Postpartum depression

Postpartum depression is a sudden change in mood and energy that affects up to 25% of women within weeks of delivering a baby. It is stronger and lasts longer than the "baby blues," a brief period of depressed mood caused by shifting hormones. The thoughts and feelings of postpartum depression are common in most new mothers. To find out whether you may have postpartum depression, take the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale now.

Postpartum depression is not postpartum psychosis, a rare but very serious condition. In postpartum psychosis, a woman loses touch with reality and often hears or sees things that are not really there. Postpartum psychosis needs emergency intervention—the woman should go to the nearest hospital emergency room with a psychiatrist available. In contrast, postpartum depression is characterized by feelings of sadness, worry, lack of energy, or lack of interest in the baby. Call your OB/gyn to discuss your symptoms and get a referral for treatment.

At Lakeside Psychology & Counseling Services, you can find quick and complete help for postpartum depression. Our compassionate professionals will help you regain control of your life, so that you can truly enjoy your baby. Dr. Alison Brett will teach you ways to manage your anxiety and depression with cognitive-behavioral techniques. Dr. Brad Greenspan, our psychiatrist, can help with medication to bring you relief. Most women who come to Lakeside Psychology & Counseling Services with postpartum depression find significant relief within 6 weeks of treatment.