Becoming a mother is a life-changing experience filled with joy, challenges, and exhaustion. Navigating the postpartum period can feel overwhelming, especially when you're recovering from childbirth, learning to care for a newborn, and adjusting to a new normal. Below are practical, expert-backed tips from seasoned moms and healthcare professionals to help you through this precious yet challenging stage.

Many pregnant people worry about the safety of medication, fearing harm to their unborn child. However, untreated mental health conditions during pregnancy can pose significant risks. The truth is, mother and fetus are one. An all-or-nothing approach to medication can lead to worsened mental health and potential pregnancy complications.

The National Depression Hotline (nationaldepressionhotline.org) stands as a beacon of hope for those navigating the fog of depression. This free, confidential service offers a supportive ear, professional advice, and the first step towards recovery, 24/7.

In the serene, tree-filled setting of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, Sweetgrass Psychiatry is pioneering a transformative approach to mental health care that is both innovative and accessible. We're proud to introduce FDA-cleared Apollo Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a groundbreaking treatment modality that offers hope and healing to individuals battling with psychiatric disorders, particularly depression. This state-of-the-art therapy is not just effective; it's also covered by most major insurance companies, making it accessible to those in need.

Spravato (esketamine) is a magical and mysterious medication, highly effective for treating stubborn depression. These patient administered nasal devices have not only saved countless of my patients’ lives from suicide, but Spravato has rescued so many of them from being trapped in their negative perspectives. That being said, this medication is a powerful force and requires careful and thoughtful compassion and intentionality poured into each individual who opens themselves up to the healing properties this medication can provide.

Ketamine, originally known as a powerful anesthetic, has gained attention for its rapid antidepressant effects by acting on the NMDA receptor and modulating glutamate in the brain. In controlled clinical settings, ketamine has proven efficacy in treating severe and treatment-resistant depression. However, the growing trend of using ketamine at home, often without medical supervision, raises significant concerns.

Cannabis products are found everywhere and are commonly advertised as helping individuals with mental health conditions. Do they really work though?

In most cases, patients respond to esketamine and continue with regular dosing usually every 2-3 weeks. Infrequently, they will require redosing weekly or monthly. Stopping the medication after a response is uncommon and usual among those who have consistently mild depression.

If you have treatment resistant major depression, live in the Charleston SC or Mount Pleasant, SC area and are interested in scheduling a Spravato consultation, please call Sweetgrass Psychiatry at (843) 800-1303.