Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders
Bringing a new life into the world can be one of your life's most joyous and stressful events. Caring for a newborn is hard for first-time and seasoned mothers alike. When you consider that new mothers are dealing with hormonal shifts, a lack of sleep, and changing relationship dynamics within their household, it's no surprise that many women experience mental health challenges after giving birth. Struggling with your mental health after having a baby is nothing to be ashamed of, and we want you to know that help and support are available.
Choose Your Location
We have clinics conveniently located in Lexington, Kentucky and Columbus, Ohio.
Find Your Best Fit
It's important to find a therapist that will suit your unique needs. We do everything we can to find your best fit!
Learn More
Postpartum Depression (PPD)
Postpartum depression can be challenging to talk about. Between 10-20% of women will develop PPD, but nearly 50% will not receive a diagnosis or appropriate treatment. Society puts a lot of pressure on new mothers to be overjoyed and excited when they can be overwhelmed and exhausted. PPD can develop anytime within a year after delivery and is often characterized by an inability to handle the demands of motherhood and a lack of interest in caring for yourself or your infant.
It's important to note that PPD is different from the "Baby Blues" that up to 80% of mothers experience. The symptoms of "Baby Blues" can be similar to PPD but are less severe, and the condition resolves on its own within a few weeks.
Postpartum Anxiety (PPA)
Worrying is natural after you have a baby; you're responsible for another human being completely reliant on you. When your worries begin to interfere with your daily life, you may be dealing with PPA. You may believe your baby isn't safe with anyone except for you and avoid leaving the house to avoid potential danger. Many mothers with PPA find themselves unable to stop thinking about worst-case scenarios that are unlikely to happen.
Birth Trauma
Birth trauma affects about 9% of women and occurs after physical or emotional distress during labor and delivery. A lack of support or a medical emergency, like an unplanned cesarean or a baby going to the NICU, can leave you with intense feelings of helplessness or guilt. Birth trauma can cause flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and panic attacks.
Treating PPD, PPA, and Birth Trauma
It's possible to have more than one postpartum psychiatric disorder, and your treatment will depend on the type and severity of your symptoms. A multi-faceted approach leads to the best outcomes and can include talk therapy, attending a support group, and medication, as needed.
Postpartum Psychosis (PPP)
The rarest postpartum psychiatric disorder is also the most severe. Women affected by PPP can experience hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia that alter their sense of reality. Psychosis is a medical emergency because those with the condition may be unaware that their hallucinations and delusions are unreal, which can cause them to behave in dangerous ways. Hospitalization and medications are the first-line treatment for this condition. The symptoms of PPP are broken down into depressive, manic, and mixed categories.
- Depressive PPP is the most common, occurring in about 41% of cases, and is the most likely to result in a mother harming herself or her infant.
- Manic symptoms of PPP can include agitation, aggression, and delusions of grandeur, such as the baby being a significant religious figure. The risk of self-harm or injury to the baby is less but not eliminated.
- Mixed PPP has depressive and manic symptoms that usually result in disorganized speech, confusion, and inappropriate behaviors.
Staying Emotionally Healthy During the Postpartum Period
- Don't be afraid to reach out for support. Know the people you can turn to for help anytime, and let them know when you need it.
- Remember that you must care for yourself to provide the best care for your baby.
- Be kind to yourself, and don't compare your experience to those of others.
The Mind Matters Difference
Our team of therapists knows that your mind matters, and we can help you harness its power so you can live a happier, more balanced life. You're more than just a client file to us; we don't have a cookie-cutter approach to treating postpartum psychiatric disorders. Mental health is vital for everyone, and our goal is to make treatment accessible and welcoming to anyone who needs it.
Postpartum Therapy Near Lexington, Kentucky and Columbus, Ohio
You don't have to face postpartum mental health challenges alone. Treatment is available, and our compassionate therapists can tailor an approach that meets your needs as a person and parent. Contact Mind Matters today to schedule an appointment. We offer therapy services in Lexington, Kentucky, Columbus, Ohio, and the surrounding area.