend a treatment plan that may include talk therapy, additional structure for the household, emotional support and prescription medicine.
Whatever the treatment, you must be open with your Littleton OB/GYN provider throughout your pregnancy and after. As your emotions change and evolve, open communication with your provider can help proactively identify risks for postpartum depression.
Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. With a personalized treatment plan from a postpartum depression therapist, you’ll be better equipped to care for your little one and yourself.
Solid Support Throughout Pregnancy and Postpartum
Our caring gynecologists, obstetricians and midwives work with you every step of the way so you and your child can receive all the care you need. To schedule an appointment with one of our postpartum depression therapists, call our front desk at 720-922-6240.
