Taylor Kruse Of Authentic Connection Counseling Services: 5 Things Everyone Should Know About Postpartum Depression
An Interview With Jake Frankel
Postpartum depression can also impact men, at a rate of 1/10. Unfortunately, there is a stigma revolving around men seeking any type of therapy/support, let alone after the birth of a child. Postpartum depression in men can appear differently, including symptoms such as anger, withdrawing/isolating themselves, and an increase in impulsive behavior.
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 Taylor Kruse.
Taylor Kruse is a certified perinatal mental therapist who owns a private practice in Mesa, Arizona focusing on providing support to individuals experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
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?
My name is Taylor Kruse. I received my masters (MA) in Counseling in 2015, became a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in 2019, and became a certified perinatal mental health therapist (PMH-C) in 2023. I became interested in the field of perinatal mental health after giving birth to my two, young children. Their labors were difficult and traumatic, they didn’t go as I expected, and left me feeling guilty and isolated. Afterward, I recognized the lack of postpartum support for new parents. I wanted to use my personal experience, as well as my educational training, to create a space for other birthing people and their partners to receive help navigating and processing the journey of pregnancy as well as the postpartum period. I am passionate about this population and hope it gains the recognition it deserves.
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 falls under the category of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Postpartum depression is often resulting from a combination of a few different causes, including hormonal changes after giving birth, sleep deprivation, and/or a lack of support. Postpartum depression symptoms are more intense and longer lasting than the typical “baby blues.” Symptoms may include depressed mood, crying spells, irritability, appetite changes, difficulty bonding with baby, trouble concentrating, and feelings of worthlessness/hopelessness. These symptoms can persist for several months or longer if untreated.
Can you discuss some common misconceptions about postpartum depression and why they are harmful?
I believe one of the biggest misconceptions about postpartum depression is that is the same as the “baby blues” and is to be expected and therefore can be easily overcome. This is a harmful myth as it can lead to parents feeling guilty and isolated if the symptoms persist and impact their daily lives. It can also lead to not seeking treatment as it will “go away on its own,” however, if left untreated, these symptoms can become worse.
Can you explain the role of hormonal changes in postpartum depression, and how does this influence treatment approaches?
There are several changing hormones within a person’s body that occur during and after birth. Two of the main hormones that decrease suddenly after giving birth are estrogen and progesterone. This rapid change can impact one’s mood. Due to this chemical imbalance, treatment options may include medication along with psychotherapy and support groups.
How does postpartum depression impact the bonding between a mother and her baby, and what interventions are available to address this?
There may be a lack of connection with baby due to the parents’ symptoms. For example, if a parent is fatigued due to lack of sleep as well as experiencing low energy/lack of motivation, it may be difficult to feel connected/bonded with baby. Another way postpartum depression can impact the bonding experience is feeling like the baby is the cause of their symptoms and therefore not feeling joy around baby. Treatment interventions include psychotherapy to process these emotions and support groups to surround oneself with others experiencing similar feelings, so they don’t feel alone.
What are some of the best ways to treat postpartum depression?
Working with a certified perinatal mental health therapist can be very beneficial as this person is trained to work with this population, understands the symptoms, causes, and treatments. They will help validate thoughts and emotions as well as help de-stigmatize what it means to experience postpartum depression. There are also reproductive psychiatrists who are trained in working with this population and can prescribe pregnancy-and-postpartum-safe medications to help address symptoms that are impacting daily living. Support groups can also be helpful as they provide connections with others who may be experiencing similar thoughts and feelings.
Based on your experience and research, can you please share “5 Things Everyone Should Know About Postpartum Depression?”
1. Postpartum depression is more than the “baby blues.” When symptoms persist for more than a couple of weeks, postpartum depression may be indicated. For example, after the birth of a baby, a new parent will most likely be tired due to lack of sleep and they may feel overwhelmed, however, if what they’re feeling and experiencing negatively impacts their daily tasks of living, they could be experiencing postpartum depression.
2. Postpartum depression is one of several perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. There also is postpartum anxiety, OCD, PTSD, bipolar and psychosis, with each occurring as a similar result of postpartum depression causes.
3. You are not alone. Postpartum depression impacts 1/5–7 women. This is not an uncommon diagnosis, yet many providers lack in providing the appropriate screening process. For example, the standard screening process includes providing the birthing person, at their six week follow up appointment, an EPDS (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) to assess for depression. If it is positive, they may provide resources. That’s typically it. So, for the first six weeks, parents are expected to “figure it out” and then hope their provider recommends further treatment.
4. Postpartum depression can also impact men, at a rate of 1/10. Unfortunately, there is a stigma revolving around men seeking any type of therapy/support, let alone after the birth of a child. Postpartum depression in men can appear differently, including symptoms such as anger, withdrawing/isolating themselves, and an increase in impulsive behavior.
5. There is hope. Postpartum depression is treatable and there are many resources available. There is an organization called Postpartum Support International that provides free, virtual support groups, as well as offers a help line. There are trained and certified perinatal mental health therapists and psychiatrists who can help support you emotionally as well as with medication management if needed. It’s also vital to address self-care needs, including developing a healthy diet, exercise and movement routines, and getting as much restful sleep as you can. I have seen progress in the clients I meet with after just a week or two in treatment. Having the opportunity to have your concerns and emotions listened to and heard can make a huge difference.
What are some practical strategies for supporting a partner or loved one experiencing postpartum depression?
Validation and empathy. If we’re told what we’re feeling is “exaggerated” or “dramatic,” we’ll most likely shut down and hold onto our emotions, fueling our symptoms. If we’re told to “get over it” or “every parent experiences this so it’s not a big deal,” then we’ll most likely hold onto guilt and be less likely to seek treatment. So, partners and loved ones, please validate and empathize, as it will go a long way in helping someone with postpartum depression.
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?
Research shows that race, ethnicity, education, economic status, marital status, age, and prior history of depression are some of the cultural and societal factors that could contribute to postpartum depression. This is where training and education regarding perinatal mood and anxiety disorders can be beneficial as it can lead to having an understanding of these factors and how every person’s experience is unique.
How can our readers further follow you online?
Readers can follow me on LinkedIn, Facebook, and parents in Arizona can visit my website and book an appointment at www.authenticconnectionaz.com. Thank you.
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
Taylor Kruse Of Authentic Connection Counseling Services: 5 Things Everyone Should Know About… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.