Postpartum depression is a severe form of depression that affects 10-12% of women following childbirth. It can go undiagnosed for years for some women, with symptoms including melancholy, sadness, crying spells, and feelings of hopelessness.
So, if you’re a new mom struggling with clinical postpartum depression, remember that early treatment is the key to relieving these feelings.
In this post, we’ll address some common symptoms of postpartum depression and offer some effective treatments.
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression symptoms vary from person to person, but they can include:
- Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
- Irritability, anger, and/or passive aggression
- Distortion of reality — for example, feeling like nothing you do matters or believing that no one loves you anymore
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- Disinterest in personal appearance
- Feeling of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness
- Insomnia or excessive sleeping
- Lack of sexual desire
- Changes in appetite — for example, eating more or less than usual; not wanting to eat anything at all, or being unable to keep down food or fluids
Treatments for Postpartum Depression
1. Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy involves talking to your doctor, who can help you understand why you’re feeling depressed and learn ways to improve your mood and cope with stressors. You can start psychotherapy right after childbirth, but most experts recommend starting treatment within the first six weeks after delivery.
2. Medication therapy
Doctors often recommend medication as part of a treatment plan for postpartum depression because they believe it works faster than talk therapy alone. The two main types of antidepressants used to treat postpartum depression are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Both medications take time to work, so it may take several weeks before you feel better on these medications.
3. Hypnosis
Hypnosis is a form of relaxation that can be used to treat postpartum depression. In hypnosis, patients are put into a trance-like state and guided through an imaginary process that helps them experience feelings of relaxation, peace, and calm. In this state, patients tend to feel less anxious and more focused on the present moment by using stress management strategies and reinforcing a positive subconscious mind.
Hypnosis can also help identify your emotions regarding the specific things that trigger your depression, such as not getting enough sleep, being stressed about money, or feeling overwhelmed by family obligations. These triggers are often small but important factors in the overall picture of what’s contributing to your depression.
So, if you’ve recently embraced motherhood and are finding it difficult to cope with the day-to-day challenges, contact our experienced hypnosis expert Rekha for professional help treating depression and anxiety at Blossom Hypnosis today!
Rekha is committed to helping her patients identify and express emotions and feel at peace using stress and anxiety management treatment.
Want to schedule an online appointment? Call us at 585-281-2988.
Not ready to schedule an appointment? Learn how self-hypnosis can start your recovery from PTSD and depression.
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