Getting Help

Support Groups

There are many support groups in New Jersey for women who have perinatal mood disorders. Support groups and self-help groups are effective. A woman may join a support group in addition to getting help from a physician or other healthcare professional. Support groups can help women with mild, moderate or severe symptoms of PMD.

Support groups are comprised of women experiencing similar problems, led by knowledgeable professionals and volunteers who listen with understanding and compassion.

Medication

A range of safe medications, such as antidepressants, can be prescribed to treat PMD. They are effective and pose no threat to pregnant women or nursing mothers.

Remember, perinatal mood disorders are not uncommon. Early and effective treatment can lead to recovery. You can discuss medication with an obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN) or a family practice physician.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is another word for "talk therapy." In this type of treatment, women meet with mental health care specialists to talk about their depressoin, mood swings and other feelings. Therapists teach patients how to manage their feelings and cope with their problems.

There are four main types of psychotherapists:

• Psychologists
  Psychologists spend an average of seven years in graduate education, training and research before receiving a doctoral degree (either Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in clinical psychology or health psychology. In addition, they spend one pre-doctoral and one post-doctoral year in a clinical internship in a hospital or organized health setting before becoming licensed. Psychologists do not prescribe medication.
• Psychiatrists
  A psychiatrist is a physician who has completed additional preparation beyond medical school in a residency program. Usually this residency requires a minimum of four years and includes experience with children and adults. There is a voluntary national certification program for psychiatrists. You will want to ask if he or she is "board-certified" in psychiatry. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication.
• Advanced Practice Nurses
  An advanced practice nurse is first educated as a registered professional nurse, then receives additional graduate education in psychiatric mental health nursing at the master's or doctoral level and is certified by the American Nurses' Association. In New Jersey, advanced practice nurses can prescribe medication.
• Social Workers
  A social worker has a master's or doctoral degree that includes supervised clinical courses. Social workers also have a voluntary certification process. Other titles for social workers include licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and clinical social worker (CSW). Social workers do not prescribe medication.

Selecting a Psychotherapist

When outside help from a trained, licensed professsional is needed, the patient-to-be should briefly interview the therapist by phone or face-to-face. The right match is important. A woman needs to feel comfortable with her therapist so that she can develop the open and trusting relationship needed for growth and progress.

Here are some suggested questions to guide the interview:

• What type of license do you have?
• What are your credentials and/or certifications?
• Tell me about your experience with women who have had perinatal mood disorders.

Be sure to discuss fees, insurance and emergency care. Remember: mental health is an important investment in the future of the mother, her child and her family.

Perinatal mood disorders are treatable. But first you have to ask for help.

call the helpline 24/7 at

1-800-328-3838