Amanda Frudakis-Ruckel of Person to Person Psychotherapy and Counseling: 5 Things Everyone Should Know About Postpartum Depression
An Interview With Jake Frankel
Postpartum depression shouldn’t be brushed aside as something that happens to all new parents. It doesn’t just disappear on its own. However, it’s totally treatable. If you’re noticing symptoms talk with a healthcare professional. Seeking help is the first step towards feeling like yourself again.
Postpartum depression affects millions of women worldwide, yet it remains a topic that is often misunderstood and stigmatized. Through this series, we aim to shed light on the various aspects of postpartum depression, including its symptoms, causes, treatment options, and the impact it has on individuals and families. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Amanda Frudakis-Ruckel, LCSW.
Amanda Frudakis-Ruckel, LCSW, is the founder of Person to Person Psychotherapy and Counseling, committed to improving the emotional health of individuals and families throughout the lifespan. Amanda’s belief that every person has the potential to succeed with the right support stems from extensive experience helping people navigate challenges of major life transitions, chronic illness, cancer, anxiety, trauma, and grief. Amanda’s approach is rooted in empathy and empowerment, assisting individuals to rediscover themselves within their narrative. You’ll find more information about Person to Person Psychotherapy and Counseling by visiting the website https://www.person2persontherapy.com/
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we begin, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Absolutely! I’m Amanda Frudakis-Ruckel, and I’m beyond thrilled to be here with you. As a psychotherapist and the founder of Person to Person Psychotherapy and Counseling, I’ve had the privilege of journeying with countless individuals and families through the ups and downs of the family-building years. Specifically, supporting folks through the often-overlooked realm of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, which can rear their heads during pregnancy and after childbirth. These issues are more common than many realize, and my mission is to offer empathetic, research-backed care to those grappling with these challenges. Plus, I’m super passionate about mental health advocacy, so being able to spread awareness and insights here is an absolute honor.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview, about postpartum depression. Let’s start with a basic definition so that all of us are on the same page. Can you please tell us what postpartum depression is?
Postpartum depression is a serious mental health condition that differs from the common experience known as “baby blues.” While the baby blues are typical in the early days and weeks after childbirth, characterized by a mix of emotions like sadness, frustration, tears, anxiety, and feeling overwhelmed, postpartum depression is a more severe condition needing professional attention and support. Postpartum depression lingers beyond two to three weeks. Symptoms can range from persistent sadness, struggling with day-to-day tasks, extreme fatigue, changes in appetite, to thoughts of self-harm. It’s important to understand that postpartum depression isn’t always the stereotypical image of depression like feeling sad and lethargic. It can also present itself through symptoms like ongoing anxiety and bursts of rage.
Can you discuss some common misconceptions about postpartum depression and why they are harmful?
Sure! One misconception is that women experiencing PPD don’t love their babies. This belief can cause so much emotional distress. It fosters a stigma around PPD, making it harder for women to talk about their struggles and seek the help they need. PPD isn’t about lacking love for one’s child; it’s a complex mental health issue that can affect anyone, regardless of their love and attachment to their baby.
Another misconception is the idea that individuals with PPD are weak.
This myth only serves to perpetuate stigma and discourages people from seeking support. In reality, PPD isn’t a sign of weakness but rather a medical condition requiring attention and treatment, just like any other health concern. By dispelling this myth, we can encourage individuals to seek help without feeling ashamed or inadequate.
Can you explain the role of hormonal changes in postpartum depression, and how does this influence treatment approaches?
Absolutely! So, the exact causes of postpartum depression remain elusive. One hypothesis suggests that the rapid hormonal changes during the perinatal period may contribute to the onset or exacerbation of PPD symptoms. Let’s acknowledge though, that hormonal changes seem to be just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to PPD. While hormones may play a role, they are not the sole determinant of the condition. PPD is influenced by a multitude of factors, including genetic predispositions, psychosocial stressors, and individual coping mechanisms.
For this reason, I believe in adopting a holistic approach to PPD treatment. This means considering all aspects of the individual’s life and mental health when developing a treatment plan. While psychotherapy can be an important component, so is social support, lifestyle modifications, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as specialists in pharmacological interventions, to provide comprehensive care depending on the needs of the individual.
How does postpartum depression impact the bonding between a mother and her baby, and what interventions are available to address this?
Parent-child bonding is important for a child’s emotional and psychological development, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all process. Every parent-baby relationship is unique, and factors like postpartum depression, traumatic birth experiences, or premature birth can complicate and delay bonding. However, understand that postpartum depression doesn’t make forming a secure attachment impossible.
Despite the challenges, interventions are available to help parents establish a strong bond with their babies. Understanding that interpreting a baby’s cues isn’t always straightforward is key. It’s a learning process — recognizing what works and using that information to guide responses. Actively paying attention to the baby’s cues and responding accordingly fosters trust and security in the parent-child relationship.
Prioritizing self-care is equally important. By taking care of themselves, parents can regulate their emotions better and be more present for their babies. Seeking professional support, whether from a pediatrician, therapist, or support group, can provide guidance and reassurance for parents navigating bonding during postpartum depression.
And spending quality time together is also important. Engaging in activities like cuddling, playing, and sharing experiences strengthens the bond between parent and baby.
What are some of the best ways to treat postpartum depression?
Treating postpartum depression is all about finding what works best for the individual. There are different approaches to explore, either on their own or in combination, such as psychotherapy, support groups, social support from friends and family, and medication.
Working with a therapist that understands and has a knowledge base of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders can be beneficial. Therapy can help you understand and manage your emotions, as well as develop effective coping strategies to navigate postpartum depression. Additionally, joining a support group specific to postpartum parents can offer a sense of community and understanding from others who are going through similar experiences, which can be both comforting and encouraging.
