The birth of your baby is supposed to be the best time of your life! You’re supposed to feel overwhelmed with joy and exhilaration because your baby is finally here! What happens when you’re not? What happens when the joy you feel is coupled with fear and anxiety?
If this sounds like you, you may be experiencing postpartum depression (PPD). Postpartum depression is different than the “baby blues,” which is a temporary state which may include ups and downs after your baby is born but doesn’t seriously interfere with your ability to function or interact with your baby. In contrast, postpartum depression is a severe, long-lasting condition that requires proper care, support, and treatment.
Contrary to what society may believe, postpartum depression isn’t a sign of weakness or that you don’t love your baby – it’s a relatively common effect of physiological changes that occur after birth. At Abilene our caring professionals can help you understand and overcome your struggle allowing you to enjoy your new baby.
Why You Should Consider Inpatient Treatment for Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression often remits on its own, however it may also get worse before it gets better. Often new mothers assume their symptoms are just a result of the added responsibilities and lack of sleep that comes along with being a new parent. At Abilene we will provide you with a free evaluation to determine if your symptoms are just a response to the change in routine and added stress, or if it is something more serious that needs treatment.
The staff at Abilene is trained to handle postpartum mood disorders and are ready to help you get through your distress, allowing you to return to your new family a happy and productive individual. Having postpartum depression doesn’t make you a bad mother and we’re prepared to show you the hope that exists in the future as a new, happy mother.
As you are a unique individual who’s struggling with a unique set of challenges, we will spend a great deal of time getting to know you and the struggles you face. With your help, we will devise a treatment plan to address your needs during your stay with us and an aftercare plan that assures your continued success.
In our safe and secluded environment, you’ll get the help you need without the intrusion of the outside stressors in your life. We’ll help you set goals for treatment that address future needs as well as your presenting issues. If needed, we can provide you with a medication stabilization program to help manage the symptoms of your postpartum depression.
You don’t have to live in a shroud of shame. Abilene is ready to help you overcome your postpartum depression and return to your family a healthy and happy, well-rested mother.
Program Philosophy and Benefits
At Abilene we strive to maintain our reputation as a behavioral health leader as we ensure that we do right by you. We will treat you with dignity and respect, ensure that your treatment plan works for you, and help you see hope in the world. We’re sensitive and empathetic to the overwhelming feelings you may be experiencing and aim to reduce the stress in your life by providing you with realistic coping mechanisms and problem-solving strategies so that you can view the world in a new way. We’ll incorporate your loved ones into your care so that they can help support you after you’ve left our doors. We work hard to make sure you receive the best care available for your PPD.
Treatment Approaches to Postpartum Depression
At Abilene we know that the best care for a new mother struggling with postpartum depression is a combination of medication and behavioral therapies. We know that treatment for PPD isn’t a one-size-fits-all plan and your treatment plan will be as unique as you are.
You and your treatment team will work together to decide if medication is an option for you. Some new moms use medication in the short-term to manage symptoms and allow them to better engage in their treatment while others may be on medication for a longer period of time. In addition to medication, we also offer a number of therapeutic approaches to postpartum depression treatment.
Individual therapy will work to address the feelings you have about your PPD. Many mothers struggle with guilt and shame for “not being a good enough mom,” and we’re here to assure you that postpartum depression is not a character flaw and does not mean that you don’t want your baby. We know you love your baby. We also know that we can help you recover from PPD.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is used to challenge negative thoughts you have and replace them with more positive ways of thinking. Instead of thinking, “I’m a terrible mom for having these feelings,” your therapist will teach you to challenge such thoughts then replace them with another thought such as, “I’m a good mom for recognizing that I need help and doing what it takes to get it.”
Rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT) allows you to balance acceptance and change as you work through your difficulties. Recognizing that PPD is not an unusual condition and that many other new mothers experience it as a result of physiological changes following birth can help you accept the problem for what it is instead of blaming yourself. Learning new ways to think about your new role, your relationship with your baby and others in your life and processing the changes a new baby brings to your life will help you regulate your emotions. This action-driven form of therapy focuses upon resolution of behavioral and emotional problems to allow you to lead a happier and more productive life.
Group therapy is a key component to our therapies at Abilene as we firmly maintain that the best form of therapy is to work alongside others who share similar struggles. Through others, you will develop lasting bonds, gain understanding and support, and feel less alone. Process-based groups are used to address a specific issue such as depression triggers that make your symptoms worse and allow you to discuss your feelings in an open environment. Psychoeducational groups provide you with information about your illness and medications you may be taking. As you look around the group, just realizing there are other mothers experiencing the exact same feelings and reactions that you are often leads to a sense of hope in the future.
At Abilene we recognize that you are part of a larger family unit. We believe it is important to incorporate your loved ones in your treatment to provide additional support as you work through your difficulties. Family sessions will be used to educate your loved ones about postpartum depression and the treatments you are undergoing. We will also connect your loved ones with outside resources for their continued healing. Often significant others simply don’t understand what PPD is and therefore are confused by your symptoms. With education you may find that significant others quickly change their reactions to you as they learn about all you are going through.
In addition to traditional therapeutic interventions, we also offer a range of experiential treatments for postpartum depression. These include:
- Yoga therapy
- Recreational programs
- Music therapy
- Anger management
Continuing Care – What Happens Next?
If you came to us in a crisis necessitating inpatient care, once you have been stabilized and are ready to continue your treatment outside of our inpatient center, we will work with you to create an aftercare plan to allow for your continued healing. Many people opt to join our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) or Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) to allow for continuity of care. If you’re ready to be discharged to home, we also have a traditional outpatient center that will allow you to continue your recovery on an outpatient basis.
If you or someone you love is struggling with postpartum depression, please call Abilene for a free, confidential consultation. We can help you decide what to do next.