HomeAnswersPsychiatrydepressionI have had depression and anxiety for many years, and it is intense after childbirth. Kindly help.

How can I manage intense mood swings, depression, and anxiety after delivery?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Ruhi Satija

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At September 12, 2022
Reviewed AtJanuary 30, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a first-time mother and have had depression and anxiety throughout my life. I always knew that it would be hard to deal with post-partum depression, but the intense mood swings were not something I expected. My doctor suggested taking Escitalopram oxalate; before that, I was prescribed Sertraline. I switched because the Sertraline was not effective anymore after delivery. My new medications make me feel worse than I did even before I started antidepressants. My friends and family keep telling me that it will get easier. I want to believe that, but I still cry on and off at least two days a week. My mental health and relationship are suffering because of this, and I do not know what to do anymore.

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Ruhi Satija

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I am sorry to hear about your issue, and I can imagine how hard it must be for you. Having a newborn is a happy occasion but a very stressful one. And having a mental health issue alone makes it even more difficult. You have not mentioned when you restarted the medication; normally, any antidepressant will take at least 4 to 6 weeks to show its full effect. Also, I would suggest you start counseling therapy. A counseling session in 10 to 15 days will help you to cope with the negative thoughts and feelings that you have. It will help if you have someone to understand what you are going through, who is unbiased and non-judgemental and can help you with mood swings and negative thoughts and teach you some techniques to control them. I would suggest finding a local therapist, and if it is difficult for you to do that now, you can start online therapy also. Medication and therapy together will help you heal faster and in a much more effective way.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Ruhi Satija
Dr. Ruhi Satija

Psychiatry

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