Postpartum Depression Treatment

What Is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression is classified as a mood disorder that happens to women who have recently given birth to a baby. While stereotypes of happy mothers who have no change in mood after having a baby abound, that is not the reality for many women. About one out of eight women with a newborn baby develop postpartum depression. 

If not treated, this disorder can become a major depressive disorder. As well, those who have postpartum depression with one baby have a higher chance of developing it with additional children. 

Signs and Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

A woman in need of postpartum depression treatment usually experiences symptoms within four weeks of having her baby.

Common symptoms include:

• Depressive feelings that won’t go away
• Crying
• Hopelessness
• Overwhelmed by taking care of a newborn
• Guilt about her condition
• Anxiety
• Difficulty bonding with the child
• Lack of interest in the baby
• Wanting to sleep a lot or isolate from the family
• Insomnia
• Feeling angry at the baby
• Thoughts of harming the baby
• Thoughts of self-harm

Can Men Have Postpartum Depression?

Men can experience their own type of postpartum depression. They have many of the same symptoms as the mothers. Risk factors for men are being young, already having depression or a history of it, and experiencing financial difficulties. 

Can I Have Postpartum Depression After A Miscarriage?

Women can develop postpartum depression after having a miscarriage. It can also happen after a stillbirth or the early death of an infant. In each of these instances, the woman’s hormones fluctuate and often dictate a rapid change in her moods. 

As well, the loss of a baby in any form is just that: a loss. Women can experience the mourning process or attempt to shut down completely to avoid the emotional pain. Anyone who has had a miscarriage, stillbirth, or their child died as an infant qualifies for treatment for depression. 

How Do I Know I Need Treatment for Postpartum Depression?

It can prove difficult for a woman to understand that she needs postpartum depression treatment. Those close to her may insist she’s just temporarily blue, and she may feel extreme guilt at not being the idealized version of a blissful new mother. 

If a woman recognizes herself in the symptoms of postpartum depression or even if she’s unsure, it’s important to reach out to her doctor or a mental health counselor or program. They can provide an assessment and determine if she fits the diagnosis of having postpartum depression. From there, a plan can be made to provide effective treatment.

Our Postpartum Depression Treatment Programs

Our postpartum depression treatment takes place on two levels of care. The first is residential treatment, which means the individual moves into our facility temporarily. We offer a homelike setting to make women feel comfortable and provide round-the-clock care.

The other level of care is our outpatient services. This option allows the woman to live in her home and travel to our facility for treatment sessions.

How Is Postpartum Depression Treated?

We treat women with postpartum depression by providing them with a thorough menu of multi-disciplinary types of therapy. Each one targets their symptoms and helps them overcome their depression. 

The types of therapy we offer include: 

• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Group Therapy
• Family Counseling
• Anger Management
• Psychotherapy
• Trauma Treatment Program
• Meditative Therapy Program
• Yoga Therapy
• Life Skills Training 
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Why Serenity Grove?

Women lead powerful lives and juggle several responsibilities but sometimes fear speaking up when they need postpartum depression treatment. Serenity Grove offers compassionate and private care that allows women to express themselves and set treatment goals. 

Our therapists help them discuss their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Through the use of evidence-based therapies and any necessary prescription medications, we help guide women back to the light so they can heal and take care of their babies.