“The hardest part for me was acknowledging the problem. I thought postpartum depression meant you were sobbing every single day and incapable of looking after a child. But there are different shades of it and depths of it, which is why I think it’s so important for women to talk about. It was a trying time. I felt like a failure.”
– Gwyneth Paltrow
In 2021 alone, there were more than 420,000 births across California. If you also take into account that nearly 7% of San Diego County residents got treatment for mental health in 2019, the overlap between the two statistics is high.
Even just one person living with an untreated mental health condition is one too many. For those who are pregnant or recently gave birth, postpartum depression can make an already large change in life much more difficult.
If you’re unsure if this is what you or a loved one is living with, or you just want to know what your options for treatment are, you’re in the right place. Our team at Wings Recovery Center has postpartum depression treatment options available for you.
What We Treat: Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression (PPD), sometimes referred to as “postpartum” or perinatal depression, is a mental health condition that arises during and after pregnancy. Nearly 1 in 7 pregnancies result in perinatal depression, yet the specifics of this condition are often overlooked or misunderstood.
It’s important to understand that this condition isn’t exclusive to those who can give birth and can happen to their partners as well, though it’s less common.
Pregnancy and childcare, as a whole, come with a myriad of hormonal changes, life changes, and more. These life changes, especially, can contribute to worsening mental health if you get less sleep or disrupt your self-care habits. Both of these are common when an infant is added to the picture.
Here at Wings Recovery Center, we recognize that this condition is often overlooked despite its potential for severity. Postpartum depression impacts not only the one who gave birth but the whole family. Not only that, but it is a treatable condition that doesn’t have to last forever. You deserve support, and we’re here to provide it.
How We Treat: The Importance of a Trauma-Informed Approach to Mental Health Care
You may wonder why a trauma-informed approach would be used for treating postpartum depression. Utilizing a trauma-informed approach is more than just focusing on trauma, though that is the core of it. This approach seeks to address the root causes of mental health concerns instead of just treating the symptoms.
Additionally, pregnancy itself is often traumatic. Even if you’ve given birth before, no two pregnancies are the same. One may go smoothly, while the other has intense symptoms or requires an emergency c-section. Addressing the drastic changes and variances between pregnancy and birth experiences is key for a quality PPD program.
At Wings Recovery, we recognize that untreated trauma is not only common but often unnoticed. Trauma isn’t just living through a massive event, it’s about the fender bender you got into in high school or the bullying you experienced as a kid. Small traumas happen to us all, and through our treatment, we will help you find peace.
When Does Postpartum Depression Require Treatment?
There’s a difference between the “baby blues” and postpartum depression. Baby blues are incredibly common due to the hormonal, bodily, and circumstantial life changes that occur during birth and immediately after. These periods of high emotions usually only last a couple of weeks after birth. When these feelings and experiences last longer than that, odds are you’re dealing with postpartum depression instead.
How can you know if what you’re experiencing truly requires treatment?
We’re going to talk about the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression, but it’s important to note that if you feel like you’re overwhelmed and in need of support – then you do. You don’t have to “qualify” for support or suffer to a certain extent before being “worthy.” You’re not alone in this, and we’re here to help.
Understanding the Signs of Postpartum Depression
Even if you have the baby blues and feel better after a few days, this doesn’t guarantee that you won’t experience postpartum depression. Postpartum depression doesn’t always occur immediately after you give birth, it can take a few weeks for symptoms to start.
Overall, the signs of postpartum depression share a lot of overlap with the signs of major depressive disorder. The common signs include:
- Feelings of guilt or sorrow without a defined source
- Withdrawing from others
- Feeling lifeless or disconnected from reality
- Being unable to care for yourself and/or your baby
- Having changes in your sleep patterns (excessive sleep or inability to sleep)
- Having decreased appetite
- New or worsening difficulties with concentration and memory
- Intrusive thoughts about harm coming to yourself or your baby
- Lack of interest in things you usually enjoy
These symptoms can vary in severity and specificity. For example, one person with PPD may feel separation anxiety when away from their baby, while another may have little desire to be around their baby. What ties these symptoms together is that they’re detrimental to multiple aspects of your life, including your health.
What Are the Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression?
Pregnancy and having a baby in and of itself is a risk factor for postpartum depression. However, there are additional factors that can influence and increase the odds of someone experiencing PPD.
These risk factors include:
- Having untreated mental health conditions
- Having little or no support during or after pregnancy
- Having bipolar disorder or depression
- Having untreated trauma, even if unrelated to your pregnancy
- Having an uncertain living situation, including a rocky relationship with your partner
- Having high and/or unmanaged stress
Some of these risk factors go unnoticed, especially untreated trauma. This is why treatment is so important – you don’t have to find the source yourself. At Wings Recovery Center, our team is trained to help find the root of your postpartum symptoms so you can have a strong foundation of long-term healing.
What Should You Do if Someone Has Postpartum Depression?
Whether you notice postpartum depression in yourself or a loved one, the most important thing you should do is seek care. No one needs to live with untreated mental health. It can make life complicated, exhausting, and much worse when it doesn’t have to stay that way.
If you’re concerned about a loved one, showing your support is key. Talk with them about their feelings and ask how you can best be there for them. For some, this can mean helping them look for treatment, while for others, it may mean taking on a few more household tasks or giving them a day off. There’s no wrong way to support someone if it works for both of you.
While treatment is the best, surefire way to address and overcome PPD, here are a few simple tricks you can do from home to help manage PPD.
- Make sure you take care of yourself, even in small ways. Any care is better than no care.
- Do your best to maintain good nutrition and hydration. Our bodies and minds need it to thrive. They can best focus on healing whenever they have the energy.
- Try to find a consistent sleep routine. This doesn’t always mean 8 hours of continuous rest a night, babies aren’t always so understanding. But having a sleep routine will help your body more, even if you break up when you sleep.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. More people love and care about you than you realize. It’s okay to want and need support, especially when a new baby and your well-being are involved.
Get Support and Treatment for Postpartum Depression Today at Wings Recovery in San Diego
You don’t need to wait to find good treatment and support, our team at Wings Recovery is here to help. With our gender-specific support groups, you’ll find people who truly understand your experiences and provide you with the quality care you deserve. With supportive housing and outpatient options, there’s no reason not to get started today.
Healing is always an option. At Wings Recovery, our team is committed to you and your needs. Through our trauma-informed approach, we’ll work to find the root of your mental health concerns so you can have long-lasting healing. Call us now at 888-790-9377 to learn more and take your first step towards a better life.
Wings – Rising to Meet Recovery