Perinatal Depression

Perinatal depression (depression during or right after pregnancy) affects up to 20% of women in the United States who become pregnant. At A Brand New Day, LLC, in Fairfield, Connecticut, adult psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner Jennifer Landolt, PMHNP-BC, diagnoses and treats this form of depression to boost happiness and quality of life. Schedule a perinatal depression evaluation with Jennifer by calling the office or booking a visit online today.

What is perinatal depression?

Perinatal depression is a mental health condition that may occur during pregnancy and after childbirth. Its symptoms may range in severity from mild to severe. They may negatively affect your daily activities or put you or your baby’s health at risk. 

Many perinatal depression symptoms begin within 4-8 weeks after a baby is born. Fortunately, treatment at A Brand New Day, LLC, can resolve perinatal depression and other forms of depression.

What are the symptoms of perinatal depression?

Perinatal depression can cause the following symptoms:

• Extreme sadness
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Mood changes
• Emptiness
• Hopelessness
• Frustration
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Worthlessness
• Guilt
• Helplessness
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Physical aches and pains
• Difficulty concentrating
• Problems sleeping
• Appetite changes
• Doubts about your ability to care for your baby
• Trouble bonding with your baby
• Thoughts of suicide

See Jennifer at A Brand New Day, LLC, at the first sign of depression during or after pregnancy to learn how to best treat it. 

What are the risk factors for perinatal depression?

Perinatal depression risk factors may include:

• Genetics
• Stress
• Trauma
• Hormone changes
• Family history of perinatal depression
• Physical and emotional demands of new parenthood
• History of bipolar disorder or depression 
• Unplanned pregnancy
• Baby with special needs or health problems
• Difficulty breastfeeding
• Multiple births
• Weakened immune system
• Financial concerns
• Relationship conflicts

However, any woman who is pregnant or has just had a baby can develop perinatal depression.

How is perinatal depression diagnosed?

Jennifer diagnoses perinatal depression by completing a psychiatric evaluation. She discusses your moods, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, as well as your mental health history and lifestyle. Jennifer determines which treatment can best help you overcome depressive thoughts.

How is perinatal depression treated?

Your customized perinatal depression treatment plan may consist of:

• Medication management
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
• Other therapies
• Support groups 
• Stress management
• Lifestyle modifications

It’s helpful to stay active, eat a balanced diet, avoid alcohol, and try relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing to ease stress. Prioritize sleep and ask for help when you need it.

Follow up with Jennifer routinely to ensure effective, long-lasting results and gain peace of mind.

Schedule a perinatal depression evaluation with Jennifer at A Brand New Day, LLC, by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.