How do I know if I need to get help for depression after my baby is born?
The question if postpartum will go away on its own is a very tricky question. As a Houston postpartum therapist, I counsel people with many different types of mood issues after giving birth. For some, yes, after a few days or weeks, the postpartum baby blues will subside on their own. For others, it turns into postpartum anxiety and depression which can show itself about one month after childbirth to one year, it can roar its ugly head at any time during the first year. Postpartum is a pivotal time and full of healing and change. There are hormones, genetics, life transition, and lack of sleep (and sometimes support) that can cause some conflict both internally and externally which can lead to postpartum depression and anxiety as well. Several different types of mood issues can happen after giving birth and they vary in intensity for people.
Some people with postpartum depression need medication and/or counseling
There are times when the postpartum depression and anxiety will go away on its own or maybe you don’t even realize you have it until you look back and reflect on your postpartum period. For others, postpartum anxiety and depression require counseling and/or medication from one month of postpartum up to one year. Neither of these situations is good or bad as long as you’re safe and working on getting out of the fog of postpartum depression and anxiety. This may look like getting outside more, making sure you’re connecting with family and friends, finding time to still do the things you enjoy and working with professionals to get what you need to start feeling like you again. I wrote this post to answer all of your questions about postpartum depression therapy.
Types of treatment for postpartum depression in Houston, TX
When it comes to postpartum care for depression and anxiety (PPD and PPA) there are a few options. You can always visit your OB-GYN and ask for medication, you can also try supplements and/or postpartum counseling. The best option may be counseling or a combination of medication or supplements and counseling. Medication and supplements help feel better but counseling will give you a safe space to process, and dig deep into the root of what you are feeling and why you are feeling that way. Postpartum counseling gives you self-care all while helping you feel better at the same time, it gives you the skills and hope you need to face each head-on, ready to be the mother you’ve always wanted to be. It will help with how you are feeling and the challenges you face as well as giving you some parenting aid as well as you navigate the fourth trimester and beyond.
Hope if you have postpartum depression
So the question is, will postpartum anxiety and depression go away on its own? Eventually, yes, things even out, and postpartum will subside. However, why go through it and struggle alone when there are people (professionals, friends, family) who want to walk through it with you to get you back to where you want to be sooner and with support? If you are attempting to face it alone, it will take much longer and can be much worse than if you got what you needed beforehand. Remember, if you aren’t taking care of yourself well, you can’t take care of others well.
Are you wondering if postpartum depression will naturally fade or if professional support is necessary? Our empathetic Houston therapists are here to guide you. Whether through online or in-person treatment, we provide personalized strategies. You're not alone in this journey. Reach out online to schedule an appointment or call 713-565-0922 to discover how our support can make a significant difference in your postpartum well-being.
OTHER THERAPY SERVICES OUR THERAPISTS OFFER IN HOUSTON, TX
In addition to Perinatal and Postnatal Treatment, we have other mental health services that we offer at our Houston, TX counseling office. Our services are available for adults, children, and teens. For individuals we offer Anxiety Treatment, Eating Disorder Counseling, School and College Counseling, Couples Counseling & Marriage Counseling, and Infertility Counseling. As well as Trauma Therapy, PTSD Treatment, EMDR Therapy, and LGBTQ+ Counseling. Our caring therapists also offer Family Therapy, Parenting Counseling, Career Counseling, and LPC Supervision. All of these services are also available through Online Counseling throughout Texas.
If you’re ready to begin your journey, do not hesitate to contact Wilson Counseling today.