Postpartum Depression Treatment

One in every 7 women will experience postpartum depression. While baby blues are common with most pregnant women, postpartum is a whole other story. The emotional turmoil that comes with postpartum depression is very challenging. In severe cases, it may also turn into postpartum psychosis. After feeling weighed down due to depression, mothers experience the constant agony of feeling like a bad parent. Do not feel alone in this because, with proper treatment, postpartum can be managed. 

Pharmacological and Nonpharmacological Treatments for Postpartum

Postpartum is a serious mental health issue that can be treated with different pharmacological and psychological approaches. Since it is treatable, why not make it easy for yourself or your loved one? 

a. Psychological Support

A mental health facility has multiple options to help women suffering from postpartum depression. The most commonly opted treatment is counseling. Counseling and other talk therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are very effective. Patients can learn to cope with the extreme highs and lows. Some main therapies are:

Cognitive-behavioral Therapy: (CBT) is a systemic way of expressing difficult emotions and altering one’s thinking patterns. Research shows that CBT is very effective for postpartum.

Family Therapy: While there is less work done on the efficacy of family therapy for postpartum depression, seven studies showed that family therapy can:

• Prevent postpartum depression
• Treat it effectively
• Improve family functioning

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy: DBT is offered at our facility and uses techniques like mindfulness, distress tolerance activity, emotion regulation, and interpersonal skills, all of which have proved to be effective for PPD. 

Group Therapy: The communal support of individuals can relieve one’s issues. Just the fact that someone understands your struggles makes you feel less lonely. With the help of group therapy, PPD patients can manage their issues.

b. Pharmacological Support

Medications are also available for the treatment of postpartum depression. Mostly, healthcare providers prescribe antidepressants to patients. Some common medications belong to the following class:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

Do not stop taking the medication if you do not feel better because medications usually take a few weeks before showing results. If you need a prescription for postpartum depression, call 844.445.2565 or fill out this form. 

Are Antidepressants Safe for Breastfeeding Women? 

While most antidepressants are safe for breastfeeding women, it is important to tell your doctor if the medication is causing any side effects.

Choosing Insurance-Covered PPD Treatment

While postpartum care needs to be covered by insurance, the duration and type of care depend on the insurance provider.  State-funded providers, particularly Medicaid, are required to cover postpartum care for 60 days. After a woman gives birth, Medicaid will cover 60-day postnatal care. This may vary from state to state; therefore, it is important to ask for details from your healthcare provider. If you want to treat insurance-covered postpartum depression treatment, call 844.445.2565 or register yourself here.