Postpartum Depression Therapy

Postpartum depression was at one time one of the most untreated conditions in Canada. Therapists in Calgary have seen a startling rise in this condition in recent years. One of the main reasons for this increase in patients is due to people being more open about the condition, understanding the seriousness of it and media attention.

Postpartum depression is a serious condition that usually occurs shortly after childbirth. It used to be referred to as the "baby blues" but is now recognized as a condition that needs immediate attention. Postpartum depression, if left untreated, can escalate into postpartum psychosis. For most women it's a form of depression that last for months and needs to be treated professionally. If left untreated women can become anxious, lose weight, have sleeping problems and difficulty concentrating. Today, family doctors are more aware of this condition and look for it after a new baby is born.

There is help for this condition. With antidepressant medication and counseling a woman can quickly return to a normal life. The deeper the depression and other symptoms, the longer the counseling will take. Counselors who treat women will often include the woman's partner in the counseling sessions. Partners need to understand the condition so they too can provide support at home. Counselors treating this condition normally use cognitive behavioral therapy. This type of therapy can help patients to look at events in their life differently and change how they react to those events.

Some therapists will also give interpersonal counseling. This helps the patient to concentrate on areas in the relationship with the partner and the new addition to the household. The therapist helps the patient to set goals and look at relationships within the family unit. This type of therapy helps provide emotional support when the patient most needs it. The therapist also helps the patient with problem solving, so that problems do not become bigger than they really are. Bringing the partner into the session gives them a level of understanding that makes it easier for them to provide support in the home environment.

Medication, although not always needed, helps to quickly relieve the symptoms of postpartum depression. Medications are often used for people suffering severe depression. Coupled with counseling this condition can be treated very quickly. Medications are normally used for a period of 6 months. In the beginning it's used for the depression and in the last few months it's used to help prevent relapses. Then your doctor gradually removes the medication. This gradual removal from your system helps to prevent any side effects that could happen with abrupt removal.

It's important to remember that this condition is very treatable. With support at home, counseling and medication the new mother can return to a completely normal life in a short time frame. It's nothing to be ashamed of and nothing that you have control over. With proper treatment life will return to normal in a very short time and you can expect to live a happy life like all new mothers.

Dr. Dan McKinnon is is a registered psychologist and organizational development consultant for entrepreneurs, managers, organizational leaders and executives. If want more information about counselling Calgary, visit his site at http://www.calgarypsychology.com