Postpartum depression (PPD) and postpartum anxiety (PPA) affects many parents and is a common issue. To help clients to take charge of their lives once again, we employ a variety of methods and treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication (if needed), meditation, and relaxation.
What is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression, also referred to as PPD, is a type of depression that some women experience after childbirth. Mothers with postpartum depression experience prolonged feelings of extreme sadness that may make it difficult for them to complete daily care activities for themselves or for others. PPD is the most common complication for women in their postnatal stage with symptoms occurring within 1 to 3 weeks after having a baby.
This differs from the “baby blues,” a term used to describe the range of mild, unpleasant emotions mothers feel after childbirth. Baby blues affects up to 80% of mothers and lasts about a week or two, with symptoms going away on their own as hormone levels return to normal.
By contrast, postpartum depression houses symptoms of extreme sadness and anxiety which affects a woman’s ability to carry out daily functions. These symptoms do not go away on their own and often require help from postpartum depression counseling.
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
- Prolonged feelings of sadness
- Frequent crying or tearfulness
- Loss of appetite
- Excessive worrying or anxiety
- Feeling worthless, hopeless, or guilty
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Withdrawing from or avoiding friends and family
- Having trouble concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
- Anger or rage
- Feeling moody and irritable
- Showing little interest in your baby
Treatment
Highland Springs therapists use an integrated approach to treat those struggling with postpartum depression. A postpartum depression screening helps determine a treatment plan that usually includes both medicine and cognitive behavioral therapy. Each of our depression recovery centers incorporates both medicine and cognitive behavioral therapy as a standard for treatment. This includes a unique partnership between the client and therapist that is utilized to treat both the behavioral and chemical aspects of PPD.