Treatment for Postpartum Depression & Anxiety
Postpartum Depression and Perinatal Mood Disorders During Pregnancy and Postpartum Period
When you or a loved one needs treatment for postpartum depression in Houston, turn to a specialist who understands what you’re going through and can provide the help you need.
Nancy Dinerstein is certified by Postpartum Support International as a Postpartum Depression and Perinatal Mood Specialist. As a specialist, she offers counseling for expectant and postpartum Moms and their families, as well as help with community outreach programs.
Women during pregnancy and after their delivery often experience frequent changes in their hormones. These changes affect their emotions and are often described as an emotional roller coaster with the duration lasting several days to a few weeks following birth. The Mothers describe being very emotional, overwhelmed, irritable and sometimes anxious about caring for the baby. Although these women may be overly sensitive, they are nevertheless delighted to be a Mother and remain positive about themselves. This period, "early onset postpartum depression", is very common, and frequently referred to as the "baby blues". It usually appears a few days post delivery and lasts less than a week. Treatment for postpartum depression or anxiety can alleviate the symptoms, if persistent or severe.
In some cases women identify their feelings after the birth of a baby as having intense feelings of sadness, guilt, hopelessness and detachment. It is common for this range of emotions to occur within four weeks post delivery and can persist for more than two weeks, and last up to one year or more.
Symptoms can also include insomnia, poor concentration, and difficulty bonding with the baby. The Mom frequently doubts her own self-worth, and often reports that she experiences intrusive and irrational thoughts. Diagnosed as "late onset postpartum depression", new Mothers face the dilemma of taking psychotropic medicine to alleviate these symptoms. With proper treatment for postpartum depression, there is a cure.
Mood disorders during pregnancy and the postpartum period have been identified in women of every culture, age, income level and race. Often a Mom may feel overwhelmed with the roles of a new parent, even if it isn't her first child. The adjustment to balancing her lifestyle and the reality of caring for an infant full-time may cause unexpected anxiety. Other factors including previous mental health history, genetics, as well as lack of support can contribute to a new Mothers' postpartum anxiety.
Assessment through screening and early intervention utilizing one of the proven treatment options is paramount for a cure. Research indicates that successful postpartum anxiety treatment and treatment for postpartum depression includes individual psychotherapy, group therapy, self-help groups, medication and often combinations of these methods.
Educational and community health resources and on-line help links are available.
Postpartum Support International explains: "Persistent feelings of sadness is NOT a normal part of Motherhood. You are not alone. You are not to blame. With help, you will be well."
Nancy would welcome the opportunity to assist with assessment, treatment, and, if necessary, medical referrals in order to help determine the best treatment plan. Having raised three sons and balancing today's busy lifestyle, Nancy understands the difficulty and stress Mothers face today.
Contact Nancy today to find out more about treatment for postpartum depression and anxiety.