Postpartum Depression (cont.)

Medical Treatment

Treatment for postpartum depression depends on the form and how severe it is.

• Your health care provider may refer you for psychological help and individual or group therapy.

• Support groups are helpful.

• Marriage counseling may be part of your treatment plan.

• It's important for friends and family to understand the illness so they can help.

• Medications can be helpful.

For postpartum blues, no specific treatment may be necessary because the condition goes away by itself. If symptoms don't go away within 2 weeks, call your health care provider.

For postpartum depression, the severity of the illness will guide the health care provider in choosing treatment. Milder forms may be treated with psychological therapy. More severe forms may require medication.A combination is sometimes helpful.