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Postpartum Depression

We understand the unique challenges that come with the journey of motherhood, and our expert team is here to provide you with compassionate care and effective treatment options to help you overcome postpartum depression and find your path toward healing and happiness.
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Postpartum Depression Defined

Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that can affect women after childbirth. Mothers with postpartum depression experience feelings of extreme anxiety, sadness, and exhaustion that may make it difficult for them to complete daily care activities for themselves or others.

Postpartum depression, or what some call “baby blues” is a specific experience of depression after women give birth. It is important to recognize that baby blues is not the same as postpartum depression. The symptoms of postpartum depression are intense and can be long-lasting. They can impact a mother’s ability to care for her child and bond with her child. Postpartum depression symptoms can also develop before the birth of a baby. Postpartum depression affects between 10 and 20 percent of new mothers.

Postpartum Depression Causes

There is no single cause for postpartum depression, and more than likely is caused by a combination of physical changes and emotional issues. Between the considerable drop in hormones after childbirth in the body, sleep deprivation, and being overwhelmed, these factors may contribute to postpartum depression. New mothers may be anxious about their ability to care for a newborn, they may feel less attractive, struggle with a sense of identity or feel that they’ve lost control over their life. Any of these issues can contribute to postpartum depression.

Postpartum Depression Symptoms

There are various symptoms related to postpartum depression.

  • Depressed mood or severe mood swings
  • Excessive crying
  • Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual
  • Restlessness Difficulty bonding with your baby
  • Withdrawing from family and friends
  • Reduced interest and pleasure in activities that used to be enjoyed
  • Inability to sleep (insomnia) or sleeping too much
  • Overwhelming fatigue or loss of energy
  • Intense irritability and anger
  • Fear that you’re not a good mother
  • Hopelessness
  • Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
  • Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt, or inadequacy
  • Diminished ability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions
  • Severe anxiety and panic attacks
  • Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

How to Approach a Loved One

There is no perfect way to approach a loved one that you assume or know has postpartum depression, but they are usually the first to recognize the symptoms in their loved one. Encouraging a loved one to speak with a medical or mental health professional can be helpful. Offering emotional support and assisting with daily tasks such as caring for the baby or the home may also help support a loved one with postpartum depression. If you are concerned about your loved one’s safety, please call 911 immediately.

Types of Postpartum Depression Treatment

Treating postpartum depression usually includes psychotherapy and sometimes can include the use of medication. It is important to distinguish the best course of treatment individually.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or psychological counseling is an effective treatment in which individuals struggling with postpartum depression can develop healthy coping skills to manage their feelings. Individuals may also use the space to talk through their concerns and feelings related to their postpartum depression. With appropriate treatment, postpartum depression symptoms usually improve. In some cases, postpartum depression can continue, which can turn into chronic depression. It is important to continue treatment after beginning to feel better, and there is the potential that stopping treatment too early may lead to a relapse.

Family Therapy

This form of therapy can support the individual, as well as the family regarding how postpartum depression affects the family unit. It can provide the family with skills on how to resolve issues that arise and healthily communicate with each other. Family therapy also provides the individual with the support needed for their recovery.

Medication Management

The most common form of medication used to reduce postpartum depression symptoms are antidepressants. Our skilled perinatal psychiatrists will carefully assess your needs and provide medication options if appropriate.

Evidence-Based Therapies

We offer a range of evidence-based therapies that have been proven effective in treating postpartum depression. These therapies include:

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This form of therapy helps you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to your depression. CBT equips you with practical skills to manage stress, cope with challenges, and build resilience.
  • Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): IPT focuses on improving your relationships and social support system. It helps you address any communication difficulties, conflict, or isolation that may be contributing to your depression.
  • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): MBSR teaches you mindfulness techniques to manage stress, regulate your emotions, and stay present in the moment. This can be particularly beneficial during the overwhelming transition to motherhood.

Your Path to Healing Begins Today

Embarking on the path to healing from postpartum depression takes courage and a supportive community. At Clarity Clinic, we are committed to walking this journey alongside you, providing the guidance, tools, and understanding you need to regain your sense of self and enjoy motherhood to the fullest.

