It can be normal for people to experience changes in their feelings and mood during pregnancy or postpartum, including feeling more tired, irritable or worried.
However, while mild mood changes are common, mood symptoms can sometimes become severe enough to require treatment by a health provider. If feelings of depression or anxiety last for a few weeks or interfere with daily activities, it is time to ask for help.
Treatment Options:
-Talk Therapy: Talk therapy can be an effective treatment for anxiety and depression. Therapy provides a safe and confidential space for you to talk about your feelings, thoughts and behaviors. You can learn strategies and tools for dealing with your emotions.
-Medication: Many psychiatric medications are safe to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you are already taking a medication, please talk to your provider about which medications are safe to continue. If you are interested in hearing more about medication options, please speak with your provider about medication options. You can also reach out to social work at (610)-902-4989 to discuss possible referrals to psychiatry.
How to Find a Therapist (or Psychiatrist):
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides immediate and informed access to support, understanding, brief intervention, and resources to all pregnant, postpartum, and post-loss individuals AND their partners and families – 1-833-943-5746
If you work for a large company or organization, you may have access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). These programs often provide several free sessions with a therapist. Talk to your Human Resources department or look at their website for more information.
If you have Philadelphia County Medicaid: Community Behavioral Health- 1-888-545-2600, www.cbhphilly.org/provider-directory
If you have Delaware County Medicaid: Magellan- 1-888-207-2911, https://www.magellanofpa.com/for-members/county-info/delaware-county/
If you have private insurance- you can reach out to your insurance directly. There should be a phone number for mental health on the back of your insurance card, and they can help you find covered providers. If you have an online provider search for your insurance you can also look there. Check out www.psychologytoday.com for more information about providers.
The Beyond Birth support group at Pennsylvania Hospital helps support people struggling with the aftermath of birth complications, traumatic birth, and postpartum depression. Whether this birth occurred recently or years ago, it can help to talk about it with other parents under the guidance of a licensed clinical social worker. To see the monthly schedule and sign up for online or in-person meeting, click here: Beyond Birth Support Group at Pennsylvania Hospital
Not sure who to reach out to? Need more help? You can also call or meet with a social worker at The Dickens Center for assistance and to talk about options. Call (610)-902-4989 and ask to speak with social work.