Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mental health issue that affects mothers all over the globe. Struggling with the impacts of this type of depression can be debilitating to everyday life and keep mothers from caring for themselves and their children. So, it’s important for individuals affected by this mood disorder to consider postpartum depression treatment options that are best suited to their needs and expectations. Here at Synchrony Brain Health, we offer ketamine therapy as an effective and safe postpartum depression treatment option for those who qualify. Find out more about ketamine therapy to determine if this treatment is right for you.

What is Postpartum Depression?

If you’ve had children or are planning to have children, you may have heard something called the “baby blues”, which refers to experiencing feelings of sadness after giving birth. But, postpartum depression is more than just feelings of sadness. Postpartum depression is a type of depressive disorder that occurs in women after they’ve given birth to a child that comes with serious, debilitating symptoms that can be dangerous. It’s thought to develop as the result of changing hormones that occur after giving birth. It can develop suddenly and come with more serious symptoms than just feeling sad or overwhelmed, which is normal for mothers who have just given birth.

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

Recognizing the symptoms of postpartum depression is the first step to getting help. Identifying symptoms of postpartum depression can help you better identify this mood disorder in your life or the life of a loved one. Some of the symptoms of postpartum depression can include:

• sudden and severe mood swings
• aggression and irritation
• inability to bond with the newborn
• severe anxiety
• feelings of inadequacy

Addressing the Problems with Traditional Treatments for PPD

While there are effective treatments for postpartum depression including SSRIs and other antidepressant prescription medications, not everyone who is living with PPD may want to utilize these medications. This is because these medications often interfere with breastfeeding as the medications can become present in breast milk. Furthermore, prescription medications may take weeks to kick in and experience results. This may not be the best option for people who need immediate help and symptom reduction. Finally, not every person who utilizes traditional treatments for PPD experience symptom relief. So, these medications may not be right for every person who is diagnosed with PPD. For all of these reasons, traditional treatments for postpartum depression shouldn’t and can’t be the only option for treatment.

Ketamine Therapies as an Alternative for Postpartum Depression Treatment

Ketamine is a medication that can help to alleviate symptoms of many types of depression, including postpartum depression. There are a number of reasons many patients diagnosed with this type of depression may consider ketamine therapies including:

• ketamine won’t affect a person’s breastmilk
• it is safe to use and ketamine treatment uses low levels of ketamine – even lower than used in other medical settings
• treatments are available on an outpatient basis, making it easier for mothers to get help
• symptom relief can happen immediately and long-lasting

Considering Ketamine Therapy for Postpartum Depression at Synchrony Brain Health

Synchrony Brain Health offers ketamine infusion therapy for people struggling with the effects of postpartum depression on an outpatient basis. You can find out more about this treatment and whether or not you may be a good candidate on our website or by reaching out by calling 866-364-2300 today.