What is Postpartum Depression?
It’s not uncommon for women, especially new mothers, to experience baby blues after having a baby, but postpartum depression goes beyond that, causing feelings of extreme hopelessness. Having a baby can be a joyful experience, and women who experience intense feelings of sadness after childbirth often don’t understand what’s wrong with them and why they can’t shake off these feelings.
Postpartum depression usually starts the first week or two after giving birth, but symptoms can start anytime up to a year after having a baby. The sooner you begin postpartum depression treatment with an experienced postpartum depression psychiatrist, the sooner you can start enjoying those precious first months of your baby’s life.
If you think that you or a loved one may have postpartum depression, visit a Manhattan postpartum psychiatrist for a thorough evaluation. The best choice in NYC is Dr. Ditzell Psychiatry. Dr. Jeff Ditzell provides postpartum therapy in a comfortable setting, establishing a pace and regimen of treatment based on your specific needs — and not some one-size-fits-all treatment plan.
What Causes Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression can happen to any woman after having a baby. Doctors aren’t completely sure what causes this condition, but some factors that seem to consistently contribute to its development include:
- Changes in hormone levels after giving birth
- Low levels of thyroid hormones
- Family history of depression
During your initial consultation with a NYC postpartum depression psychiatrist, make sure to tell the doctor everything you’ve experienced in the past and how you’re feeling now. Several factors can increase the risk of developing postpartum depression, including:
- A history of depression or bipolar disorder before you got pregnant or during your pregnancy
- A history of postpartum depression after a previous pregnancy
- Stressful events, such as financial problems, separation from the baby’s father or conflict within your relationship
- Multiples, including twins or triplets
- An unwanted pregnancy
- A weak support system
Single mothers, particularly those younger than age 20, are at an increased risk of developing postpartum depression. Pregnancy complications — such as a premature birth, difficult delivery or having a child with special needs — can also trigger symptoms of depression or anxiety after having a baby.
What Are the Symptoms of Postpartum Depression?
Baby blues are a mild form of postpartum depression. If you have baby blues, you may experience crying episodes, mood swings, loss of appetite or difficulty sleeping. These symptoms usually go away by themselves in two weeks or less. Postpartum depression symptoms that last longer than a couple of weeks, however, are cause for concern and include:
- A sense of hopelessness
- Difficulty bonding with the baby
- Mood swings
- Anxiety and irritability
- Extreme fatigue
- Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
- Frequent crying
- Withdrawing from family and friends
Intense feelings of sadness may be worsened by feelings of guilt for not being a good mother or not wanting to be around your baby. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, see a postpartum depression psychiatrist, especially if you’re having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.
What Are Some Postpartum Depression Treatment Options?
A postpartum depression psychiatrist determines the best form of treatment based on how severe your symptoms are and whether there are any underlying medical conditions. If your depression symptoms are related to conditions like thyroid disease, the underlying condition is treated. If your psychiatrist diagnoses postpartum depression, your treatment plan may include:
- Antidepressants. A variety of medications can be used to help relieve the symptoms of depression. If you’re breastfeeding, your postpartum psychiatrist takes that into consideration, but most antidepressants can be taken while breastfeeding without harming the baby.
- Other medications. Your doctor may prescribe additional medications in addition to antidepressants if you’re experiencing other symptoms such as insomnia or anxiety.
- Psychotherapy. Many mental health conditions — including postpartum depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder — are treated by therapy as part of the treatment plan. Also known as talk therapy or depression counseling, psychotherapy involves talking to a mental health professional who can help you learn better ways of coping with your feelings.
Your psychotherapist may employ different approaches that can improve your symptoms. Everyone responds differently, so your postpartum depression psychiatrist may suggest trying different techniques or all of them, to find solutions that are most comfortable and effective for you. These include:
- Individual therapy. This is postpartum therapy in which you talk one-on-one with a counselor. This offers you a safe space to explore your feelings, thoughts and behaviors and learn new ways of coping with them.
- Group therapy. When you’re struggling with postpartum depression, it can be beneficial to participate in group therapy, so you can connect with other mothers who share similar struggles. Groups are led by a trained mental health professional and meet weekly or biweekly. Some groups focus on a particular group, such as single moms, LGBTQ couples or mothers struggling with substance abuse.
- Family therapy. Couples or family therapy may be part of your postpartum depression treatment plan if the depression is affecting your relationships. With the help of a skilled psychiatrist, you and your partner or other family members can discuss expectations and work on communication skills.
In addition to the treatment plan designed by your postpartum psychiatrist, making healthy lifestyle choices also helps reduce the symptoms of postpartum depression. Work on eating healthy foods and making time for exercise. Prioritize having some time for yourself for rest or for doing things you enjoy. Ask for help from loved ones when you need it.
When Should I Seek Help with Postpartum Depression?
Feeling overwhelmed and sometimes sad are feelings that aren’t unusual after having a baby. But postpartum depression is more serious than fatigue or a melancholy mood. Get in touch with a NYC postpartum depression psychiatrist if what you’re experiencing includes:
- Having a low mood almost all the time and feeling like you can’t shake off your sadness
- Experiencing little or no energy
- Having difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Feeling like you’re unable to take care of your baby
- Developing thoughts of harming your baby or yourself
- Being unable to shake symptoms that last longer than two weeks
Depression is a highly treatable condition, whether it’s triggered by pregnancy or by major life losses. Don’t ignore symptoms of postpartum depression, since without treatment, these feelings can worsen. With appropriate, effective postpartum depression treatment, you can start to feel much better. In NYC, expert, compassionate mental healthcare is available at Dr. Ditzell Psychiatry. Contact this practice today for an appointment in person or online.
See a Postpartum Depression Specialist in New York City
New York City mental health professionals led by Dr. Ditzell are experts in treating postpartum depression using a comprehensive, multifaceted approach. Schedule a same-day appointment today with a well-regarded team of therapists and a psychiatrist for safe and effective Postpartum depression treatments.