How to prepare for a video visit about Postpartum Depression - Triage

Audience: adult

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common mood disorder that can affect people after childbirth. It often involves feelings of sadness, anxiety, or exhaustion that make daily tasks difficult. Preparing for a video visit about PPD can help you get the most from your appointment. This includes noting your symptoms, thinking about your medical history, and setting up a quiet, private space for the visit. Telemedicine can be a helpful way to discuss your feelings and get support, but it may not be suitable for emergencies or severe symptoms. Knowing when to seek urgent in-person care is important. This guide offers clear steps to prepare for your video visit, what telemedicine can and cannot do for PPD, and how to follow up after your appointment. Remember, this information is educational and not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby – seek emergency care immediately.
• Severe confusion, hallucinations, or hearing voices – call emergency services.
• Inability to care for yourself or your baby due to mood or physical symptoms – get urgent help.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and feelings related to postpartum depression.
• Providing education about postpartum depression and treatment options.
• Offering counseling or therapy sessions.
• Monitoring progress and side effects of treatment.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency situations such as suicidal thoughts or psychosis.
• Physical examinations or urgent medical interventions.
• Administering medications or treatments that require in-person visits.
• Immediate crisis intervention requiring hospital admission.

What is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that can happen after having a baby. It often includes symptoms like feeling very sad, anxious, tired, or overwhelmed. These feelings may last for weeks or months and can affect your ability to care for yourself and your baby. PPD is different from the "baby blues," which are milder and usually go away within two weeks.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

To get ready for your video visit, find a quiet and private place where you feel comfortable. Make sure your device (phone, tablet, or computer) is charged and connected to the internet. Write down your symptoms, when they started, and how they affect your daily life. Also, list any medications you take and any past mental health history. Having a trusted person nearby can help if you need support.

What Telemedicine Can and Cannot Do for Postpartum Depression

Telemedicine can help you talk about your feelings, get advice, and discuss treatment options like therapy or medication. It is convenient and can be done from home. However, telemedicine cannot provide emergency care or physical exams. If your symptoms are severe, such as thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, you need immediate in-person help.

Red Flags: When to Seek Emergency Care

Seek urgent medical help if you experience:

If any of these happen, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

After Your Video Visit

After your appointment, follow the care plan your provider suggests. This may include therapy, medication, or support groups. Keep track of your symptoms and any side effects. Schedule follow-up visits as recommended. Reach out to your provider if your symptoms worsen or you have new concerns.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, private space with good internet connection for your video visit.
• Charge your device and test the video and audio before the appointment.
• Write down your symptoms, when they started, and how they affect your daily life.
• List any medications you are taking and your medical or mental health history.
• Prepare any questions or concerns you want to discuss with your provider.
• Have a trusted person nearby if you feel you may need support during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan advised by your healthcare provider.
• Attend scheduled follow-up appointments or therapy sessions.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or side effects.
• Reach out to your provider if symptoms worsen or new concerns arise.
• Seek immediate in-person care if you experience any red flag symptoms.

FAQs

What is the difference between postpartum depression and the baby blues?

The baby blues are mild mood changes that many people experience after childbirth and usually improve within two weeks. Postpartum depression is more severe and lasts longer, often requiring treatment.

Can I get help for postpartum depression through a video visit?

Yes, telemedicine can provide counseling, education, and treatment planning for postpartum depression. However, it is not suitable for emergencies or severe symptoms that need in-person care.

What should I do if I have thoughts of harming myself or my baby?

If you have these thoughts, seek emergency medical help immediately by calling emergency services or going to the nearest emergency room.

How can I prepare for my video visit about postpartum depression?

Prepare by choosing a private space, ensuring your device works, writing down your symptoms and questions, and having a support person nearby if needed.

Will my provider prescribe medication through a telemedicine visit?

Your provider may discuss medication options during a video visit, but prescribing depends on your individual situation and local regulations. Some medications may require in-person assessment.

Sources

1. Postpartum Depression — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Depression During and After Pregnancy — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Postpartum Depression — Mayo Clinic.
4. Postpartum Depression: Overview — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have urgent symptoms or concerns, seek immediate medical attention.