Lesson 5 - Seeking Help

Introduction

Lesson four discussed some coping skills mothers can do at home to lessen the severity of PPD symptoms, but what if those techniques do not work? In this lesson, we highlight two other ways a mother can receive the help she needs; medication and therapy. Deciding on which direction is best for you will be up to you and your health care provider. There is no shame in getting yourself mentally healthy.

Source: https://www.invitra.com/en/postpartum-depression/postpartum-depression-treatment/

When to Seek Help

Sometimes knowing when to seek help can be scary and hard to determine. The Mayo Clinic (2018) put together a list that helps determine when you should contact your healthcare provider:

• What you’re feeling hasn’t faded after two weeks

• Your symptoms are getting worse

• It is hard to care for your baby

• Everyday tasks are hard to do

• You have thoughts of hurting yourself or the baby

You do not need to have all of these or even more than one in order to contact your physician. Also, if your symptoms are different than those listed above and they worry you, please call your healthcare provider. 

Research

Many women who experience PPD can tell something is wrong, however, in many circumstances, they do not seek professional help. Seeking help has a negative stigma attached to it, and women are less likely to reach out because they do not want to be seen suffering from a mental illness (Faden & Citrone, 2020).  According to a study by Dunford & Granger (2017), feelings of shame may inhibit women from reaching out for help. Mothers who think they might be experiencing PPD should feel safe in reaching out for help. One of the first places to go for help is your doctor. One of the most common tools doctors use to screen for postpartum depression is the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Depending on the score a mother receives, the doctor may discuss the following treatment options:

Medication

Antidepressants have been commonly prescribed for treating PPD, however, studies show mixed results as to whether they are effective (Faden & Citrone, 2020). A study conducted by Faden & Citrone (2020) suggests that the commonly prescribed antidepressants may not be effective due to the possibility that PPD is different from regular depression, and this could lead to the wrong monoamine (a chemical within the nervous system) to be targeted.

Medication works for many women and often it takes time to find the right one. Deciding to take medication is a personal choice and if you decide it is right for you, then your healthcare provider can work with you to find the right medication. 

Source: Microsoft

Therapy

Group therapy has been shown to help women who are suffering from PPD. A safe group environment allows women to share their own personal stories and experiences, which has been shown to decrease depressive symptoms (Gillis & Parish, 2019). Women are able to receive validation for their feelings. This also allows them to find support from people who know what they are going through.

Source: Microsoft

You Know You

One important item to remember is that you know yourself better than anybody else. If you feel something is wrong, and your doctor brushes off your concern, it is okay to seek a second opinion. You should be able to discuss your feelings with someone who validates the way you are feeling. It is necessary you feel safe in an environment where you feel vulnerable.

Activity

• Sometimes it can be overwhelming to seek help in the middle of a crisis. Be prepared before you have the baby. Make a list of phone numbers or other resources you can turn to quickly. This list can include your doctor’s phone number, the local hospital’s phone number, or local support groups.

• Please watch this video which contains two real women who share their stories about postpartum depression and how they received help. Just click on the image and the link to the video will appear.

Other Resources

• SAMHSA’s (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) National Helpline - 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

• Postpartum Support International website offers:

• Helpline in English and Spanish

• Text HOME to 741741 for help 24/7

•  Link to connect with local resources, including support groups, available in your area.

• National Postpartum Depression: 1-800-PPD-MOMS

• 2020mom.org

PLEASE take our SURVEY: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1gVarUbVkPf7bC5R4FvdS6v0X6DdnZFDG2n7uOrG251E/edit

References

Dunford, E., & Granger, C. (2017). Maternal guilt and shame: relationship to postnatal depression and attitudes towards help-seeking. Journal of Child & Family Studies, 26(6), 1692–1701. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-017-0690-z

Faden, J., & Citrome, L. (2020). Intravenous brexanolone for postpartum depression: what it is, how well does it work, and will it be used? Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, 10, 2045125320968658. https://doi.org/10.1177/2045125320968658

Geisinger. (2020 February 27). Postpartum depression stories. https://youtu.be/-9zIAIyxOHA

Gillis, B. D., & Parish, A. L. (2019). Group-based interventions for postpartum depression: An integrative review and conceptual model. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 33(3), 290–298. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apnu.2019.01.009

Mayo Clinic. (2018 September 1). Postpartum depression. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20376617

[Untitled illustration of postpartum depression treatments]. Treatment of postpartum depression. https://www.invitra.com/en/postpartum-depression/postpartum-depression-treatment/