While the idea of therapy wasn’t hard for me, unlike taking medication for postpartum depression was, actually getting around to calling and taking that first step was. I still remember that feeling of hope after my first session. Hopelessness was one of the strongest feelings I felt. I felt so trapped and like things were just never going to get better. I couldn’t see the light at of the end of the tunnel. At the end of those early sessions my therapist would look me in the eyes and say, “It will get better.” Such simple and powerful words. I hope this post will give some clarity and hope to you!
Can talking with someone really help with depression and other mental health disorders?
Yes! Whether you are talking with your doctor, therapist, or trusted friend, reaching out and sharing what is going on can be a powerful first step in the recovery process. It is amazing how humans are able to process and work through something so much better when we share with someone else. In the midst of a depressive episode or other mental health event, it may seem like NOTHING will help. That is the mental health disorder talking! Even just talking with a supportive and informed friend can be helpful. In addition, psychotherapy with a licensed mental health professional can help you to identify and challenge patterns in your thinking that may actually be making you feel worse. PMADs (perinatal mood and anxiety disorders) are painful conditions. It is so important to know that, as you recover, you do not have to walk through this alone.
Is medication always needed?/What role does medication play in recovery?
Medication is not always needed, but for some, medication is an essential component of recovery. The decision of whether or not to take medication is best made in conversation with a medical professional. Several medications are available to treat the symptoms of perinatal depression and anxiety, including during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
How long is somebody in therapy before they feel their self again?
I wish I could give an exact time frame on this, but it truly varies by individual. What I CAN say is that people will have a much greater chance of a speedier recovery if they are the getting proper, specialized care and support. What I can also say is that with proper help, you WILL get to feeling better. In many cases, I have seen people who have experienced PMADs emerge even stronger than they were before, with a renewed sense of self. The time frame will likely depend on several factors, including severity of symptoms, particular diagnosis, access to care, social support, participation in treatment, and life stressors.
What is the first step somebody can take if they suspect something is going on postpartum?
Reach out for help as soon as you can. You do not have to go through this alone. The first person you reach out to may be a friend, family member, therapist, clergy member, medical care provider, or even someone on the Postpartum Support International HelpLine (1.800.944.4773). What is important is that you reach out to someone who is reasonably supportive and informed about PMADs. If you do not get the help you need at first, try, try again.
That being said, I know reaching out for help can be much easier said than done, especially in the midst of anxiety or a depressive episode. People often experience shame, embarrassment, confusion, or even apathy that can get in the way of seeking the help they need. In addition, some people may not have resources or support persons as readily available. Again, know that compassionate and competent help is out there in the form of support groups, specially trained therapists, and physicians.
Is a full recovery possible?
Yes! Although it might not feel like it while in the midst of a PMADs experience, full recovery IS possible. Postpartum mood and anxiety disorders are very treatable when people are given the right type of support.
How can somebody help a spouse/friend/family member who they suspect is going through a postpartum mental health disorder get help?
- Let them know that you are here to help, and ASK your spouse/friend/or family member how they are doing. Are they eating? Are they able to sleep when baby sleeps? (For a more thorough list of symptoms, postpartum.org is a great resource.)
- Know that your loved one may be experiencing a great deal of shame, guilt, or embarrassment about their symptoms.
- Be patient, and remember not to take your loved one’s symptoms personally.
- Help them get connected with their care provider or a mental health professional who has specialized training and experience in treating PMADs. (Postpartum Support International can be a good resource in finding a local therapist. If you are in the Greater Houston area, check out cpfh.org.)
- Help around the house. Do the dishes. Take out the trash. Offer to hold the baby while your loved one showers, naps, or eats something.
- Offer to attend a doctor’s appointment or counseling session with them.
Can husbands go through depression as well?
Partners can absolutely experience depression during the perinatal period as well. Depending on which studies you look at, it is thought that between 4 and 10 percent of fathers will experience a depressive episode during the first year postpartum. Dads go through a significant amount of life changes and stressors during the perinatal period. In addition to that, some studies have shown that men will also experience lowered testosterone during the perinatal time period. This can be another factor that may affect mood. Just as it is vitally important for mom to get the support she needs, it is very important to get dad the help he needs, too. In situations where both parents are experiencing depression, extended family, friends, or hired help will play a vital role in helping the whole family recover.
Does going through postpartum depression once mean it will happen again?
If someone has experienced a postpartum mood or anxiety disorder, they are at increased risk of experiencing a PMAD in subsequent pregnancies. For this reason, it is important to work with a therapist or doctor to create a pregnancy and postpartum mental health care plan for future pregnancies. That being said, I have also seen that women who have recovered from a previous PMADs episode generally have gained a good deal of knowledge about the condition and themselves. I view this knowledge and experience as a protective factor in helping to deal with any possible future episodes of mental illness.
What preventative steps can somebody take before having another child after going through postpartum depression with a previous child?
I would recommend talking with both your physician and licensed mental health clinician to create a plan of care during pregnancy and postpartum. Although there is no way to guarantee that another episode will not occur, you can work with your care provider to reduce risk factors and increase protective factors. This may include beginning or continuing medication, creating and implementing a self-care plan, and arranging beforehand for social support and help with childcare.
What are the possible side effects of undiagnosed/untreated postpartum mental health disorders?
The possible side effects of undiagnosed or untreated postpartum mental health disorders are serious, and can include negative developmental effects on children, loss of life due to suicide, marital distress, and substance abuse. In addition, the person who is experiencing the mental health disorder will experience a significant blow to their quality of life and ability to enjoy parenthood.
What causes postpartum mental health disorders?
Postpartum mental health disorders cannot be attributed to a single cause, and the causes will differ (with some overlap) depending on the disorder. In most cases of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, a woman’s brain chemistry may have a sensitivity to hormonal fluctuations. Many other risk factors can play a role, including previous or family history of mental illness or PMADs, lack of social support, financial stressors, feeding difficulties with the baby, baby staying in NICU, giving birth to twins or multiples, and perfectionistic thinking.
Is there anything else you want to share?
My message to parents is simple- help is out there, and recovery is possible! Ideally, an expectant parent will know the risk factors and symptoms of PMADs, as well as where to get help, if needed. The sooner you can get help, the better.
I pray that this information can help you or a spouse/friend/family member who is going through a rough time. If you know the symptoms of a perinatal mood and anxiety disorders please inform your those around you that are pregnant. It may safe their life! Recovery is possible and I am living proof!
With hope and healing,
Brittany
You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.
2 Chronicles 20:17 (NIV)
My Beloved 