Postpartum Depression Treatment Locations in Chicago & Westmont, IL
Postpartum Depression
We, at Midwest Wellness Center Associates, specialize in Women's issues
and in working with women throughout their pregnancy as well as after
delivery.
We understand that women commonly go through hormonal changes, especially
during pregnancy, and we can help you to differentiate the mixed feelings you
are having and guide you to get the help you need by providing the right
treatment, whether it is therapy, counseling, or medication.
Did you know during pregnancy, about 20% of women experience depressive
symptoms and about 10% of those women have a major depressive episode?
The incidence of depression in the postpartum period is 10-15%, which means
no less than 1 in 10 women will suffer from post-partum depression.
Depression after delivery persists for more than 7 months in 25-50% of
women.
What is the difference between Postpartum blues or "Baby blues" and
Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum "blues" is not considered a disorder; it is regarded as
part of the normal postpartum adjustment.
Baby Blues:
It is a transient disturbance in mood occurring in approximately 80% of
postpartum women.
Symptoms include mood instability, weepiness/tearfulness, sadness, anxiety,
lack of concentration, headache, "low spirited", and feelings of
dependency.
Onset occurs within 1-2 days and resolves within 10 days post-delivery,
lasting no more than 3 weeks postpartum
"During what was becoming one of the darkest points in my life, I sat
holding my newborn and could not avoid the image of her flying through the
air and hitting the wall in front of me.
I had no desire to hurt my baby and didn't see myself as the one
throwing her, thank God, but the wall morphed into a video game, and in it
her little body smacked the surface and slid down onto the floor.
I was horrified, and although I knew deep in my soul that I would not harm
her, the image all but destroyed me. "
[excerpt from 'Down Came the Rain' by Brooke Shields]
Post-Partum Depression
A non-psychotic depressive episode beginning or extending into the postnatal
period. An episode of major depression occurs within four weeks of delivery.
Symptoms: excessive worry or anxiety, irritability or short temper, feelings
of being overwhelmed; depressed mood nearly every day most of the day,
diminished interest or pleasure in usual activities, insomnia or
hypersomnia, lack of libido, changes in appetite (weight loss or gain),
psychomotor agitation or retardation, fatigue or loss of energy nearly every
day most of the day, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt,
diminished ability to think or concentrate, and recurrent thoughts of death
or suicide.
When to Suspect Postpartum Depression?
A new mother may be developing-or already have-postpartum depression if she
has any of the following signs or symptoms:
The baby blues do not start to fade after about 1 week, or if the feelings
get worse.
Strong feelings of depression and anger come 1-2 months after childbirth.
Feelings of sadness, doubt, guilt, or helplessness seem to increase each
week and get in the way of normal functions.
She is not able to care for herself or her baby.
She has trouble doing tasks at home or on the job.
Her appetite changes.
Things that used to bring her pleasure no longer do.
Concern and worry about the baby are too intense, or interest in the baby is
lacking.
Anxiety or panic attacks occur. She may be afraid to be left alone in the
house with the baby.
She fears harming the baby. These feelings are almost never acted on by
women with postpartum depression, but they can be scary. These feelings may
lead to guilt, which makes the depression worse.
She has thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
Request Your Consultation Today!
A new mother having any of these signs or symptoms should take steps right
away to get help. We will work with you to help you feel like yourself again.
Call us today!
