If you’ve had a baby in the past year, and you’re reading this article, you might be wondering how postpartum depression treatment works. Maybe someone told you to seek out counseling or therapy for postpartum concerns, or you are just wondering yourself whether you have postpartum depression. Perhaps you were referred to a therapist by your OB/GYN or put on medications for postpartum depression. Whatever your circumstance, you’re still hesitant and unsure about treatment for postpartum depression.
There are several options for treatment for postpartum depression. The most common treatment options, that tend to provide the best results, include counseling or therapy, and/or medications. In many cases, a combination of therapy and medications are what is recommended for your postpartum treatment.
Counseling for Postpartum Depression
There are therapists in Colorado who have specialized training and experience in working with postpartum moms just like you. These counselors can provide individual and/or group counseling that focuses on understanding your postpartum emotions, coping with the changes in your life, and helping you develop strategies to get through each day. This includes getting enough sleep while caring for your baby, negotiating your changing relationship with your partner (if you have one), and managing your depression or anxiety.
Individual counseling for postpartum depression in Colorado is based in developing a trusting, caring relationship with your therapist. Working with a skilled counselor who specializes in perinatal care is important. You want someone who understands what you’re going through and can provide you with tools and resources, along with understanding of how hard getting through each day is for you right now.
Group counseling for postpartum depression in Colorado is also very powerful and supportive. You’ll be in a group with other postpartum moms who are in different stages of their journey. In group, you’ll learn different strategies from other group members on managing returning to work, or staying home with your baby, as well as identifying your unrealistic expectations for yourself that most moms have.
Medications for Postpartum Depression
Not everyone needs medications to help treat your postpartum depression and associated symptoms. But if you are someone who would benefit from a medication to help you manage your days so you can continue to take care of your baby, yourself and your family, medications can help. Many clients I have worked with have been hesitant to take medications for postpartum depression, especially if they are breastfeeding. There are some medications that are safe to take while breastfeeding, and this is a great discussion to have with your prescriber.
Your therapist will know when to refer you to a doctor or specialist in Colorado for a medication evaluation for postpartum depression symptoms. Your OB/GYN may be able to evaluate you for medications or you can talk to your primary care physician. You can also see a specialist, like a perinatal psychiatric nurse practitioner, who has specialized training in working with pregnant and postpartum women.
Does Postpartum Depression Treatment Work?
Like most medical treatments, change and success isn’t found instantaneously. But treatment for postpartum depression in Colorado does work if you’re willing to try it. We’re often told to give it time, you’ll feel better in the future. But you don’t have to wait, you can feel better now.
Counseling with a perinatal therapist can help you identify some core beliefs that are popping up after having a baby that are causing you problems. It can also help identify and treat any underlying trauma or grief that your mind hasn’t yet fully worked through. And medications for postpartum depression can also have a significant positive effect.
If you’re interested in getting group treatment in Colorado for postpartum depression, check out our Postpartum Depression Group to connect with other moms just like you.
How We Can Help
We are currently enrolling for our postpartum support group
For moms up to 1 year postpartum who are ready to go from feeling lonely and overwhelmed to connected and understood.
If you are looking for general support, or if you would like to talk to someone more about how we can help you, follow these simple steps:
Contact us today for a free 20-minute phone consultation
Or, you can book directly online with the therapist of your choice
Begin your journey towards a calmer, more relaxed life
Other Therapy Services Available at Catalyss Counseling:
Here at Catalyss Counseling, we want to meet all of your counseling needs in the Denver area. Our supportive therapists provide depression counseling, therapy for caregiver stress, grief and loss therapy, stress management counseling and more. We also have specialists in trauma and PTSD, women's issues, pregnancy and postpartum depression or anxiety, pregnancy loss and miscarriage, and birth trauma. For therapists, we can also provide clinical supervision! We look forward to connecting with you to help support your journey today.
Author Biography
Shannon Heers is a psychotherapist, approved clinical supervisor, guest blogger, and the owner of a group psychotherapy practice in the Denver area. Shannon helps adults in professional careers manage anxiety, depression, work-life balance, and grief and loss. Follow Catalyss Counseling on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.