There are a variety of effective treatments for postpartum depression. Each individual should work with their doctor to come up with a treatment plan that works best for them. The different forms of postpartum depression treatment include antidepressants, psychotherapy and hormone therapy. Additionally, if the stress of caring for a young child and dealing with your depression is placing pressure on the marriage, marriage counseling may be helpful.
Antidepressants are a very effective treatment for postpartum depression treatment. However, antidepressants are rarely used as the sole source of treatment for postpartum depression. Combined with psychotherapy, they can help many women who are suffering from severe cases of postpartum depression to regain their lives. Women may not want to take antidepressants while breastfeeding their infant. If your physician recommends antidepressants as a postpartum depression treatment, make sure that he or she realizes that you are nursing.
Psychotherapy is an important treatment method for women suffering from postpartum depression. Psychotherapy is also known as talk therapy. Some doctors conduct individual counseling sessions, while others prefer to conduct group therapy sessions. Either way, it provides an excellent way to ensure that the woman receives treatment and monitoring for her postpartum symptoms.
Hormone therapy is another effective postpartum therapy treatment. It is believed that many women suffer from postpartum depression because of the drastic hormone changes that occur after they give birth. After childbirth, a woman’s levels of estrogen and progesterone plummet. Her thyroid function may also change drastically. All of these changes in the chemical makeup of the body can lead to postpartum depression.
Many men and women struggle with changing roles after a baby is born. If the woman suffers from postpartum depression, these challenges can become even more pronounced. While marriage counseling will not be enough to draw a woman out of postpartum depression, it can be a helpful addition. Effective marriage counseling shows couples how to deal with each other and understand what the other person is going through. This shared empathy can help a couple struggling with the challenges of depression as well as a new baby.
It is important for women suffering from postpartum depression to seek treatment. Postpartum depression can interfere with a woman’s ability to care for her baby. In severe cases, the health of the new baby can be jeopardized by a mother’s depression. Medical intervention is the best way to find effective postpartum depression treatment.