HAVING A BABY IS AN AMAZING AND BEAUTIFUL EXPERIENCE, BUT IT CAN TRIGGER A RANGE OF POWERFUL EMOTIONS FROM EXCITEMENT AND JOY TO FEAR AND ANXIETY.
The birth of a baby can also result in something unexpected: depression. It is not uncommon for most new moms to experience the “baby blues” after childbirth, which usually includes mood swings, crying spells, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. These feelings are completely normal and usually begin to fade within a few weeks.
For some new moms, however, these feelings develop into a long-lasting form of depression, known as postpartum depression. The intensity of these postpartum depression symptoms can make it difficult to care for your baby and yourself. This disorder should not be taken lightly. With prompt treatment, the symptoms can be managed.
Postpartum depression is more common than you might think. Nearly 1 in 7 women experience postpartum after giving birth. The symptoms that come with this type of depression are not only common, but treatable. Seeking help is essential, and this mental health condition deserves real support.
Postpartum Depression Symptoms
Postpartum depression symptoms can vary from person to person, and from day to day. They usually develop within the first few weeks after giving birth, but can also develop during pregnancy, or even up to a year after birth.
Signs of postpartum depression may include:
- Feeling sad or down
- Excessive crying
- Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious
- Difficulty bonding with your baby
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Loss of appetite
- Less energy and motivation to do things
- Inability to sleep or sleeping too much
- Loss of interest in activities formerly enjoyed
- Feeling worthless, hopeless, or guilty
- Diminished ability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may be reluctant or embarrassed to admit that you could be suffering from postpartum depression. It is important to call your doctor as soon as possible and schedule an appointment. A doctor or other advanced practice provider is the only one who will be able to make a diagnosis and put together a treatment plan to help alleviate your postpartum depression symptoms.
Available Treatments
Postpartum depression is commonly treated with psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both.
- Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is used as a way to help find better ways to cope with your feelings, solve problems, and respond to situations in a positive way. This type of therapy can help you make sense of destructive thoughts and offer strategies for working through them.
- Antidepressants may be recommended by your provider, but you will need to work with them to weigh out the potential risks and benefits of medications. If you are breastfeeding, medication will enter your breast milk; however, most antidepressants can be used while breastfeeding with little risk of side effects for your baby.
- Ketamine for depression is a great alternative to conventional postpartum depression treatment options, which can take weeks to start working. Ketamine treatments work quickly, oftentimes within several hours, which can help you to restore that precious bond with your baby sooner.
Treating Postpartum Depression with Ketamine
Ketamine promotes neuroplasticity, which allows your brain to rewire itself and form new connections and thinking patterns. In other words, it can help break the cycle of negative, depressive thoughts and create space to reconnect with yourself to enjoy motherhood, and allow you to deeply bond with your newborn.
Ketamine effects are often felt within hours or days, offering the rapid relief a new mother needs. While you are taking care of your newborn, it is important to take care of yourself too. Learn more about ketamine therapy for postpartum and other medications available.
Postpartum Depression FAQs
What is postpartum depression?
Nearly 1 in 7 women experience postpartum depression after giving birth. The symptoms that come with this type of depression are not only common, but treatable. Seeking help is essential, and this mental health condition deserves real support.
A combination of factors can cause postpartum depression. It is often triggered by an intense hormonal shift that happens after childbirth. Physical and emotional exhaustion can also take a toll on the new mother. It’s common to experience thoughts of not being enough, fear for your baby’s safety, a sense of identity loss, and the pressure that comes with this new stage and responsibility.
What are some early signs of postpartum depression?
Symptoms can appear quickly following labor or even months later. Some common signs include feelings of sadness, excessive crying, irregular sleep patterns, difficulty bonding with the baby, and more. These feelings can feel heavy, but they are temporary and treatable.
How long does it take for postpartum depression to go away on its own?
Each case of postpartum depression is different and a unique experience. For milder cases, symptoms can last between a few weeks to a couple of months. In more severe cases, postpartum depression can last over a year or longer. Receiving proper treatment and support can help the mother can experience relief and begin the emotional connection with her baby that is so important during this time.
Does ketamine therapy affect the baby?
There are ongoing studies for breastfeeding while receiving ketamine therapy, which have not shown harmful effects on the child. However, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider, as they might have specific instructions on when and how to receive treatment to ensure the safety of your newborn.
Contact Vitalitas Denver
Vitalitas Denver, a leading ketamine treatment center, has a psychiatric nurse practitioner on staff who can help you determine the best options for postpartum depression treatment. Whether it be ketamine infusions or a combination of traditional depression treatments, our team is here to help support you.
If you or a loved one is suffering from postpartum depression, there’s no reason to delay. Contact us, or complete the brief form below and take the first step towards better mental health and wellness.