Overall, it’s important to remember that there are various options available for treating postpartum depression, and finding the right combination that works for you may take some time and exploration. But please know postpartum depression is treatable.
Based on your experience and research, can you please share “5 Things Everyone Should Know About Postpartum Depression?”
1 . There is stigma around asking for help during the postpartum period. Society paints this picture of parenthood as this blissful time, filled with nothing but joy, and we see it everywhere, especially in the media, where everything looks perfect. But the reality is, this transition can be incredibly tough, and it’s not often talked about. It’s like you’re thinking, “Am I the only one struggling? Why can’t I handle this like everyone else seems to?” I think as a society, we need to acknowledge that the postpartum period isn’t just about joy; it comes with its own set of challenges. Opening conversations about these realities and adjusting our expectations can really help break down the stigma, especially in the age of social media, where everyone’s presenting these carefully curated versions of themselves to the world.
2 . Postpartum depression doesn’t discriminate based on gender or how someone became a parent. It’s not only new mothers who can experience it; new fathers and non-birthing parents, like those in same-sex couples or those who’ve adopted or used a gestational carrier, are just as susceptible to developing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Postpartum depression isn’t confined to one specific group; it can affect anyone who’s become a parent, regardless of their gender identity or how they entered parenthood.
3 . Postpartum Depression is not just about feeling sad and teary-eyed. Many people think of postpartum depression as this image of a mom sitting alone, crying, and feeling lethargic, but it’s so much more than that. It can manifest in various ways, like persistent feelings of anxiety that make it hard to relax or enjoy moments with your baby and bursts of anger or irritability that catch you off guard. You might find yourself snapping at your partner or getting frustrated over minor things, which can be confusing and overwhelming. So, postpartum depression isn’t just about feeling down; it can show up in different forms, affecting not only your mood but also your behavior and how you interact with others. Postpartum depression symptoms aren’t always stereotypical to depression and that’s important for people to understand, especially those experiencing symptoms that don’t fall under what depression typically looks like.
4 . Postpartum depression shouldn’t be brushed aside as something that happens to all new parents. It doesn’t just disappear on its own. However, it’s totally treatable. If you’re noticing symptoms talk with a healthcare professional. Seeking help is the first step towards feeling like yourself again.
5 . Sleep isn’t a magic fix for postpartum depression, as much as I wish it were. Sure, catching up on rest can help ease some of the symptoms, but it’s not a cure for PPD; it’s a remedy for tiredness. PPD is far more complex than just not getting enough shut-eye. It’s about addressing the deeper emotional and psychological aspects of the condition that require professional intervention and support.
What are some practical strategies for supporting a partner or loved one experiencing postpartum depression?
There is stigma surrounding postpartum depression, which unfortunately stops a lot of parents from reaching out for the support they really need. It’s a barrier that just keeps people silent and suffering alone. As partners, you can help change that narrative by approaching the situation with empathy and understanding. When speaking about postpartum depression, choose words that are non-judgmental or blaming. Choose the right setting for a conversation about this. You don’t want to bring it up when children are upset or when the family is distressed. Frame statements with “I” rather than “you.” Express how “im feeling”, rather than “what you’re doing”. Once you’ve talked about postpartum depression, partners can also support by helping with resources, Postpartum Support International has a warm phone line to call, 1–800–944–4773 (4PPD), that provides over the phone advice and a list of perinatal clinicians by state.
What are some cultural or societal factors that may contribute to the prevalence and experience of postpartum depression, and how can we address these effectively?
In my opinion, cultural factors deeply influence the way we perceive and navigate parenthood. Each culture brings its own set of norms, beliefs, and practices that shape how individuals experience pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. In some societies, like those influenced by Western values, the focus tends to shift heavily onto the baby after birth, often leaving the mother feeling neglected. On the contrary, other cultures prioritize the well-being of the new mother, offering special care and protection during this period.
To address cultural factors and support new parents effectively, we need to enhance education and treatment programs tailored to their specific cultural needs. By increasing the availability of culturally sensitive resources, we can ensure that all parents receive the support they need to navigate parenthood.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
You know, that’s a really good question, and honestly, I’m just so fed up with the healthcare system. If I had the opportunity to kickstart a movement aimed at bringing significant positive change to the lives of countless individuals, it would center around the massive task of completely revamping our healthcare system. I’d put all my energy and resources into figuring out a way to shift our focus away from the profit-driven motives of insurance companies and a system that’s clearly broken and prioritizes financial gain over patient well-being.
Ultimately, the goal of this movement would be to create a healthcare system that genuinely serves the needs of the people it’s meant to care for. This means fundamentally changing our approach to prioritize health over just managing illnesses and meeting arbitrary “medical necessity” criteria. We need to really emphasize preventative care, including mental health services, so that individuals can build ongoing relationships with mental health professionals, much like they do with their primary care physicians, regardless of whether there’s a formal diagnosis.
I also strongly believe that insurance companies shouldn’t have the power to dictate how patients are treated — deciding how often, how long, and what treatment modalities clinicians can use. Their decisions aren’t driven by concern for the patient’s well-being; it’s all about getting the cheapest treatment in the shortest time possible, even if it’s not what’s best for the patient. It’s a broken system, and it’s just plain awful.
How can our readers further follow you online?
If you’d like to stay updated on my work and connect online, you can find me on Instagram @person2persontherapy. Additionally, feel free to visit the website for my private practice, Person to Person Psychotherapy and Counseling, linked in the bio. Please reach out with your thoughts and comments via the website or email info@person2persontherapy.com.
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
You are so welcome. Thank you!
Amanda Frudakis-Ruckel of Person to Person Psychotherapy and Counseling: 5 Things Everyone Should… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.