Postpartum Depression

Bowman Medical Group

Psychiatrists & Mental Health Providers located in Beverly Hills, CA

If you’ve recently given birth, you may feel sad, empty, or disconnected from yourself or your baby. If these feelings persist for more than a couple of weeks, you may be suffering from postpartum depression, a widespread form of depression that affects about 1 in 9 new mothers. Bowman Medical Group in Beverly Hills, California, diagnoses and treats postpartum depression with therapies that may include medication, Spravato™, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and psychotherapy. Call the practice today for compassionate and effective care for postpartum depression.

310-276-4003

Postpartum Depression Q & A

What is postpartum depression?

Feeling blue after you have a baby is normal. Your hormone levels change dramatically after giving birth, which can trigger some mood changes. However, these negative emotions usually subside within a week as your hormone levels become more regulated. Postpartum depression lasts much longer, and also may have a later onset after delivery and be associated with disabling symptoms such as:

Feeling sad, hopeless, or overwhelmed
Frequent crying spells
Thoughts of harming the baby or yourself
Lack of interest in the baby
Low energy or fatigue
Memory problems
Indecisiveness
Feeling like a failure or a bad mother
Withdrawing from friends and family
Physical symptoms like headaches and stomach problems

Postpartum depression is a serious mental health condition that can disrupt your life and your family. While you may feel ashamed or embarrassed of your feelings and potentially feel less bonded to your baby, it’s critical that you talk to a professional and get the help you need to recover.

What causes postpartum depression?

When you’re pregnant, you have extraordinarily high levels of progesterone and estrogen. After you deliver your baby, these hormone levels plummet back to normal levels. This significant hormonal change can trigger sadness and postpartum depression. Giving birth also reduces your thyroid activity, which can contribute to symptoms of depression.

In addition to all the hormonal fluctuations, new mothers face a barrage of lifestyle changes, feelings, and fears that can contribute to postpartum depression. For example, you usually don’t get sufficient sleep, you may feel overwhelmed by the needs of your new baby, and may have unrealistic expectations about motherhood.

The important thing is to ask for help. Taking care of a new baby is challenging enough when you feel well. You also need to take care of yourself, including getting treatment for postpartum depression.

How is postpartum depression treated?

Your provider at Bowman Medical Group begins treatment with a psychological assessment. During your evaluation, you talk about your symptoms, personal and family medical history, and your overall health and wellness. If you are diagnosed with postpartum depression, your provider will recommend a treatment plan to both relieve your symptoms and help you resolve any fears or worries that contribute to your condition.

The team at Bowman Medical Group may provide medication options, or non-pharmacologic treatments like TMS therapy to regulate your brain chemistry and relieve some of your depressive symptoms. They may also recommend psychotherapy to explore and resolve any underlying factors contributing to your condition.

If you’re struggling with postpartum depression, call Bowman Medical Group to make an appointment today for compassionate, customized care.