Depression during pregnancy and postpartum is a serious concern that many moms, dads and clinicians often ignore or underestimate. Between 12-15% of pregnant and postpartum women deal with depression at least once during this period. If left untreated, depression can lead to misunderstandings, lack of communication, and emotional distance between spouses. These situations left unaddressed only worsen with time due to the arrival of a new baby, and more-so if the couple isn’t fully aware of the depression or the complications within the relationship that are stemming from it.
Lethargy, mood swings, fatigue, sleeping for long hours, a decrease in appetite, and diminished libido are all signs and symptoms of depression during pregnancy and after childbirth. These symptoms may be most intense during the second and third trimester and right after the delivery. The treatment for postpartum depression is quite similar to the treatment of depression; however, if a spouse or partner is present, addressing the postpartum depression will require equal support and effort for and from both spouses. What follows are treatment options that can help alleviate the suffering caused by postpartum depression. Many of these you can try on your own, while others like psychotherapy require that you work with a doctor or a healthcare provider.
Treating Postpartum Depression
Create awareness
This is, by far, the most important aspect one needs to consider, and ideally before the period in which postpartum depression is most likely. If a woman is aware that she may experience mood swings and depressed phases during and after pregnancy, she can help herself even before others can, thereby improving her chances of recovery.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy relies on the ability and willingness to put feelings into words. If the patient is willing to open up and talk about their feelings and seek help to overcome their current state of mind, psychotherapy can work wonders. It can pave the way to a relaxed and calmer state of mind and may help to identify solutions to immediate stressful problems.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy challenges you to become more aware of your thoughts, emotions and behavioral patterns so as to enhance your problem solving and decision-making skills. It helps keep your negative thought process in check while encouraging you to seek a more balanced and positive perspective. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective method for overcoming depression in the long-term.
Nutrition and diet
Antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and omega 3 fatty oils can help to decrease the risk of depression during pregnancy and postpartum. A healthy, whole food and balanced diet with five or more serving of fresh fruits and vegetables a day, plus good sources of omega 3 fatty acids and other healthy fats is essential. Try to avoid conventional corn-fed red meat, processed foods, conventional dairy products, sugary foods, refined grains, junk snacks, and fried foods as much as possible. A very interesting book on nutrition during pregnancy is “Deep Nutrition” by Catherine Shanahan.
You may also consider testing and evaluation to learn more about your nutritional status and how your diet may be contributing to mental health symptoms.
Lifestyle changes
Getting enough sleep, avoiding smoking and drinking, and remaining physically active does more to help the mind than most people realize. To optimize your results, avoid consuming nicotine, weed, and caffeine as much as possible. Meditation is another great tool that will help you to remain calm and at peace during and after pregnancy. Incorporating a few simple meditative exercises into your schedule can help relieve your depressive symptoms.
Pharmacologic exposure
You may benefit from using medications to treat your postpartum or pregnancy depression, but if possible consider non-pharmacological treatment methods first as many medications can cross the placenta, pass into breastmilk or decrease milk supply. If you do choose to take prescription medication, be sure to work with a psychiatrist with expertise in peripartum care and pair medications with psychotherapy and lifestyle interventions for a more holistic treatment.
When to seek help
Depression during pregnancy and postpartum is a hard reality that may surprise new moms. New moms may be too overwhelmed to recognize postpartum depression, and may lack the resources or time to address it. The instability and intensity of hormones during the pregnancy and postpartum period can make the symptoms of depression more severe and if depression is present it requires treatment.
If you are pregnant or recently had a baby and are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, consult a licensed healthcare professional. Dr. Beata Lewis Kaylee Rutchik, LCSW and Moriya Jakobov, NP of Mind Body Seven in New York specialize in women’s health. Call (212) 621-7770 or contact us online today.
If you do not have someone who can stay with your baby, we encourage you to bring your baby with you to your session. We don’t want childcare to stand in the way of moms prioritizing their health.
