How Do I Find Help for Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression affects women after they have given birth. If you feel depressed, notice changes in your appetite and sleep habits and feel uninterested in your newborn child, you can seek help for postpartum depression by talking to your doctor or attending therapy, getting relationship counseling and by taking medication. You might also get help for postpartum depression by attending a support group or finding a friend with whom you can talk. Find a way to make time for yourself throughout the day to help yourself through feelings of depression.

Medical treatment options for postpartum depression include taking antidepressants or undergoing hormone therapy. After pregnancy and birth, you lose a lot of the hormone estrogen, which can contribute to postpartum depression. There are some risks to using medication and hormones as treatment, though. Many types of antidepressants can travel through breast milk, as can hormones, which might not be good for your baby.

Another way to find help for postpartum depression is to seek counseling from a licensed therapist. Your obstetrician might be able to refer you to a therapist who is experienced with helping patients who have postpartum depression. The common therapies for postpartum depression include interpersonal therapy, which allows you to talk about your relationships. In many cases, therapy is the preferred treatment, particularly for women who are breastfeeding.

You might find help for postpartum depression by joining a support group of mothers who are having the same issues. At group meetings, you will be able to listen to the concerns of others and share your own. Attending the group will allow you to see that you are not alone in dealing with depression. If you are unable to find a support group nearby, find a friend or relative who is willing to listen to you express your emotions. You might be able to find a friend or acquaintance who has gone through postpartum depression and is willing to lend a supportive ear.

Find help for postpartum depression by taking the time to help yourself. Ask your partner or friends to help clean your house or watch the baby from time to time so you can relax for a bit. You don't need to feel that you have to do everything by yourself. Getting enough sleep and exercise and eating a balanced, healthy diet can also help you get through postpartum depression. Try tracking your thoughts and feelings in a diary to share with your therapist or in a support group.