Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is commonly prescribed alone or with antidepressants to treat postpartum depression. Your doctor can refer you to a qualified mental health professional who specializes in treating postpartum depression.
You’ll meet with a counselor on a regular basis to talk. They’ll ask about your life, and it’s important that you answer honestly. You won’t be judged for what you tell, and whatever you talk about will be just between the two of you.
Your counselor will teach you how to look at some things differently and how to change certain habits to help yourself feel better. There are two common types of therapy for women with postpartum depression:
Cognitive behavioral therapy.
You and your counselor work together to identify, then change, thoughts and behaviors that are harmful to your mental health.
Interpersonal therapy.
Your therapist helps you better understand how you behave in your relationships and how to work through any problems.
Postpartum Depression Support Groups.
Support groups may be very helpful if you have PPD. They may provide useful information and ideas about how to handle day-to-day stresses.
Exercise and Postpartum Depression
Exercise can help lift your spirits. Once you’ve recovered physically from giving birth, try to get some exercise every day. One study has shown that vigorous exercise after recovering from childbirth is associated with an increased feeling of well-being. Your doctor can help you plan an exercise program that’s right for you.
Complementary and Alternative Postpartum Depression Treatments
You may not want to take a prescription drug, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor about whether you should try any of these therapies, either instead of or along with standard medical treatment:
Yoga. In one study of depressed new moms, more than three-quarters of them who did yoga twice a week for 8 weeks got better.
Massage. It may have a positive effect on postpartum depression. Although more studies are needed, findings suggest that massage helps improve symptoms.
Relaxation training. Techniques like deep breathing, guided imagery, and self-hypnosis can teach you to soothe yourself. More than a dozen studies have shown that relaxation training can help you recover from depression.
Meditation. Learning to meditate lets you “exist in the moment.” You focus on your breathing and let go of your thoughts. It might help you with your depression.
Antidepressants and Postpartum Depression
So your doctor or health care provider has diagnosed you with postpartum depression. Now what? First, and most importantly, don’t be embarrassed or ashamed. Many new moms deal with a wide range of emotions after having a baby. You’ve done the right thing to seek help.
There are a variety of ways to treat postpartum depression. Your doctor likely will talk with you about whether you want to see a counselor. They also may talk to you about taking antidepressants, medications that treat depression, and which should help you feel more like yourself.
How Do Antidepressants Work?
Antidepressants affect certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. There are lots of antidepressants. Some types work on different brain chemicals than others.
Many of the new antidepressants have fewer side effects than some older ones. But each targets different brain chemicals, so some work better for certain people than others.
Newer antidepressants include:
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem)
- Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
Older antidepressants include:
- Amitriptyline (Elavil)
- Desipramine (Norpramin)
- Doxepin (Deptran, Sinequan)
- Tranylcypromine (Parnate)
- Trimipramine (Surmontil)
It can take several weeks for antidepressants to be fully effective, so be patient. With some, you’ll slowly increase your dosage. With others you can take the full dose right away.
If you don’t get relief, tell your doctor or counselor. You may do better with a different dosage or another medication. You and your doctor can find the medicine, or combination of medicines, that works best for you.
• Side Effects
The latest antidepressants on the market have few side effects, but you should still watch for:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Restlessness
- Sexual problems
- Trouble sleeping
- Weight gain/weight loss
- Headaches
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
Older antidepressants may cause:
- Dry mouth
- Blurry vision
- Constipation
- Trouble emptying your bladder
- Feeling tired
- Bigger appetite and weight gain
- Dizziness when you stand up
- Increased sweating
Can I Still Breastfeed?
If you’re still nursing your baby, you’re probably wondering if it’s safe to take antidepressants. Most likely yes, depending on the medication.
Antidepressants have shown up in breast milk in very low amounts. Studies have found that neither the old or new drugs have harmful effects on babies when small amounts are passed through breast milk. But be sure to tell your doctor that you’re nursing, just to be safe.
More Than Meds
Even if your doctor prescribes medication, you still might want to think about attending counseling sessions, or talk therapy, as part of your treatment.
Also, it’s important to take care of yourself every day to help boost your mood. You should:
- Get more sleep.
- Exercise.
- Eat healthy foods.
- Do fun activities.
- Take some time to relax.