Postpartum Depression

For some women, the joy of childbirth is lessened by the onset of postpartum depression. If you’re struggling to care for your new baby because of low energy, sadness, or a desire to isolate, you can find the care you need at MB Wellness Associates. Using advanced therapeutic strategies, the team focuses on helping you feel better by promoting a healthy bond between you and your child. Call the Richardson, Texas, office today to schedule an evaluation for postpartum depression symptoms or book a consultation online.

What is postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression is a mental health condition that can develop in women in the days or weeks after the birth of a child.

Without treatment, postpartum depression can interfere with a mother’s ability to bond with and care for their infant. Women may also be at increased risk for thoughts or actions of self-harm or suicidal ideation.

MB Wellness Associates offers compassionate care for women with postpartum depression. The team provides comprehensive diagnostic evaluations to assess depression symptoms and identify anxiety and other coexisting mental health challenges.

What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression often goes undiagnosed or is misdiagnosed as another condition.

Hormone changes that occur during pregnancy and delivery can trigger a temporary condition known as the ‘baby blues,’ which causes crying spells, mood swings, and anxiety soon after delivery. These issues typically last for two weeks after childbirth and are resolved on their own.

Schedule a diagnostic evaluation at MB Wellness Associates if your symptoms last for longer than two weeks or become more severe over time. Postpartum depression can cause persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. The condition may also trigger:

• Appetite changes
• Loss of energy
• Mental confusion
• Irritability or anger
• Insomnia and other sleep challenges

While rare, postpartum psychosis can also develop in the week after delivery. This condition causes more severe symptoms, including hallucinations, obsessive thoughts, and paranoia.

The team completes a psychiatric evaluation to confirm postpartum depression and identify anxiety or other mental health issues that can follow pregnancy or labor and delivery.

How is postpartum depression treated?

Postpartum depression is manageable with self-care strategies and ongoing therapeutic care.

The MB Wellness Associates team takes a personalized approach to your treatment plan and focuses on relieving your symptoms so you can better care for your baby. They may recommend:

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a form of talk therapy that gives you space to talk about your emotions and thoughts. The therapists provide resources you can use to address negative thoughts and behavior patterns in a healthier manner.

Medications

If your depression symptoms are severe and therapy isn’t enough, the team might prescribe antidepressants. They can also share insight about the risk factors involved with taking psychiatric medications while breastfeeding so you can make the best choice for you and your baby.

Call MB Wellness Associates today to schedule a postpartum depression screening or book a consultation online.