Postpartum Depression Treatments

There are many ways to treat postpartum depression. Medication, Therapy, Support Groups, Herbal Supplements and Diet and Exercise are all ways to combat this debilitating disease. Not every answer is right for every person. Sometimes a combination of treatments is the best answer. Talk to your doctor to find out what is right for you.

Medication and counseling can be used to treat postpartum anxiety. Medication is especially appropriate in patients with more severe or chronic symptoms, prior episodes or family histories, or who have done well with medication in the past. Medications have the advantage of being less costly and time-consuming. Medication Treatment - There are a range of antidepressant medications that are prescribed to treat varying degrees of postpartum depression.

Therapy --Therapy can provide a place where you feel safe in openly discussing your thoughts and feelings without fear of feeling shamed or negatively judged. If you have a history of depression, therapy during pregnancy may prevent postpartum depression. Postpartum and pregnancy depression are typically treatable through psychotherapy. Findings related to the benefits of touch therapy include lowered heart rate, improved temperature regulation, increased oxygen (O2) saturation, weight gain and better sleep/wake cycles. The studies found that single therapy, family therapy, behavioral strategies, attending support groups, problem solving, stress management, skills training, and education, benefit caregivers. Results of this review showed that women preferred and benefited most from psychological therapies including, individual/group therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, along with physiological therapy including exercise. Individual or couples therapy can help new parents cope with this profound life change.

I believe that postpartum depression support groups are extremely helpful to women, and I strongly recommend them. Meet other mothers who have similar feelings; talk about these feelings and share experiences; learn more about postpartum depression and ways of coping; get the support you need to get well again. The effects of a social support group on depression, maternal attitudes and behavior in new mothers. Most important, mothers need to feel cared for and supported. Two trials found that prenatal support groups decreased depressive symptoms, while one did not. Members use their individual strengths to support each other, and can use their collective strengths to promote social change. Visit the link below to learn more about postpartum depression treatment and support.

Know the postpartum depression signs

Vanessa Blais - author, "Hours of Darkness, Overcoming Postpartum Depression" suffered from Postpartum Depression for almost two years before finally being diagnosed and treated. The effects devastated her family and she spent the next year researching the causes and treatments and offering help, advice and support to other women facing this problem. Awareness begins with the pregnancy, Postpartum Depression Signs