Postpartum Depression

Mental Health Care in Wilmington, DE

Bringing home a new baby can also come with significant emotional, physical, and lifestyle changes. While you may be prepared for temporary mood changes, postpartum depression is a serious mental health condition that is more severe and deserves personalized support. Vida Adansi, LCP, Adekunle Gbadamosi, MD, and the team at Integrated Health & Wellness Services in Wilmington, Delaware, offer effective treatment for postpartum depression. Recognizing the signs and knowing when to seek care helps ensure you get the support you need, so book online or call the office to request an in-office or virtual consultation today.

Postpartum Depression FAQ's

What causes postpartum depression, and who is at risk?


Postpartum depression isn’t due to one specific cause. More likely, it results from several combined factors, such as:

  • Hormonal changes following your pregnancy and childbirth
  • Physical recovery
  • Sleep deprivation
  • The demands of caring for a newborn
  • Stress
  • Limited support
  • Relationship difficulties
  • A challenging pregnancy or birth experience

Anyone can develop postpartum depression. This is true even if you’ve never experienced depression before, and your risk may be higher if you have a personal or family history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions.


What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?


Postpartum depression symptoms may include:

  • Persistent sadness
  • Emptiness
  • Hopelessness
  • Irritability
  • Frequent crying
  • Losing interest or pleasure in activities you previously enjoyed
  • Difficulty sleeping even when your child is resting
  • Sleeping excessively
  • Changes in appetite
  • Low energy
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Feeling overwhelmed.
  • Intense guilt
  • Feelings of worthlessness
  • Doubts about your ability to care for your child

Postpartum depression can also make it hard to feel connected to your baby. Experiencing these symptoms doesn’t make you a bad parent, and you shouldn’t interpret postpartum depression as a personal failure.


When should I seek support for postpartum depression?


Call the team at Integrated Health & Wellness Services if your symptoms interfere with your ability to care for yourself or your baby, or manage everyday responsibilities. It’s also important to seek urgent evaluation if you experience:

  • Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
  • Feeling unable to stay safe
  • Confusion
  • Hallucinations
  • Severe changes in perception or behavior

Your Integrated Health & Wellness Services provider can assess your condition, discuss your experiences, and help determine an appropriate treatment plan.


What treatments can help if I have postpartum depression?


Postpartum depression is treatable, and the team carefully tailors your treatment. Your plan may include:


Psychotherapy


Therapy, including approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy, can help address your difficult emotions, unhelpful thought patterns, relationships, and coping strategies.


Medication


For some people, the team may recommend medication. Certain antidepressant medications can help manage depression symptoms, and your provider can consider factors such as breastfeeding, medical history, and other medications when developing your treatment plan.


Building a support framework


Support from family, friends, support groups, and healthcare professionals is helpful as you rediscover the joy in life. 


For evidence-based care for postpartum depression, call Integrated Health & Wellness Services or request a consultation online today.