Are You in Need of Postpartum Depression Treatment?

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The research that Texas low cost health insurance has done regarding the need for postpartum depression treatment yielded surprising results. Postpartum depression treatment starts with asking yourself a couple of questions. Have you recently become a new mother? Does “motherhood” seem quite different than what you have read in books and magazines? Do you feel extreme sadness since the child was born? How about a lack of interest in your own life or your baby? You could be suffering from postpartum depression and in need of postpartum depression treatment.

In the event that you are suffering from postpartum depression, there are generally two forms of treatment. The first being counselling (a combination of interpersonal and/or cognitive behavioral counselling) which has proven to help individuals take control of the way a person thinks and feels. Counselling also helps an individual to focus on the changes associated with having a newborn. The second form of treatment is antidepressant medicine. Antidepressant medicine relieves the symptoms that are associated with the depression.

Women (and men) typically prepare for the birth of their new child by squirreling away diapers, decorating rooms and possibly even starting college funds. However, many do not prepare themselves for the changes that they are about to experience within their bodies nor do they prepare for the way they can be affected by loss of sleep and hormonal changes. Life's normal balancing act is magnified by infinity when a new mother must not only handle household chores, lifestyle adjustments, lack of sleep, crying day and night but she must also deal with the possibilities of being viewed as an unfit mother.

Postpartum depression typically sets in within 4 weeks of childbirth. Although depression is typically only in 10 percent of women, it is important to prepare for potential depression. In preparing, family members can be on the lookout for mood swings and a big indicator is a general disinterest in the child. If these issues exist, the mother should seek professional help and discuss postpartum depression treatment.

It is widely viewed that postpartum depression and the need for postpartum depression treatment exist only in women. However, the Texas low cost health insurance research has shown that it exists in males as well. The more popular term when a male experiences postpartum depression is paternal postnatal depression. Typically when fathers experience paternal postnatal depression it happens within one month to one year of the child being born.

Generally, a distinction must be made between "daddy blues" and paternal postnatal depression. The rule of thumb would be based on the length of time the father experienced "blues". If the father is experiencing heavy (unusual) depression within a year of becoming a new father he is potentially experiencing paternal postnatal depression. Keep in mind, depression of two or more weeks due to any circumstance is reason to seek the advice of a physician or mental health specialist. Causes linked to paternal postnatal depression include loss of or lack of sleep. This is gut wrenching due to the fact that loss of or lack of sleep is almost synonymous with newborns. Additionally, the Texas low cost health insurance research noted that hormonal changes occur in men after they become new fathers.

There is potential for testosterone levels to decrease and estrogen levels to increase. With these internal changes happening and a new father having no clue of what is going on inside him, there is added potential for paternal postnatal depression (postpartum depression). To further compound issues, Texas low cost health insurance has found that there is a stigma associated with men who seek mental health assistance. They are many times considered to be weak or frowned upon. That being the case, the depression can go undetected and unfortunately lead to other issues.

Postpartum depression treatment should not be viewed as "treatment for the weak." In fact, in preparation for that new baby, couples should add to their list "watch out for depression signs". It is virtually impossible to stop hormonal changes without proper medication. This absolutely does not mean that a person who is experiencing postpartum depression or paternal postnatal depression must medicate in order to handle the depression. However, persons are more likely to "bounce back" with the assistance of a professional (who may prescribe medication). Postpartum depression treatment could also include cognitive behavioral therapy for both parents. In fact, once an individual has identified a professional, he or she should discuss behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy prior to medicating.

Finally, stay in tune with your body! When your body and mind are reacting in ways that are not normal you should seek the attention of a professional. Better safe than sorry. Who knows, you may be experiencing postpartum depression. Know that you are not alone.

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