Postpartum Depression (PPD)

“Peaceful building, beautifully decorated, kind people who understand what it’s like to be a new and overwhelmed mom.” -Tiffany A.

Postpartum depression is diagnosed after a woman has given birth. It may occur soon after delivery or up to a year later. Changes in hormones, work and social relationships, sleep loss, and anxiety from the new role of motherhood can all lead to PPD, but it’s essential to receive help quickly to achieve lasting remission. Ascend Health Center is a proud member of the Summit County Board of Health’s Maternal Depression Network as we work with area providers, including OB/Gyns, endocrinologists, and functional medicine physicians.

How We Help

Postpartum depression (PPD) is thought to be a combination of both physical and emotional issues.

Estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid hormones decrease dramatically after childbirth. This may lead to brain fog, fatigue or exhaustion, hopelessness, severe mood swings, and social withdrawal.

Depression results in physical changes in the structure and function of the brain that only increase the longer depression continues. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of PPD and getting help fast is critical to rapid improvement. The wonderful thing is that it is frequently much easier to treat postpartum depression than life-long depression of unknown origin.

We’ve found that Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is especially useful for expectant mothers as it does not involve medications that can transfer to the fetus and may be difficult to stop once hormones stabilize. Ketamine and SPRAVATO™ have important roles as well to quickly stabilize PPD, along with talk therapy and holistic lifestyle changes. We also refer patients for Zulresso™ when appropriate.