Women’s Part-time Outpatient Program
Outpatient Care for Women Experiencing Peripartum and Postpartum Depression
Join us for a Part-time Outpatient Program (sometimes called an Intensive Outpatient Program or IOP) focused on supporting those struggling with peripartum and postpartum depression (PPD). This is an eight week program and includes two nights of an optional expressive art therapy group.
Program Schedule:
- Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
- 10 am – 1 pm (Snacks provided)
To join the group, call us and select Option 1. Tell a member of the admissions team you would like an assessment to join the Women’s Health IOP Group.
Discussion Topics
- Understanding postpartum and peripartum depression (PPD)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Self-care for the win
- Communication for healing, and setting boundaries
- Understanding professional care and what support you might need
- Managing social concerns and the stigma associated with PPD
- Long-Term Support: building your support system and sustaining your healing
Peripartum Depression
Peripartum depression refers to major depressive episodes that occur during pregnancy or within the first year after childbirth. It is sometimes referred to as antenatal depression (during pregnancy). The term “peripartum” is used because depression can begin before the baby is born and continue after delivery.
Symptoms of Peripartum Depression:
- Persistent sadness or low mood
- Anxiety, panic attacks, or excessive worry about the baby
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or excessive sleep)
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Difficulty bonding with the baby
- Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, or worthlessness
- Irritability or mood swings
- Suicidal thoughts in severe cases
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is a subset of peripartum depression and occurs after childbirth, typically within the first few weeks to months. It is more severe than the “baby blues,” which is a milder, temporary emotional state that many new mothers experience.
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression:
- Intense feelings of sadness, despair, or emptiness
- Frequent crying episodes
- Difficulty connecting with the baby or feeling like an inadequate parent
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Severe anxiety and panic attacks
- Changes in appetite and sleep patterns
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts of harming oneself or the baby (in severe cases)
