Having a child is a beautiful experience, but some symptoms can arise from both pregnancy and labor. Postpartum depression is among the most common of these conditions. Although postpartum depression specifically impacts women after childbirth, it closely resembles other depressive disorders. That’s why postpartum depression therapy can be the right way to overcome this condition.
Determining Whether You Need Postpartum Depression Therapy
Going through pregnancy, labor, and childbirth are all significant moments in life. They are stressful for most women, and it can and will usually disrupt your lifestyle and your routine for quite some time. There are also lots of new emotions and feelings that result from having a newborn in the home. It is important to know that sometimes, these feelings are a result of postpartum depression.
The best way to determine if you need a postpartum depression psychiatrist is to complete a full medical examination. Your physician might recommend that you meet with a psychiatrist, or you can complete a thorough assessment at PACE Mental Health Houston. Then, through a comprehensive evaluation, you’ll know whether or not you’re a candidate for postpartum depression therapy.
Not everyone in need of Houston postpartum depression therapy will necessarily have all associated symptoms. In some cases, you might just experience a few. Some of the most common symptoms of postpartum depression begin about a month after giving birth. They can include avoiding family and friends, not feeling close to your baby, experiencing rapid mood swings, and struggling with sleep patterns.
Use Medication to Fight Back Against Postpartum Depression
A postpartum depression psychiatrist may recommend that you begin taking medication to manage your symptoms. This is not necessary for all women, but it can be helpful in many cases. However, it is crucial to manage dosage and continued use of any antidepressants carefully.
Some medications are not suitable for women who are breastfeeding. In other cases, it might be necessary to taper off a medication as quickly as possible. There might also be a need to fine-tune dosage to ensure that mother and baby feel as good as possible. All of this means that any women considering medication should only begin taking antidepressants after meeting with a medical professional.
The Benefits of Psychotherapy to Combat Depression
There’s no denying that antidepressants can help many women who struggle with postpartum depression. Nonetheless, other forms of postpartum depression therapy are still critical. Almost every woman will benefit from psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy.
Meeting with a postpartum depression psychiatrist offers low risks and high rewards. There are no side effects from this form of therapy, and many women find it incredibly helpful. Life with a newborn is overwhelming and stressful, and having someone to talk to without fear of judgment is very valuable.
Adopting Lifestyle Changes and Coping Mechanisms
Through postpartum depression therapy, you can also learn more about lifestyle changes that might be able to help. Depression is an illness, not a choice. No woman should feel like she must resolve this issue by her own effort. However, some lifestyle changes can complement therapy and make a difference.
Many women find that getting more sleep is critical. Recruiting help so that you can rest, exercise, get outdoors in the fresh air, and eat three healthy meals a day can also make a positive difference.
In therapy, you can also talk about triggers that lead to severe stress or depression. This can help you find ways of avoiding those triggers or developing coping mechanisms so that they aren’t so stressful.
Find Houston Postpartum Depression Therapy at PACE Mental Health Houston
For Houston postpartum depression therapy, PACE Mental Health is a smart choice. You’ll have access to a wide range of therapies, and there is also help available for co-occurring disorders. The best adult counseling Houston has to offer can address postpartum depression as well as the following disorders:
- Anxiety disorders
- Sleep disorders
- Personality disorders
- Anger and stress management concerns
- Panic disorders
Needing postpartum depression therapy is nothing to be ashamed of. The right therapy can help you be healthier, happier, and a better mom in the process. Call PACE Mental Health in Houston, Texas, at 866-971-8423 to learn more about the right therapy for you.