Recognizing the Signs of Postpartum Depression
Aug 16, 2024
The postpartum period is a whirlwind. Your body is trying to recover from giving birth, your hormones are plummeting back to pre-pregnancy levels, and you’re caring for another human being that’s completely dependent on you.
Even though there’s so much joy and excitement in meeting and snuggling your newborn, many women also experience the “baby blues” those first two weeks postpartum, which triggers symptoms like crying spells, anxiety, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.
But if you find that those baby blues symptoms last for much longer than two weeks and only seem to grow in intensity, you might be dealing with postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is incredibly common, and it’s very treatable as long as you seek out professional help.
Our team of psychiatrists and therapists at Greenwich Avenue Psychiatry in Greenwich, Connecticut, is passionate about helping women prioritize their mental health, especially during the throes of postpartum. In this month’s blog, we focus on how to recognize the signs of postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression is a type of depression that develops after you give birth. There’s no known cause; there are simply lots of factors and changes that all come to a head right after delivery, making you susceptible to developing this mental health condition.
These factors include:
When you’re in the middle of the postpartum stage, you may not even realize you’re dealing with postpartum depression. These are some key indicators that the heightened emotions and even physical symptoms you’re experiencing are actually part of a mental health condition:
You may also have little interest in bonding with your baby or have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.
It’s important you know that postpartum depression isn’t simply something you can power through. Help is available, and seeking treatment can enable you to be present for yourself, your new baby, and your loved ones.
Treatment options for postpartum depression include antidepressants, counseling, and group therapy. You may benefit from just one of these, but a combination of any or all of these treatments could also be helpful. Because there are many kinds of medications and therapy techniques, our team takes the time to narrow down which type of medication and therapy will work best for you specifically.
At Greenwich Avenue Psychiatry, we take a holistic approach when it comes to treating and managing mental illness. We want to make sure that every aspect of your life is a priority, including your emotional and physical health. Taking care of yourself by eating right, moving your body, and getting good sleep all contribute to a healthy body and healthy mind.
If you suspect that you might have postpartum depression, don’t delay in seeking help with our compassionate team. Schedule an appointment by calling our office or using our online booking tool today.