Postpartum Depression

Nearly 20% of new mothers experience intense mood symptoms like sadness, anger, and panic attacks during or after pregnancy. Great Care Health Services offers supportive care for postpartum depression that includes group therapy, couples counseling, and medication management in Nashville and across Tennessee with in-person or virtual appointments. These treatments can get you back on track so you can better bond with your baby. Request an appointment today by phone or online if you experience postpartum depression symptoms. 

How is postpartum depression different from other types of depression?

You may already be familiar with depression as a mood disorder that causes feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, and a loss of interest. Postpartum depression can involve all the same symptoms, but it specifically affects women during or after pregnancy.

For many women, dramatic hormonal changes before and after delivery can contribute to the onset of postpartum depression, often called “the baby blues.” It affects up to 20% of new mothers and is on the rise, so it isn’t uncommon.

You’re at a higher risk of experiencing postpartum depression if you have a history of mood disorders like depression or bipolar disorder, had any complications during childbirth, or had other health problems during pregnancy. 

What are the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression symptoms are very similar to those of regular depression, but they can start during pregnancy or up to a year after you give birth. You might experience: 

• Frequent crying spells
• Extreme sadness
• Extreme mood swings
• Insomnia
• Sleeping too much
• Irritability or anger
• Trouble concentrating 
• Panic attacks
• Fatigue 
• Withdrawing from loved ones
• Thoughts about harming your baby or yourself

Get in touch right away if you experience any of these symptoms while pregnant or with a new baby. Fortunately, postpartum depression is treatable, and you won’t experience these feelings forever. 

How is postpartum depression treated? 

Starting with an in-person or virtual psychiatric evaluation, the team at Great Care Health Services provides individualized treatment for postpartum depression. You can discuss your personal treatment preferences to ensure you get the most out of your treatment plan. 

Great Care Health Services offers group and individual therapy both in the office and virtually with telehealth. Individual therapy involves one-on-one sessions between you and your therapist, while group therapy allows you to meet with people who are also experiencing postpartum depression. 

The team at Great Care Health Services also offers couples counseling virtually or in person. If you have higher needs than typical counseling can meet, the team may recommend an individualized intensive outpatient program (IOP). 

The team may decide to prescribe antidepressants for postpartum depression alongside behavioral therapy. Medication management services involve monitoring your progress and possible side effects so you can get the most out of treatment with medications. 

Learn more by calling or booking online for an in-person or virtual visit today.