Postpartum Psychosis Treatment Options and How to Recover
When you picture having a baby, no matter if it’s your first or 12th baby, you never picture the psychological impact this life changing event can have on your brain. Many are becoming more aware of postpartum depression and anxiety. However, there isn’t much information about postpartum psychosis treatment options and how to make a full recovery.
The biggest thing to understand is that postpartum psychosis happens less often than postpartum depression or anxiety. Currently, studies show that less than 1% of postpartum women actually suffer with postpartum psychosis. With more studies leaning towards mental health in mothers, it begs the question if postpartum psychosis is something that needs more attention.
If you are a postpartum woman looking for information about postpartum psychosis, you will learn about the symptoms and the treatment options here. Keep in mind that anyone suffering with postpartum psychosis should seek immediate medical attention. This is not something that can just go away on its own.
What is Postpartum Psychosis?
Postpartum psychosis is a severe mental illness that impacts women who have given birth in the last 12 months. Someone suffering with postpartum psychosis could experience hallucinations, delusions, and manic episodes. They can also experience severe depression and behaving out of character.
Read more details about postpartum psychosis symptoms to get a deeper understanding. The sooner this illness can get addressed, the better.
4 Steps for Postpartum Psychosis Treatment
If moms are able to get treatment quickly, there is a chance of a full recovery. The following steps are for postpartum psychosis treatment.
See a Therapist or Call Your Doctor
The first line of defense often is a mental health therapist. This person can help you assess whether you are experiencing postpartum psychosis and they can help make arrangements to get you into a treatment facility quickly.
As a mental health therapist specializing in maternal care, I follow an assessment procedure at the start of seeing clients who are seeking maternal mental health care. If the assessment shows me this person is potentially struggling with postpartum psychosis, then I do a further evaluation.
In my professional opinion, postpartum psychosis is an emergency situation that requires immediate treatment. Therefore, I make arrangements for my patients to get care immediately at an in-person treatment facility.
Check into a Professional Facility
When you check into a professional facility, there will be further evaluations to determine the best treatment plan. Not everyone will require the same postpartum psychosis treatment. Therefore, you will be assessed on an individual level. This could include blood work as well to get a full understanding of your body and where you may need additional nutrients to help your body recover.
Treatment plans often include medications and seeing a mental health professional often within the facility. The goal is to get the psychosis under control first before implementing any other resources or tools.
Complete Your Treatment Plan
Your postpartum psychosis treatment plan is a top priority. You can expect to have a team of medical professionals to support you. You won’t be alone as you navigate this treatment plan. Doctors, nurses, aides, and therapists are there to help you complete your plan.
Participate in After Care
Once a mother is released from an in-person treatment facility, it is important to continue to follow up with your therapist for after care treatment. If your postpartum psychosis treatment plan includes any medications or check-ins with the facility, it is important to keep on track with these instructions. After care is just as important as the care you receive during in-person treatment.
Other Questions about Postpartum Psychosis Treatment
Learn more about postpartum psychosis treatment from the following common questions others are asking.
Do people recover from postpartum psychosis?
The short answer is yes. People do recover from postpartum psychosis. However, the timeline for each person will vary. Some moms recover within six months while others might take 12 months. It depends on many factors. But there is hope so long as the treatment plan is being followed.
How long does postpartum psychosis last?
This will vary from person to person. Postpartum psychosis might not be diagnosed right away depending on the mother not knowing what is happening to her. From the time of diagnosis to the time of postpartum psychosis treatment, it could take up to a year to recover. It is important to stick with the treatment plan to have the best outcome following a postpartum psychosis diagnosis.
What causes postpartum psychosis?
There isn’t a definitive answer for what causes any maternal mental health illness, especially postpartum psychosis. Currently, doctors believe that the dramatic decrease in hormones following the birth of a baby can trigger postpartum psychosis.
There are also studies linking family history of depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia to increased risk of postpartum psychosis. It’s important to understand your family history if possible to assist your medical team in staying vigilant in helping your mental health.
Postpartum Psychosis Doesn’t Last Forever
While this mental illness is rare to experience, it can be a very difficult time for those who suffer with it and their families. Postpartum psychosis doesn’t just affect the mother; it also affects her child(ren) and support system. It doesn’t last forever, but the time that it does rear its ugly head can be an extremely trying time.
If you are someone who believes you are suffering with postpartum psychosis, the first step is to seek immediate medical attention. This is the best option in order to receive the best outcome. If you are someone who is looking for a maternal mental health therapist, then it’s time to reach out to me.
I am a licensed therapist with experience helping moms who struggle with postpartum mental health problems as well as overwhelm in motherhood and life in general. If you are ready to take action to get to a better mental health state, click here to reserve your free consultation. I look forward to helping you on your journey to a better life and a stronger mindset.