The transition to motherhood is a beautiful and profoundly important time of a woman’s life with a unique set of joys and challenges, one of which may be postpartum depression.
What is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that impacts one in seven mothers, according to the American Psychological Association. The onset generally occurs soon after giving birth, although it may begin up to a year after the baby is born.
What Causes Postpartum Depression?
After giving birth, almost every aspect of your existence can change, leading to feelings of instability and anxiety. Hormonal disruptions and body shifts affect your mood. Women often struggle with their new role as a mother, facing the challenge of raising an infant while retaining their own identity. A lack of sleep and new daily rhythms can cause immense fatigue. Nutritional deficiencies and unhealthy eating choices exacerbate the symptoms of depression. Women often experience a drastic change in their work patterns and social relationships. All of these complex factors combine to create postpartum depression.
What are the Symptoms?
. Negative thoughts about your ability to be a good mother
. Sluggishness and fatigue
. Racing, anxious thought about the baby’s health
. A loss of interest or pleasure in life
. Inability to bond with the baby
. Persistently feeling sad, lonely, or unworthy
. Fear of harming the baby or harming oneself
. Changes in appetite
. Difficulty concentrating
. Brain fog
. Excessive crying
What to Do if You Think You’re Experiencing Postpartum Depression:
Seek help early on. By prioritizing self-care, you can enjoy the beautiful moments of caring for your newborn. Talk about it. Open up with trusted friends and family members and seek professional counseling.
Distinguish postpartum depression from the “baby blues.” Many women often feel overwhelmed, tired, and sad after giving birth. Postpartum depression is a more significant and persistent condition that a medical professional can diagnose.
Know your identity. When possible, engage in work, hobbies, or relationships that make you unique. As you assume a new identity, don’t neglect the part of your identity that is separate from motherhood.
Remember that you’re no alone. Studies show that one in seven mothers experience postpartum depression.
Believe that healing is possible. With the right treatments and supportive relationships, you can overcome postpartum depression and return to the joys of motherhood.
We Are Here for You
At Alleviant Health Centers, we believe that depression shouldn’t stand in the way of motherhood.
If you’re interested in learning more about postpartum depression and options for healing, visit alleviant.com/postpartum-depression/ or call us at (866) 951-4325 and one of our team members will be happy to answer your questions.
Alleviant Health Center of Naples uses an integrative approach to healing using a combination of traditional and innovative therapies:
Traditional Therapies
. We conduct a thorough psychiatric evaluation to pinpoint an exact diagnosis.
. We prescribe and manage your medications if they are recommended.
Innovative Therapies
. Ketamine Infusion Therapy for rapid relief of Postpartum Depression symptoms.
. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) FDA approved for treatment resistant depression.
Stephen Durand, CRNA
Stephen Durand moved to Naples 14 years ago to attend Wolford College where he received his training as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) and simultaneously earned a Master’s degree from Florida Gulf Coast University. During his training, Stephen developed a love for obstetric (OB) anesthesia and decided to specialize in it. He also has been a clinical instructor for Wolford College for the past 12 years. It was during this time of working in OB that Stephen became very familiar with ketamine’s efficacy as a pharmacological agent for surgical pain.
ALLEVIANT Health Centers
1575 Pine Ridge Rd., Suite 16
Naples, FL 34109
(866) 951-HEAL
alleviant.com/naples