Postpartum Depression Treatment Options

Postpartum Depression Treatment Options

Postpartum depression treatment options are effective and widely available. If you are experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression or anxiety, you do not need to suffer alone. Despite lingering stigma around mental health, perinatal mood disorders are treatable — and early support leads to better outcomes.

Shame, both internalized and externalized, can make it difficult to reach out. Many mothers hesitate to seek help, believing they “should” be able to manage on their own. In reality, postpartum depression is a medical and psychological condition that responds well to thoughtful treatment.

Having personally experienced postpartum depression, I understand how hard it can be to ask for help.

Postpartum depression treatment options are part of the broader landscape of perinatal mental health, which includes pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum transition.

There are many postpartum depression treatment options: you don’t need to wait to get help. Treatment is individualized. For mild symptoms, increased sleep and support may be sufficient. For moderate to severe depression or anxiety, talk therapy and/or medication are often recommended early.

First line medical postpartum depression treatments include medication and talk therapy. You can add complementary methods, such as bright light therapy, Omega-3 oil supplements, mindfulness meditation, creative arts therapies, yoga, postpartum doula companion care, guided imagery and touch therapies.

Additionally, it’s always a wonderful thing to exercise your resiliency and flex your strengths! Help yourself with your favorite self-care and social supports. There are several online resources available where women can find each other and tend and befriend.

When to Seek Treatment for Postpartum Depression

You need to use your judgment, if you are clinically depressed and anxious, medication and talk therapy are your first options.

Many women who seek treatment recognize that earlier risk factors — such as prior depression, trauma, or lack of support — increased their vulnerability.

First-Line Medical Treatment Options

Medication & Psychiatric Care

Primary care physician for mild cases

Traditional medical treatment is you getting brave enough to reach out to your primary care physician and having a discussion with him or her about your symptoms. You might bring your partner with you, for emotional support, or to hold the baby, so you have a chance to really talk with your doctor.

If you have a less complex case of postpartum depression or anxiety, usually your primary care physician can treat your symptoms.

Psychiatrist for complex cases (OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder) and medication management

If your situation is more complex, such as postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (childbirth onset) or you have multi-layered trauma, like pre-existing traumatic experiences that have been reactivated, you probably should find a psychiatrist to manage your psychotropic medications.

Psychotherapy (talk therapy)

Research consistently shows that psychotherapy is highly effective in treating postpartum depression and anxiety. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), trauma-informed therapy, and attachment-based approaches are commonly used. There are many types of talk therapy, depending on your individual situation, you may need just a short course of therapeutic intervention. If you have a history of abuse, depression and anxiety, you may need additional time to heal.

Decades of research show that the therapeutic relationship and client factors are among the strongest predictors of improvement.

Complementary & Mind-Body Therapies

Complementary & Mind–Body Therapies

• Bright light therapy Research supports the use of bright light therapy as an effective treatment for depression, however, it's not recommended for those with bipolar disorder

  
  

• Omega -3 supplementation has been shown in recent small studies to be effective in treatment of postpartum depression symptoms, but should not be used as a sole treatment

  
  

• Mindfulness practices have been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve emotional regulation.

  
  

• Creative Arts The benefit of the creative arts is they gently access non-verbal feeling states and imagery.

  
  

• Yoga The health benefits of yoga are numerous. Yoga has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, improve fitness and help manage chronic conditions.

  
  

• Postpartum doula care helps the new mom get some sleep and helps tend to the all-encompassing needs of the new baby. This is helpful on many levels, including helping healing and reducing stress and loneliness

• Guided Imagery is effective in healing emotional and psychological issues and is effective in reducing stress.

  
  

• Massage has been shown to relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety. Partner massage is a cost effective way for the pregnant mom and the family to share safe touch.

  
  

• Infant massage promotes bonding with your baby and decreases stress hormones in both mom & baby, reduces colic and GI symptoms, relieves muscle pains and assists recovery for preemies.

  
  

Sleep, Social Support and Practical Support

• Protecting sleep (even one 5–6 hour stretch)

• Meal planning

• Family support

• Postpartum doula

• Online support groups

Self-care and Resilience

• Prioritize restorative sleep. Get a prescription for sleep.

• Build practical support

• Make informed decisions about medication

• Understand identity shifts in motherhood

• Stay connected - reach out for social support in your family, your community and online.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is postpartum depression treated?

Postpartum depression is treated with psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. Sleep support and social support are also critical components of recovery.

Do I need medication for postpartum depression?

Not always. Mild symptoms may improve with therapy and support. Moderate to severe depression often responds best to a combination of therapy and medication.

Help Is Available

Postpartum Support International offers confidential support, online groups, and provider referrals.

Call or text: 1-800-944-4773Text (EN): 800-944-4773Text (ES): 971-203-7773

If in immediate crisis in the U.S., call or text 988.