Postpartum Depression

When is it time to get help?

Parenting a new baby comes with many challenges – dealing with postpartum depression should not be one of them. You may feel depressed or embarrassed about seeking help but it’s important that you do. If you (or someone close to you) feels that your “baby blues” symptoms are severe, lasting longer than a couple of weeks, or are worsening, it’s time to get help.

NOTE: postpartum psychosis is a rare but severe condition that usually develops shortly after the birth of your baby.

Symptoms & signs of postpartum psychosis include:

• Hallucinations (visual and auditory)
• Confusion
• Delusions
• Obsessive thoughts about the baby
• Paranoia
• Extreme irritability
• Sleeplessness
• Attempts to harm the baby or yourself

If you believe that you or someone close to you is experiencing postpartum psychosis, please seek help immediately. Call 911 or proceed to your nearest emergency room. For immediate help outside of our office hours, throughout Alberta, please call 211 or one of the following distress lines:

• Edmonton:  The Crisis Centre call 780 482 HELP (4357)
• Greater Edmonton region: Rural Distress Line at 1-800-232-7288.
• Calgary: 403 266 HELP (4357)

Postpartum depression treatment methods

There are several effective treatment methods for dealing with postpartum depression. Your therapist will discuss with you the best options for your individual circumstance. Some treatment methods that are typically successful in treating postpartum depression include:

• Acceptance and commitment therapy encourages clients to accept the difficulties and misfortunes of life. Clients learn coping techniques to not dwell on negative emotions by staying in the present.
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach to treatment that focuses on how people’s thoughts, emotions, and beliefs influence their behaviour and how they perceive themselves.
• Cognitive therapy is a form of therapy that focuses on cognition of an individual, through their individualistic perception, reasoning skills, thought patterns, and their ability to make rational and concrete judgments.