Approximately 1 in 8 women meet the criteria for postpartum depression, a condition that can silently grip mothers during one of life’s most joyous phases. Camryn Masera, aged 21, found herself in the throes of postpartum depression just a month after giving birth to her child. For Masera, the early arrival of her baby due to a traumatic delivery left her struggling to come to terms with the reality of motherhood.
“It was a lot to take in. I felt very alone 24/7, nothing made me happy, and I was irritated all the time,” Masera shared. “I would get really sad randomly and feel very anxious. My emotions felt uncontrollable, if that makes any sense.”
Sleep-deprived and fatigued, Masera admitted to becoming frustrated with her newborn son, whose cries mirrored her own feelings of distress. In her quest for assistance, Masera connected with Dr. Kailey Caplan, a reproductive psychiatrist at UT Physicians, who diagnosed her with postpartum depression, a condition that had plagued her for approximately two weeks by that point.
Dr. Caplan emphasized the significance of addressing postpartum depression, a widespread concern affecting 1 in 8 women. She highlighted the need for increased research in this area, particularly given that maternal suicide accounts for 20% of postpartum deaths. In Texas, the state grapples with a significant maternal mortality problem.
In her role as a reproductive psychiatrist at UT Physicians Women’s Center, Dr. Caplan assumes a novel shared role bridging OB-GYN and psychiatry. Her primary focus lies in managing reproductive psychiatry issues such as medication management during pregnancy, postpartum depression, and psychosis-related concerns associated with infertility, grief, and loss.
Masera found solace in sharing her experiences with one of her mother’s friends and the professional guidance of Dr. Caplan.
“I don’t feel as sad and alone, because I realized I have to ask for help,” Masera remarked. “You can’t do it by yourself, no matter how bad you want to.”
Amidst the challenging landscape of postpartum depression, a glimmer of hope emerges with the recent approval of a new medication by the Food and Drug Administration. Zuranolone, it is hoped, will offer expedited relief from postpartum depression symptoms compared to existing drug therapy options. Dr. Caplan envisions a future where advancements in treatment provide quicker and more effective support to women battling this condition.
As National Baby Safety Month unfolds, UT Physicians and dedicated professionals like Dr. Caplan continue to strive for the well-being and mental health of new mothers, reinforcing that seeking help is a vital step toward recovery
