Occupational Therapists Can Help WIth Postpartum Depression

Postpartum mental health is such a vital topic that many moms never talk about with their healthcare providers. Several different mental health conditions can occur after you give birth: postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum eating disorders, and more. 

However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The first step towards healing is to speak to your healthcare provider. Ask your provider if occupational therapy might be beneficial for you.

Occupational therapists can help new moms struggling with their mental health through counseling; helping to set up a medication, therapy, meditation, yoga, and mindfulness schedule; re-engaging in life by re-exploring meaningful activities; help alleviate pain; improve the length and quality of sleep; as well as troubleshoot the areas of your life that are just too overwhelming.

Occupational therapists are often referred to as "best-friend therapists" because they care about what matters to you. Remember that when mom is happy, healthy, and functioning well; baby will too.

If you notice signs of extreme stress or worry, sadness, feeling disconnected from your baby, thinking about hurting yourself or others, panic, changes in sleep, eating changes, hearing or seeing things that aren't there, or believing strange things that don't match up with reality; you should speak to your healthcare provider immediately. 

If you have plans to harm yourself or someone else, the most important thing is to get both you and your children to safety. Call 911 and ask for help. Being a good mom doesn't mean you're perfect, it means you seek and accept help when you need it.

If you and baby are safe, you can contact:

The Postpartum Support International HelpLine:

Call 1-800-944-4773 (4PPD)
English and Spanish

Text English: 800-944-4773

Text Spanish: 971-203-7773

Available 24 hours a day, you will be asked to leave a confidential message and a trained and caring volunteer will return your call or text. They will listen, answer questions, offer encouragement and connect you with local resources as needed.

 

National Crisis Text Line:

Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the USA, anytime, about any type of crisis.

 

National Suicide Prevention Hotline and Website

1-800-273-8255

www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org Call for yourself or someone you care about; free and confidential; network of more than 140 crisis centers nationwide; available 24/7