TMS THERAPY
FDA-cleared, non-medication depression treatment
Daniel Hageman
Postpartum depression (PPD) attacks thousands of women each year, it affects almost 30% of new mothers in America and Mexico alone making it one of the most common post pregnancy complications. The lack of knowledge, understanding, and acceptance of PPD has created powerful myths that impact the lives of many families during one of what should be the happiest moment in a woman’s life. In an effort to raise awareness of an often underrated illness, here are five false myths surrounding postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression (PPD) attacks thousands of women each year, it affects almost 30% of new mothers in America and Mexico alone[1] making it one of the most common post pregnancy complications. The lack of knowledge, understanding, and acceptance of PPD has created powerful myths that impact the lives of many families during one of what should be the happiest moment in a woman’s life. In an effort to raise awareness of an often underrated illness, here are five false myths surrounding postpartum depression.
Myth #1 – “Postpartum depression can’t be avoided, I just need to suck it up and it’ll go away”
A variety of physical, psychological, and biological factors can trigger PPD. This illness, however, is very treatable and should be taken care of immediately. Identifying risk factors and understanding the stress associated with giving birth can help you and your doctor plan ahead. New mothers should also maintain a balanced diet avoiding alcohol and caffeine, inform family members and friends when and how often they can visit you and your newborn to avoid extra stress, and make sure you have a solid support system as well.
Myth #2 – “Because of my age, I am at a higher risk of developing PPD”
PPD can affect anyone regardless of age. It can happen to women of reproductive age regardless of income, origin, age, or ethnicity. The real causes of PPD are not always clear; sudden hormonal changes before and after giving birth could be one reason, thyroid problems have also been highlighted as a possible culprit, and previous episodes of depression also put you at a higher risk of PPD after birth. While feeling anxious and overwhelmed can both be normal emotions to any new mother, if these start interfering with their ability to take care of herself or the baby, they can be signs that professional help is needed.
Myth #3 – “I should be happy to be a mother and love my child. Maybe I wasn’t meant to be a mother”
Postpartum Depression is different from the “baby blues”,. The later only lasts about a week while the former can last months or longer if left untreated. Symptoms of PPD are also clearly distinctive: loss of appetite, loss of pleasure in activities you once enjoyed, feelings of worthlessness and guilt, and/or changes in sleeping patters. More serious symptoms require immediate medical attention and they include: negative feelings towards the baby, hallucinations, or recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.
Myth #4 – “My family does not understand about depression. If I speak out they’ll shun me out”
The family unit can create high expectations for new mothers. Many families, however, either don’t talk openly about mental health issues or just haven’t been directly exposed to them. In these cases, the stigma associated with mental illness can be especially damaging to a new mother. Do not let uncertainty, fear, or misinformation become a barrier and stop you from getting the help you need.
Previous generations of mothers have probably experienced PPD but haven’t had the courage or the opportunity to talk about it. Sit down with the mothers in your family and bring up the topic; you might be surprised by how common postpartum depression feelings are.
Myth #5 – “If I ask for help I’ll have to take medication that might affect breastfeeding or hurt my baby”
As a precaution, antidepressants are not usually recommended for most pregnant women, especially during the early stages of a pregnancy. However, there are exceptions to be made if the risk posed by depression is far greater than the potential risks of antidepressants. Some of these potential complications include: loss of pregnancy, birth defects affecting the baby’s heart, risk of pulmonary hypertension[2]. Your doctor should discuss with you the risks vs benefits of taking antidepressants so that you both can decide what is the best option for you and your baby.
Many mothers are now opting for a non-drug therapy to treat postpartum depression, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy or TMS therapy. It is increasingly becoming a preferred method of treatment for postpartum depression because it is a non-drug, non-invasive therapy that will not produce side effects for the mother of the baby. A study published by the Washington University School of Medicine in 2009 chronicled 9 antidepressant-free women suffering from postpartum depression, 8 out of them achieved remission of symptoms after 4 weeks of repetitive TMS Therapy. Additionally, results showed a significant increase in mother-baby bonding. This demonstrated promising results for the use of TMS therapy in various types of depression.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed above or if you need help determining if a family member could be experiencing PPD, contact your family doctor immediately. Seeking treatment will give you the opportunity to feel better and enjoy the blessings and happiness that come with becoming a parent.
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