Carrying a child should be a joyful time that is full of happy hopes for good things to come. Sadly, though, that is not the experience of many women. In fact, depression during and after pregnancy is quite common. How can you recognize this problem, and how might a mental health professional in Westfield or Wall Township be able to help you cope? This blog post shares some relevant information.
Recognizing the Risk
It is important to note that pregnancy during depression is nothing to be ashamed of. There are many factors that could put you at risk of this issue, including:
- A history of mental illness.
- Carrying a child with health problems or special needs.
- Unexpected pregnancy.
- A lack of support from a partner, family, and/or friends.
- Stressful life events.
Signs and Symptoms of Prenatal Depression
Depression can manifest itself in a lot of signs and symptoms. Here are some indicators that you should watch out for:
- Persistent anxiety, worry, and irrational thoughts.
- Unexplained changes in weight or appetite (which are not due to pregnancy).
- Decreased enthusiasm for activities that you formerly enjoyed.
- The tendency to withdraw from people who care about you.
- Fatigue or sleep problems.
- Feeling empty, numb, sad, or guilty.
- Excessive crying.
- Mood swings.
- Difficulty connecting with your spouse/partner.
- Finding it difficult to concentrate, remember things, or make confident decisions.
In severe cases, prenatal depression may contribute to thoughts of self-harm. If that happens to you, call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or seek immediate help from a trusted individual.
Treatment Options for Depression During Pregnancy
While depression can make it seem like things will never get better, rest assured that there is hope! Depression treatments for individuals in Westfield and Wall Township have already helped many pregnant women, and they may be able to help you as well. Some potential options include:
- TMS therapy. This treatment uses magnetic energy to stimulate specific areas of the brain, which can support their proper function and lead to a reduction in depressive symptoms. Plus, since TMS is nonpharmaceutical, it is considered safe for fetuses.
- Talk therapy. Talk therapy can help you to recognize harmful thought patterns and work on changing them. It can also assist you with practical skills that may allow you to avoid and/or cope with dark times.
After evaluating your case, a qualified mental health professional can determine which treatment(s) may be most beneficial for you.
Depression can be a major challenge for pregnant women. Do not hesitate to seek help if you believe you are suffering from it!
Meet the Practice
At Embrace Psychiatric Center in Westfield and Wall Township, our team of mental health professionals offers treatments for a range of mental health conditions, including prenatal and postpartum depression. If you are struggling with symptoms of either of these conditions, we are ready to listen to you and set up a personalized treatment plan. To request an appointment or learn more about us, get in touch with us at 908-923-3483.
