You just had a baby. Congratulations! This is a fantastic time that comes with a lot of new challenges, both physically and emotionally. It’s normal to feel some sadness or anxiety during this time—but for some new mothers, these feelings are more than just the “baby blues.” They may be suffering from postpartum depression.
Alleviant Health Centers offers a postpartum depression treatment program in Jonesboro, Arkansas, along with other mental health treatment programs. Call 870.657.0337 to speak to someone from our caring and compassionate team about our postpartum depression treatment center in Jonesboro.
What Is Depression?
Depressive disorders are mental health conditions that affect how you feel, think, and behave. They can cause various symptoms, varying from person to person. Clinical depression is the most common type of depressive disorder. Also called major depression, this depressive disorder can cause many symptoms that interfere with your life.
There is no single cause of depression. Instead, it is likely caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Women are more likely than men to experience depression. This may be due to hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or after childbirth.
Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe. They may include physical and mood changes, such as:
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Fatigue or decreased energy
- Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless
- Headaches
- Irritability or restlessness
- Loss of appetite or overeating
- Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Physical aches or pains
Depression can also cause you to have negative thoughts, such as feeling like you’re not good enough or that the world would be better off without you. These negative thoughts can lead to suicidal ideation or thoughts of harming yourself. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek help from a mental health professional. Depression is a treatable condition, and there are many effective treatments available.
What Is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression is a severe mental health disorder that can develop after the birth of a child. While mothers are most commonly affected by postpartum depression, fathers can also experience this condition.
Postpartum depression symptoms are similar to those of clinical depression. However, postpartum depression differs from the “baby blues,” a much milder form of postpartum depression that usually goes away within a few weeks. Postpartum depression can develop at any time during the first year after childbirth. Symptoms may include persistent sadness, anxiety, fatigue, irritability, trouble sleeping, and difficulty bonding with your baby.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s vital to seek professional help. Fortunately, there are treatment options available that can protect you and your baby and help you feel like yourself again. For example, Alleviant Health Centers provides postpartum depression therapy in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and other locations in the state.
What Comprises Postpartum Depression Treatment?
Treatment for postpartum depression typically includes the following:
- Lifestyle changes – Making changes to your lifestyle, such as reducing stress, can help manage postpartum depression.
- Medication – If you choose the medication route, your doctor will likely prescribe antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications can take several weeks to be effective. Staying with the medication is essential, even if you don’t feel better immediately.
- Peer support groups – Connecting with other mothers experiencing postpartum depression can provide support and understanding.
- Psychotherapy – Counseling or therapy can help you understand and manage your feelings and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective postpartum depression treatment if you decide to go the therapy route. CBT focuses on identifying negative thought patterns and replacing them with more positive ones. This can help you break the cycle of negative thinking that often accompanies depression.
- Self-care practices – Taking care of yourself is crucial to managing postpartum depression. This may include exercise, a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep.
Although the same event often causes postpartum depression, its treatment can vary depending on the individual. Working with a mental health professional to develop a postpartum depression treatment plan that’s right for you is essential. Mental health disorders like postpartum depression are nothing to be ashamed of—and they’re certainly nothing you can just “snap out of.” Seeking professional treatment is an important first step in getting your life back on track.
Learn More About Postpartum Depression Treatment at Alleviant Health Centers of Jonesboro
Alleviant Health Centers offer a comprehensive postpartum depression treatment program in Jonesboro, Arkansas. If you’re seeking professional treatment, look no further than Alleviant Health Centers of Jonesboro. Our caring and compassionate team provides more than postpartum depression therapy in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Patients may also be assessed, diagnosed, and prescribed medications at our postpartum depression treatment center in Jonesboro. Contact Alleviant Health Centers of Jonesboro today at 870.657.0337 to begin postpartum depression treatment and start feeling like yourself again.