Postpartum Depression Providers

Laura
Laura Valiukenas, LCSW
Clinical Supervisor
Amanda
Amanda Stephans, LCSW, MSW
Therapy
Natalie
Natalie Eden, LCPC
Therapy
Ross
Ross Pepper, MD
Psychiatrist
Anish
Anish Desai, MD
Psychiatrist
Reid
Reid Alley, MD
Psychiatrist
Sheena
Sheena Patel, PA-C
PA-C
Ryan
Ryan Atkins, PA-C
Psychiatry
Hannah
Hannah Wychocki, PA-C
PA-C
Lauren
Lauren Isdale, NP
Nurse Practitioner
Gabriella
Gabriella Lerner, PA-C
PA-C
Cyrus
Cyrus Ma, PA-C
PA-C
Zubair
Zubair Khan, PA-C
PA-C
Kumail
Kumail Hussain, MD
Young Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist
Rahael
Rahael Mathew, LCPC
Therapist
Emma
Emma Arsic, PA-C
PA-C
Paul
Paul Bamberger, PA-C
PA-C
Sankrant
Sankrant Reddy, MD
Psychiatrist
Stephanie
Stephanie Osborne, PA-C
Psychiatry
Ashley
Ashley Seredynski, PA-C
PA-C
Christine
Christine Lantin, PA-C
PA-C
Brittney
Brittney Segoviano, LCPC
Therapist
Sudhakar
Sudhakar Shenoy, MD
Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist
Sharon
Sharon Koys, PA-C
PA-C
Sahar
Sahar Eftekhar, DO
General & Addiction Psychiatrist
Rebecca
Rebecca Gilfillan, MD
Psychiatrist
Rebecca
Rebecca Kuhn, PA-C
PA-C
Sonnie
Sonnie Cousins, MA
Therapy
Elana
Elana Horowitz, PA-C
PA-C
Pavan
Pavan Prasad, MD
Psychiatrist
Melissa
Melissa Melzer, LPC
Therapy
Kelli
Kelli Lo, LSW
Therapy
Kiran Binal
Kiran Binal Maharaja, MD
Psychiatrist
Kalyan
Kalyan Rao, MD
Psychiatrist
Jonathan
Jonathan Kolakowski, MD
Psychiatrist
Judy
Judy Bitzer, LCPC
Therapist
Julia
Julia Ray, MA
Therapy
Jeanette
Jeanette Marinier, PA-C
PA-C
Jamie
Jamie Schubert, PA-C
PA-C
Sherita
Sherita Hernton, PA-C
PA-C
Emily
Emily Street, PA-C
PA-C
Savannah
Savannah Sullivan, PA-C
PA-C
Summer
Summer Slininger, PA-C
PA-C
Ravali
Ravali Poreddy, MD
Psychiatrist
Ariella
Ariella Panos, PA-C
PA-C
James
James Ham, PA-C
Psychiatry
Rayna
Rayna Gorstein, PA-C
PA-C
Sierra
Sierra Purcell, PA-C
PA-C
Emily
Emily Hoag, MD
Psychiatrist
Grace
Grace Starrs, PA-C
Psychiatry
Cassie
Cassie Donahue, PA-C
Psychiatry
Gayathri
Gayathri Ganesh, PA-C
PA-C
Sydney
Sydney Means, LCSW
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Samuel
Samuel Eckert, PA-C
PA-C
Cindy
Cindy Meraz, LPC
Therapy
Nayeli
Nayeli Cruz-Castillo, LCPC
Therapy
Rafael
Rafael Lopez, MD
Psychiatrist
Savanna
Savanna Murphy, LSW
Therapy
Scott
Scott Shadrick, PA-C
PA-C
Mira
Mira Ebalo, PA-C
PA-C
Miriam
Miriam Mixon, LCSW
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Justin
Justin Lee, PA-C
PA-C
Emily
Emily Brennan, PA-C
PA-C
Jenna
Jenna Jacobson, PA-C
PA-C
Caitlin
Caitlin Daughtry, PA-C
PA-C
Camryn
Camryn Schmidt, PA-C
PA-C
Alexandra
Alexandra Gregor, PA-C
PA-C
Allegria
Allegria Knouse, PA-C
PA-C
Antonina
Antonina Lunetta, LCPC
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Alyssa
Alyssa Bobak, PA-C
PA-C
Alice
Alice Davies, MA
Therapy

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