Postpartum Depression Treatment

Support During & After Pregnancy

It is very common for women who are pregnant or new mothers to experience a variety of emotions. Typically, these emotions are healthy and adaptive, but sometimes the sadness, anxiety and even anger can begin interfering with functioning. Postpartum depression occurs when feelings interfere with normal functioning.

At Equilibria, we offer individual psychotherapy sessions for pregnant women and women with newborns suffering from postpartum depression. If you are experiencing anxiety around the pending birth of your child, have a history of depression, are currently experiencing post-partum “Baby Blues,” or are experiencing other stressors and hardships, treatment for postpartum depression is available at Equilibria to help you prepare psychologically for motherhood.

Postpartum Depression’s Associated Disorders

Typically, it is very common for new or expecting mothers to experience some level of sadness and/or anxiety. Many women choose to come into therapy to help prepare psychologically for motherhood even if their sad or anxious feelings are not severe. However, therapy is highly recommended if the sadness or anxiety becomes overwhelming, interfering with one’s ability to function the way they would like to or need to function.

Rare Post Partum Disorders

Although these associated disorders are extremely rare, both have been identified as being experienced post partum:

Birth Related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

This is marked by compulsive thoughts about the birth, experiencing fear or alarm when near the site where the birth occurred, feelings of aloofness, distressing feelings of the birth experience, nightmares and flashbacks, anxiety, sadness or irritability.

Post Partum Psychosis (PPP)

PPP is diagnosed usually within the first three weeks following childbirth. The symptoms are similar to general psychotic reactions (delusions and hallucinations) and it is usually manifested behaviorally, physically, and mentally. Symptoms may be paranoia, incoherence, or frantic energy.

Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Postpartum depression symptoms are very similar to the symptoms that occur when someone is clinically depressed. However, in addition to those symptoms, a woman who is experiencing postpartum depression may also experience significant worry for the baby’s health or intrusive thoughts of harming the baby.

Postpartum Symptoms

Sadness
Hopelessness
Low self-esteem
Guilt
A feeling of being overwhelmed
Sleep and eating disturbances
Inability to be comforted
Exhaustion
Emptiness
Anhedonia (lack of enjoyment in previously enjoyed activities)
Social withdrawal
Low or no energy
Becoming easily frustrated
Feeling inadequate in taking care of the baby
Impaired speech and writing
Spells of anger toward others
Increased anxiety or panic attacks
Decreased sex drive

Causes of Postpartum Depression

There are several noted causes for postpartum depression. Although there is no one definitive cause, three seem to be most prominent. These include hormonal changes, situational risks (stress of change), and life stresses that already existed prior to the birth of the baby.

Commonality of Postpartum Depression

According to Mental Health America, postpartum depression is estimated to occur in approximately 10 to 20 percent of new mothers.

Diagnosis of Postpartum Depression

According to the DSM, in order for postpartum depression to be diagnosed, signs and symptoms of major depression must develop within four weeks of giving birth.

Equilibria’s Philadelphia clinicians are seasoned in recognizing the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression and providing proper diagnosis. By quickly and properly recognizing the disorder, appropriate postpartum depression treatment strategies can be applied.